Mjømna: Island on the Sognesjøen with hiking and culture

Mjømna is an island in the municipality of Gulen in Vestland County. It lies on the south side of the Sognesjøen, the outer part of the Sognefjord. Hiking trails, a historic wooden church and two bridge connections give the island a distinctive character. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Mjømna, you can plan your trip around whether you want to focus mainly on hiking, learn about the church and its history, or explore the connections to the neighbouring islands.

Bridges between Mjømna and the neighbouring islands

The Mjåsund Bridge connects Mjømna and Sandøy across the Mjåsundet. It is 217 metres long, rests on extensive embankments and is painted a warm shade of red. Another connection is the Mjømnesund Bridge between Mjømna and Byrknesøy. It measures 376 metres. Construction began in September 1995 and was completed two years later. The road connection between Mjømna and Byrknesøy was officially opened on 13 September 1997. The two bridges are therefore distinctive features of the island connections, described in different ways.

Church and memorial

Mjømna Church is a wooden long church on the island. Bishop Johan Willoch Erichsen consecrated it on 5 November 1901; it has 310 seats. A votive ship dating from 1992 hangs in the church. It is shaped like a færing and was made by Ola Eiksund. The memorial stone for Konrad Byrknes (1915–1940) stands at his grave in the cemetery by the church. It is just over three metres high, 55 centimetres wide and 23 centimetres thick. A memorial event is held at the stone every year. The church, votive ship and memorial stone therefore offer different points of interest for anyone interested in architectural history, craftsmanship or the island’s commemorative traditions.

Hiking to Piltevarden

A moderately challenging circular hike to Piltevarden starts at Mjømna Church. The route is 6.1 kilometres long, takes about three hours and has a total elevation gain of 219 metres. It is listed as available year-round. Mjømnefjellet, where Piltevarden is located, reaches 194 metres above sea level. This gives you a clearly identified starting point, along with the route length, approximate duration and elevation gain, to help with your planning.

Another hiking format is the 3-Fjellsturen. It has been held every year since 2014, except in the coronavirus year of 2020, and usually takes place in late April. The tour goes via Mjømna, with a food break, and then continues to Piltevarden on Mjømnefjellet. If you are looking for a holiday apartment on Mjømna, the difference between the two formats can help with timing your trip: the circular hike is listed as available year-round, while the 3-Fjellsturen is usually tied to the end of April.

Collect points all year round

With Øytrimmen, you can collect points on Mjømna every year from 1 January to 31 December. Each checkpoint on the island is worth two points. This is another hiking option alongside the circular hike and the annual 3-Fjellsturen. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between a route with a stated distance, a group event usually held in late April, and collecting points throughout the year.

Mjømna is an appealing destination especially if you want to focus on the hike to Piltevarden or the island’s cultural sites. The bridges connect Mjømna with Sandøy and Byrknesøy; the circular hike starts at the church.

Other places to consider when planning your trip: Dalsöyra, Brekke, Byrknesøy, Gulen, Ånneland, Byrknes, Åsheim and Eivindvik.

Go to the main travel overview: Gulen.