Discover Våge

With its marked hiking trails, archaeological conservation areas in the Stolmen–Våge area, and historic traces of the Vågatunet farm cluster, Våge offers a range of starting points for planning a trip. The “Stolmen rundt” paddle route adds another dimension: here, the landscape and an exposed stretch are important considerations for planning.

Hiking Trails and Circular Routes

Nordsjøløypa is an established hiking trail marked to the national standard. It runs from Såto to the main road in Våge. The Globen–Såta hiking trail also offers the option of a circular route via Nordsjøløypa south to Våge. The difference lies in the route type: one is described as running from Såto to the main road, while the other is a circular route via Globen–Såta. If you are planning a hike, you can first decide whether a trail leading to a destination in Våge or the circular route is a better fit for your plans. As local conditions can change, check the trail conditions before setting out.

Archaeological Traces and Vågatunet

In the Stolmen–Våge area, two archaeological settlement and activity areas are automatically protected: site 15 and site 17. Both are listed in Austevoll’s cultural heritage plan for 2016–2028. The archaeological conservation areas offer a different perspective on local history from the structural remains of the Vågatunet farm cluster.

Stolmastova was one of the houses in the Vågatunet cluster farm. The 500-year-old log house was built on Stolmen from timber grown on the island; its present-day museum site is outside Våge. Three barns with livestock stalls were relocated from Vågatunet as part of the land consolidation. This means the historic buildings have different connections to the area: the barns are still in Våge, while the museum site of Stolmastova is outside it.

Paddling “Stolmen rundt”

The landscape along the “Stolmen rundt” paddle route includes steep cliffs, heather-covered hills, and green wooded or vegetated areas. A paddle trip documented in a club report was 17.3 kilometres long and started in Våge. The local paddling guide notes that the exposed stretch from Våge to Fugløysundet can be challenging almost all year round. The route is recommended in good weather or for experienced paddlers. If you are considering paddling, check the current weather and sea conditions: actual conditions at sea can vary. The route information therefore provides both a picture of the landscape and a specific condition to consider when planning.

In the Wider Destination of Austevoll

Across the wider destination of Austevoll, the landscape ranges from rocky shores and straits to heathland and pine forests. Austevoll comprises 667 islands in total. The region also offers a variety of hiking opportunities: marked trails wind through forests and heathland to peaks with views across the island realm. Popular routes can be found on Stolmen, Selbjørn, Hundvåkøy, and Storekalsøy. These regional hiking opportunities complement the specific trail information for Våge, particularly the route of Nordsjøløypa and the circular route via Globen–Såta.

Discover more destinations: Torangsvåg, Storebø, Stolmen, Vestre Vinnesvåg, Litlakalsøy, Bakkasund, Bekkjarvik, Kolbeinsvik.

View the wider travel guide: Austevoll.