Tysnes between coastal cliffs and cultural history

On Tysnes, nature experiences and cultural history go hand in hand: hiking trails lead to the highest peak in the island group, while historic churches, trading posts and archaeological sites offer insights into different eras. There are also cycling routes, opportunities for paddling and a festival in July. When choosing a holiday rental, you can start by deciding whether you would rather spend your holiday exploring history, being active, or doing both.

Church and memorial sites on Reksteren

At Bruntveit on Reksteren, Reksteren kyrkje has a clearly documented construction history. It was built in 1936–1937 to plans by architect Torgeir Alvskaker, under the direction of master builder Jakob Molvik. Bishop Fleischer consecrated the church on 28 January 1937. The North Reksteren cemetery at Bruntveit came into use around 1920; at the time, it had room for up to about 300 graves. There is also a granite memorial with a metal plaque at the church’s southeast corner.

The fort at Flygansvær on Reksteren is also among the historic sites in the wider Tysnes destination. It is relatively large and well preserved; an information board displays a site plan of the fort. These tangible details offer a different perspective from a visit to the church: here, you can use the plan on site to trace the layout of the fort.

Trading history and traces of earlier times

Årbakka is home to a traditional West Norwegian general store dating from 1898. The shop interior has been preserved as it looked in the 1930s. The combination of the old shop and its later interior makes it an engaging destination for anyone interested in everyday history.

Årbakkavollen, an archaeological site dating to the Early Iron Age—given here as 0 to 550 AD—is also located near Årbakka. The remains include 20 burial mounds and at least six standing stones. The lime kiln at Flakka is another kind of historic monument: Tysnes kulturminnelag restored it in 1992 together with Tysnes municipality. Tysnes skulemuseum displays original school desks and furnishings in a school building dating from 1896. Exhibitions in the old courthouse in Uggdal show how people in Tysnes lived in the past. A memorial at Kaldafoss commemorates three British airmen who were shot down in 1941.

Peaks, coastlines and island routes

Smooth coastal rocks and steep mountain slopes shape the landscape of Tysnes. In the west, rocky coastlines and heathland face the open sea; in the east, by the Hardangerfjord, the landscape rises into high mountains and extensive woodland. Solstråleøya was made available to Tysnes municipality for use as a recreational area. The contrast between the coast and the mountainous hinterland provides a striking backdrop for the island group’s range of activities.

At 753 metres, Tysnessåto is the highest peak on Tysnes and offers views in every direction from the summit. The shortest and steepest route starts at Myrdal. If you are in good shape, it takes less than an hour and partly follows steps built by Sherpas. Hiking from Myrdal to Tysnessåto is generally possible year-round; in snow or icy conditions, assess the conditions carefully. This short, steep summit route is quite different from the cycling routes, whose distances call for a different kind of day planning.

There are several described cycling options. The Våge–Uggdal–Onarheim–Lunde–Våge loop is 43.5 kilometres long and passes through undeveloped areas and cultural landscapes; longer sections run along the Onarheimsfjorden and Hardangerfjorden. Another 31-kilometre loop from Våge to the Flatråkervassdraget and back passes through wooded areas and along bodies of water. The 71-kilometre Tysnes cycling route also offers the option of cycling around the island, crossing the mountain between Onarheim and Uggdal, or taking a detour to Reksteren. Comparing the route lengths can help you fit your preferred cycling trip into your holiday plans.

Water, festivals and regional cuisine

On Tysnes, you can paddle on the lakes near Flatråker and Onarheim, as well as around Bårdsundet, Godøysund and Ånuglo. The Ånuglo recreational area includes parts of the islands of Ånuglo, Seløy, Midtøy and Flornes. Its facilities include hiking trails, picnic spots, marinas, quays and moorings. Everyone can use the sauna in OnarHamn free of charge.

Tysnesfest takes place on Tysnes every July and is a family-friendly festival; dates and programmes vary from year to year. It is therefore worth checking the current festival dates before visiting. Myrdal Gård also combines local produce with visitor experiences: cheese is made there from goat’s and cow’s milk. The farm shop and restaurant welcome visitors in spring and summer. Tours of the cheese dairy or farm can be arranged; check seasonal availability before travelling.

Getting there and choosing a base

Tysnes can be reached by ferry from Halhjem to Våge or from Jektevik to Hodnanes. Another option is to travel by road from Kvinnherad across the bridge over the Lukksund. There is also a scheduled bus from Bergen’s bus station to the ferry terminal. Check the relevant timetables before setting off. When looking for a holiday rental, you can then match your priorities to the excursions you have planned: a summit hike, cycling loop, cultural history and festival each offer a different focus for your stay.

Discover more destinations

Flatråker, Uggdal, Onarheim, Reksteren, Hovland, Lundegrend, Hope

Back to the main travel overview: Tysnes.