Bakkasund – Trade History and Routes

Bakkasund combines historic ties to trade and seafaring with two different routes: a cycling route from Bekkjarvik and a marked section of Nordsjøløypa. Olaskjeret also tells the story of earlier work on Storekalsøy. The wider destination of Austevoll adds the setting of an archipelago made up of 667 islands.

Olaskjeret and the history of trade

Olaskjeret is a small island in Bakkasundet on Storekalsøy in the municipality of Austevoll. At one time, the island was the largest workplace on Storekalsøy. This included, among other things, a herring saltery, a net loft and boatbuilding work. These activities link fish processing, nets and boats in a history of work. Bakkasundet was historically a central hub for maritime traffic. The old trading post in Bakkasund is also part of the valuable cultural heritage of the municipality of Austevoll. The places should be clearly distinguished: Olaskjeret is in Bakkasundet on Storekalsøy; the old trading post is in Bakkasund. Together, the trading post and the history of Olaskjeret provide two concrete points of connection for learning about the former importance of work and maritime traffic in this part of Austevoll.

Cycling and hiking

The cycling route from Bekkjarvik to Bakkasund is 26 kilometres long and follows bike-friendly roads. The route length gives you a concrete basis for planning a cycling trip; check the condition of the roads before setting out, as road conditions can change.

Another option on foot is a marked section of the Nordsjøløypa trail. It runs from Bakkasund via Kalve towards Skansen. The marked route and its direction are key for navigation here; no walking time or level of difficulty is specified. Signposting and trail conditions can change, so it is a good idea to check them locally. The two options therefore differ in the planning information provided: a specific distance is given for the cycling route, while the hiking section is described by its markings, route via Kalve and direction towards Skansen.

Austevoll as a wider setting

The wider destination of Austevoll is an island realm made up of 667 islands. Its landscape includes rocky shores, narrow straits, heathland and pine forests. In Austevoll, marked hiking trails pass through woodland and heathland to peaks with views across the island realm. Popular routes include trails on Stolmen, Selbjørn, Hundvåkøy and Storekalsøy. Check local conditions for individual hiking trails. This regional variety adds other landscape and hiking themes in the destination of Austevoll to the focus on the specific routes around Bakkasund.

Culture and activities in Austevoll

The cultural offerings in the wider destination of Austevoll include Nothengja in Bekkjarvik. The building was constructed to dry cotton fishing nets and is now a cultural venue with a stage. Guided tours of the old trading post and the fisheries museum are also available in Bekkjarvik. Arrange these with Austevoll reiselivslag and confirm the date before your trip.

Sea kayaking is also one of the activities in the wider destination of Austevoll. Havstril Padleklubb offers information and activities for beginners and experienced paddlers. Kayaking is possible at Røyrvikeskaget, but the waters there are very exposed; access depends on the weather. Take these conditions into account when planning this particular outing.

Discover more destinations: Våge, Kalve, Litlakalsøy, Kolbeinsvik, Torangsvåg, Storebø, Vestre Vinnesvåg, Stolmen.

To the wider travel guide: Austevoll.