Discover Askøy: forests, Herdla and culture

The approximately 37-kilometre-long Askøy på langs trail runs from Kleppestø over the highest points and through the densest forests to scenic Herdla; the terrain is varied. Activities on Herdla include birdwatching, disc golf and golf. If you’re staying at a hotel on Askøy, these contrasts can help you plan: would you like to focus on longer walks, observing nature, sporting activities or culture?

Trails, forests and recreation

Siglingavatnet Outdoor Recreation Park has a floodlit ski trail; canoes can also be rented there. At Siglingabu, which is located in a landscaped recreation area in the eastern part of Askøy, you can go boating or canoeing, fish and swim. The trail from the car park at Siglingavatnet to the cabin is 1.2 kilometres long, runs entirely along a gravel path and is accessible up to the cabin. Compared with the approximately 37-kilometre Askøy på langs route, it is a considerably shorter approach. The trails also differ in their surfaces: a gravel path leads to the cabin, while Askøy på langs passes through varied terrain.

Herdla: birds, golf and nature conservation

More than 240 bird species have been recorded on Herdla over the years. From the birdwatching tower at Valen, you may see waders, ducks, gulls and possibly an eagle. Disc golf is another activity available on Herdla. Herdla Golf is an easygoing nine-hole coastal course with sea views from every hole. You can borrow leisure equipment free of charge from BUA on Herdla. There is parking, toilets and visitor information at Herdla Fort; check the latest information about these facilities before your visit.

For visits to nature areas, it is important to note the seasonal restrictions: access to parts of the Herdla Nature Reserve and the seabird reserves is prohibited from 15 April to 30 September. Follow the current signs and regulations on site.

Annual events

Askøy Rundt is an annual sailing regatta on Askøy. The Askøy Paddle Festival is also held on the island every year. If you’d like to plan your trip around one of these events, check the specific dates in advance.

Cultural history and museums

In Strusshamn, industrial heritage buildings have been converted into cultural venues; today, together they form a cultural district for the Askøy community and the entire Bergen region. You can experience history here through the area and its buildings, museum visits, and cultural activities for clubs and organisations. The Askøy Museum Association maintains permanent and temporary collections at Sjoddien in Strusshamn. Askøy Kystlag runs courses and seminars on practical coastal culture for members and other interested people.

Mindehuset in Ask is a protected building dating from the mid-18th century. It hosts open days and guided tours for schools and kindergartens; private tours can be arranged. The old Telefunken and Marconi transmitters are on display at the Bergen Broadcaster Radio Museum in Erdal.

Hetlevik Cultural History Museum has a permanent exhibition featuring objects, texts, photographs, documents, maps and descriptions of cultural value to Hetlevik and Askøy. The farmstead Husmannsplassen i Træ in Follese is home to a village museum that has been owned by the local community since 1955. The farmstead also has a bathing area, a swimming pool and a diving board.

Discover more destinations: Ask, Davanger, Ramnanger, Hetlevik, Hauglandshella, Herdla, Kjerrgarden, Strusshamn, Kleppestø.

Go to the main travel overview: Hordaland.