Solund: Island World, Kayaking and Coastal Culture
Accommodation in Solund
More than 1,700 registered islands and islets belong to Solund. This island world is what makes a stay here so appealing, with its coastal landscape, trails and experiences on the water. You can explore marked hiking trails, choose a guided kayak tour or discover coastal culture in Hardbakke. When choosing your holiday apartment, it is worth first considering which of these experiences you want to shape your trip and where the activities begin.
Coastal Heathland and Views
In Hardbakke, coastal heathland is maintained through grazing by Old Norwegian sheep and controlled burning. This helps preserve biodiversity and cultural heritage. The landscape is therefore also shaped by stewardship that brings nature and local tradition together.
If you would like to explore on foot, Solund has marked hiking trails. One specific route leads from Hardbakke to Ramnenipa, which rises 232 metres. The round trip takes about an hour; from the top, the view stretches across Hardbakke’s centre, the islands, fjords and sea. Another destination is Sognesjøhytta, a day cabin south of Hardbakke near Hopsosen. It is about 15 metres above sea level and offers views across Sognesjøen. The walk there from Solund’s centre takes about an hour.
Experience Solund from the Water
A total of 34 rowing and paddling routes have been mapped in the municipality. If you are interested in kayaking and coastal culture, consider the guided Kystkulturpadling tour from Hardbakke. You will learn more about local history, geology and wildlife. The many mapped routes and the guided experience offer different ways to enjoy the water.
Kystled Solund also offers a specific starting point for a coastal trip: the route stretches from Litle Færøyna to Råkeneset, five kilometres north of Hardbakke. On Litle Færøyna, Kystled Solund offers a coastal trail boathouse, a quay, a toilet, a drying room and a campsite. If you enjoy spending your days outdoors, these different routes and places may influence your choice of accommodation.
Culture and Guided Excursions
The self-guided cultural walk through Hardbakke starts at the harbour, passes the commercial building and the arboretum, then heads back towards the harbour. Along the way, you will pass 18 text markers. The walk combines a stroll with insights into Hardbakke; you can follow the described stops at your own pace.
In Hardbakke, the Solund Visitor Centre is located in Taklebua, a historic boathouse. Indoor and outdoor exhibitions, along with sensory experiences, introduce visitors to coastal culture. In summer, the lighthouse safari to Utvær also departs from Hardbakke: on Utvær, a guide leads a walk around the island along the North Sea Trail. The Villsausafari guided tour also starts in Hardbakke. It lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours and is an easy walk through natural terrain or along a trail.
Getting Here and Starting Points
Solund is connected to the mainland by the Rysjedalsvika–Rutledal–Losna–Krakhella ferry route. Solund can also be reached by the express boat that operates between Bergen and Selje. The Stjernesund postal boat is also worth considering when planning your trip: it departs from Hardbakke and operates year-round. During the journey, the crew provides a guided tour; harbour porpoises, grey seals or white-tailed eagles may be spotted along the way.
A Short Break in Solund
Gjenbruksbutikken serves coffee, tea and waffles all year round. In summer, it is also home to the local tourist information office. This combines a place to stop for refreshments with a seasonal source of tourist information.
Places in Solund: Hardbakke, Hersvikbygda, Kolgrov, Krakhella.
Return to the main travel overview: Sogn Og Fjordane.
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