Kinsarvik: Waterfalls, Hiking Trails and History

In Kinsarvik, impressive hiking trails meet a layered history. In Husedalen, a river and four waterfalls shape the natural experience; in Ålmerket, a medieval church, visible ruins and the history of local crafts tell of the area’s past. These different highlights give you a concrete basis for choosing Kinsarvik as a holiday destination to suit your interests.

Hiking Trails in Husedalen

The Fossastien section of the Husedalen hiking route begins in the centre of Kinsarvik and follows the river upstream. Four waterfalls lie along the hiking trail through Husedalen towards Hardangervidda. This combines following the river with striking natural features that define the character of this hiking region.

A marked Norwegian Trekking Association trail leads from Kinsarvik through Husedalen to Stavali in Hardangervidda. Another described hike goes from Kinsarvik to Søtefossen: it is approximately 15 kilometres long, and the usual estimate for the round trip is five to six hours. The approximate distance and usual duration help you plan how much time to allow for this hike. If you enjoy combining active days with cultural discoveries when planning a holiday, you will find both in Kinsarvik.

Church, Ruins and Crafts in Ålmerket

Kinsarvik Church is the oldest stone church in Ullensvang municipality and was completed around 1150. It is protected as a cultural monument. Inside the church is a wall painting depicting an unusual scene: the Archangel Michael weighs souls on a scale while little devils try to sway the balance in their favour. The church thus combines its medieval history with a vivid visual motif.

Alongside the medieval church near Ålmerket, the remains of Skiparstod are still clearly visible in the landscape. The ruins are from a boat landing or boathouse complex used from around 900 to 1350 for the Leidang ship of the Kinsarvik skipreide. The church and ruins represent different historical traces: a religious building on the one hand, and a site connected with seafaring and the Leidang on the other.

The area’s craft history is also linked to Ålmerket. For many years, Trond Larsson Hus (1806–1878) ran a thriving business from his home there. He was one of the leading makers of rosemaleda Sòlekisten in Ullensvang; the chests were painted for sale in the town. Lars Kinsarvik (1846–1925) was also shaped by the craft traditions of Ålmerket. By the end of the 19th century, he had become one of the leading practitioners of Norway’s national Akanthus-style woodcarving, and later took over his father’s workshop in Kinsarvik.

Getting There and Choosing a Holiday Destination

The Kinsarvik–Utne–Kvanndal ferry route is an important part of the transport network for planning your journey. To the west, it connects Kinsarvik with the route towards Bergen via county roads 79 and 49; to the east, it provides a connection to Geilo via national roads 13 and 7. There is also a connection to Voss via national road 13. These routes may help you decide whether Kinsarvik suits your planned trip through the region.

Kinsarvik is also home to the Hardangertun family park. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can consider what combination of hikes, historic sites and this attraction, explicitly described as a family park, best suits your travel interests. The hiking options differ in their stated routes and destinations; the cultural history adds a distinct focus alongside the natural experiences.

For more ideas of places to visit, you can also explore Vallavik, Vikebygd, Ullensvang, Grimo, Utne, Nå and Lofthus.

Back to the regional travel overview: Ullensvang.