Askvoll between fjord and island world

Askvoll centre lies on the Sunnfjord coast between fjord and mountains, with views of the islands to the west. The town combines coastal scenery with local history and activities: Askvoll Church tells the story of an earlier church, walks take you around Prestegarden, and you can swim, barbecue and relax by the shore. Ferries also run from the centre to destinations including Atløy, Fure and Værlandet/Bulandet. This makes it possible to plan culture, time by the water and ferry trips as different focuses for your stay.

Church, art and cultural trails

Askvoll Church is a wooden long church with 425 seats. Provost Johan Carl Christie consecrated it on 13 December 1863. Its altarpiece recalls an earlier chapter in the town’s history: artist Anders Askevold painted it in 1859; when the previous church burned down in 1862, the painting was saved. Askevold also made the drawings for Askvoll Church. Its architecture, artwork and history of the fire give a visit to the church a tangible historical connection.

Visitors who would like to explore Askevold’s connection to Askvoll further can follow the cultural trail “Ei reise i Anders Askevolds motiv”. It leads to places in Askvoll associated with the artist’s life and starts in the centre.

Walks, shorelines and ferry connections

From the centre of Askvoll, visitors can walk around Prestegarden. Along Askvoll’s shores, you can spend time by the fjord swimming, barbecuing and relaxing. At Øyra, Askvoll Småbåtlag offers a guest harbour and a motorhome parking area; the site is close to the centre and the sea.

Ferries run from Askvoll centre to destinations including Atløy, Fure and Værlandet/Bulandet. Ferry trips are another possible focus for planning your day. Check the timetable before travelling. When choosing a holiday apartment, you can base your choice on your plans: would you like to focus on walks and culture in the town centre, use the ferry connections, or spend more time by the shore?

More to discover in the Askvoll destination

The wider Askvoll destination includes the Sørværet Nature Reserve, a protected wetland near Værlandet. Wildlife you may be able to spot there includes seals, otters, eagles and deer. Access restrictions may apply seasonally. At Cape Staveneset, the rock art site comprises 11 locations with Bronze Age rock carvings dating from around 1800 to 500 BC; boat motifs predominate. These places represent different nature and culture themes within the Askvoll destination, but should not be confused with Askvoll centre.

Vilnes Church in Vilnes, at the southern tip of Atløy, is also part of the historic sights in the wider Askvoll destination. The wooden long church was built in 1674 and has 130 seats. In its churchyard, a stone cross commemorates the so-called Olav’s Cross on Svanøy. At Bulandet Theme Park, a permanent exhibition in the old schoolhouse presents island community life in the past and present; it covers the turn of the millennium, fishing and peace. Visits are possible by contacting the venue or by prior arrangement.

There are several waymarked walking trails on Værlandet and Bulandet. Nordsjøløypa is one of the longer routes and includes flat terrain, a few peaks and signposted viewpoints. Check the signs locally. These trails offer a different focus from a walk around Prestegarden: here, longer routes and changing landscapes are on the agenda.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Værlandet, Kvammen, Holmedal, Atløy, Korssund, Stongfjorden, Bulandet.

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