Dalsöyra on the Eidsfjord

Dalsöyra lies on the Eidsfjord and combines a specific theme for marine-life enthusiasts with traces of earlier cultures. This gives the place more than one perspective: the house reef at Gulen Dive Resort is home to a diversity of small marine animals, while finds and historic sites tell the story of the landscape’s long history of human use. When choosing a holiday rental, it may therefore be important to consider whether you want to focus your stay mainly on the maritime theme or on cultural discoveries.

Marine life around the house reef

The house reef at Gulen Dive Resort is home to 73 species of nudibranch, all found in the same location. Several rare species of goby live in its sandy areas. Crustaceans are another distinctive feature of the reef: their diversity is exceptional, particularly in autumn. These details give the marine life a specific focus rather than describing it simply as a general nature experience.

The resort also hosts the annual Nudibranch Safari. Dates vary, so if you are interested, it is worth checking the date in advance. The safari and the seasonally diverse crustacean life offer two different points of reference for planning your visit: the event dates change, while autumn is noted as a special season for crustaceans.

Archaeological and cultural-historical traces

Different layers of history can also be distinguished on land. An old boat grave with traces of boat nails was found at Kjellevoll near Dalsöyra. At Dale, near Dalsöyra, there are several burial mounds known as Liktuene. One of these mounds measures 10 metres; weapons from the Late Iron Age were found inside it. The two sites represent different kinds of archaeological evidence and do not describe the same type of find.

Further clues to the history of the place include Dalsöyra bedehus, built in 1914, and Kupa, an old grazing area. Together with the archaeological finds, these offer several distinct themes: a boat grave, burial mounds with weapon finds, a meeting house and a traditional use of the landscape. Those who also take cultural history into account when choosing where to stay will find more here than just the place’s maritime character.

Equipment and getting around locally

BUA Gulen offers free loans of sports and leisure equipment in Dalsöyra. The listed equipment includes cross-country skis with boots and poles, bicycles for children and adults, fishing rods, SUP boards, and wetsuits for children and adults. This is a practical selection for planning your trip: it ranges from equipment for activities on the water to bikes and skis. As availability may change, it is best to check in advance what is available at your chosen time.

The Serviceskyss is another option to consider when planning your journey. The route runs from Furnes via Sløvåg and Dalsbygda to Dalsøyra, continues to Eidsbotn and returns to Sløvåg. Dalsøyra is therefore included on the listed route. As route details may change, check the timetable for your travel day before planning your journey.

Culture in the wider destination of Gulen

In the wider destination of Gulen, Gulatinget offers a distinct historical theme. From 900 to 1300, it was a regional assembly site during the Viking Age, where people from Western Norway discussed politics, made laws and administered justice. In Flolid, the Tusenårsstaden Gulatinget features monumental works of art by Bård Breivik. Cultural trails around Gulatinget in Eivindvik and Flolid can be followed using a mobile phone or iPad. These examples belong to the wider destination of Gulen and do not describe features of Dalsöyra.

Another distinct cultural focus in Gulen is the Sellevåg treskofabrikk. It is a cultural heritage site of national interest because its machinery and technical installations have been preserved at their original location. Wooden shoes were produced there until 1972; the factory is an example of small-scale industrial production in Norway. Together with Gulatinget, it illustrates two different aspects of regional culture: the history of political assemblies and the history of craft production.

Discover more destinations: Ånneland, Byrknesøy, Eivindvik, Åsheim, Gulen, Brekke, Mjømna, Byrknes.

Back to the main travel overview: Gulen.