Hyllestad: Millstones, Mountains and History
Accommodation in Hyllestad
Hyllestad combines an exceptionally long history of millstone quarrying with hikes in mountains such as Lihesten and Hesjetinden. There are also medieval crosses, a historic post road and experiences on a farm. When planning your stay, you can consider whether you mainly want to explore the cultural landscape, spend time outdoors or combine different interests.
Millstones and Historical Traces
Hyllestad is home to Norway’s and Northern Europe’s largest quarry from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages. The cultural landscape, formed from garnet mica schist, documents continuous quarrying over 1,300 years, dating back to the 8th century. The millstones made there were exported to Germany, Denmark and Sweden. This long history gives the place a distinct cultural identity: stone here is not just part of the landscape, but also part of work carried out over centuries.
Hyllestad Millstone Park is a designated key stop on the Kystpilegrimsleia. Coffee and snacks are served in historic premises. This makes it possible to combine an interest in millstone history with a break for refreshments. Three Celtic crosses from the early Middle Ages are also located on the wall of the old Hyllestad cemetery. A fourth cross from the cemetery hangs in Hyllestad Church, a long wooden church consecrated on 23 November 1880. The church is also on the Kystpilegrimsleia.
Den Trondhjemske Postvei also leads through the region’s history. The section through Hyllestad and Fjaler to Langeland was part of the route from 1785 to 1868; large parts of the post road have now been restored. It is marked in places and, in its current condition, is best suited to hiking. Some sections are overgrown or steep. Cyclists therefore need to use County Road 57 for parts of the route.
Hikes with Different Destinations
Those wishing to hike Lihesten can follow marked trails and Sherpa steps up to the Lihesten plateau. From there, a marked trail continues to Risnesnipa. Another hiking option is 480-metre-high Hesjetinden. The hike there is considered easy to moderate, suitable for families and possible year-round. From the summit, there are views of Åfjord and Lihesten.
A day cabin at Sørefjordsvatnet offers a different setting for spending time outdoors: Sørefjordhytta is in Hyllestad municipality and offers views of Lihesten. The trail beside the cabin continues to Hesjetinden. Hyllestad therefore offers both routes with marked trails and Sherpa steps, and a lakeside day cabin as concrete options to help you plan your own outings.
Travelling Along the Kystpilegrimsleia
The Kystpilegrimsleia offers different ways to get around: travellers can combine public boat services with a car or bus and hiking. It is also possible to arrive by private recreational boat. Together with Hyllestad Millstone Park and the church as stops along the route, this is of interest to travellers who do not want to plan their trip solely as a hike.
Farm Visits and Other Local Pages
Indrefjord Gard offers farm visits with animal and petting farm activities, as well as guided horse rides. For families, this can be a different kind of outing from a mountain hike or a visit to historic sites. Deciding which experiences matter most to you can help you choose the focus of your stay in Hyllestad.
For more information about places in the municipality, see the local pages for Hyllestad, Sørbøvågen and Leirvik I Sogn.
For the wider travel overview: Sogn Og Fjordane.
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