Austrheim: Coastal Scenery and Culture

In the municipality of Austrheim, a vast coastal landscape, historic churches and mills, and maritime activities come together. When planning your stay, these themes can help you organize your outings and interests, from the history of Austrheim Church to walking trails and experiences by the water.

Church and Mill History

Austrheim Church is a wooden church built in 1865. It houses an altarpiece from the 17th century. After the previous church was demolished, the altarpiece was kept in storage for almost 100 years and later rediscovered. The baptismal font also has a long history: it dates from the 12th century, is used in the church, and belongs to the Bergen Museum.

The previous church stood 25 to 30 metres from the current building; the cemetery is now located on its former site. This proximity makes the change in the church’s location tangible in the landscape. Other historic buildings in the municipality include the Hopland mill houses, which date from the 17th century. A cultural trail runs from Snekkeviki to the small mill complex in Hoplandsmarka. This is distinct from the marked Stone Age trail in Hoplandsmarka, north of Fosnstraumen.

Open Coastal Landscape and Trails

Austrheim’s extensive strandflat landscape remained open and treeless for more than 4,000 years before it began to change in the last generations of the 20th century. Open heathland still remains in parts of Fosnøy and on many islands in the western part of the municipality. It bears witness to the fishermen-farmers’ way of life over thousands of years. This history gives the view across the heath and coast a cultural context that extends beyond the natural landscape of today.

Vardetangen, Norway’s westernmost point on the mainland, is in the municipality of Austrheim. From there, the large, open Fensfjord lies to the north and west. There are marked walking trails through open coastal terrain at Vardetangen. From Torvneset, the gravel path to Vardetangen is about one kilometre long. The walk is designed to be accessible and is suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. As trail conditions can change, check the latest information before setting out.

Water Sports and Activities by the Sea

A water sports week is held annually in Mastrehamn as part of Kystsogevekene. Check the latest event dates and programme when planning your trip. At Mastrevik kai, children and young people can use the diving tower, obstacle course, and trampoline run by HavGlede; check availability in advance.

The sea also shapes activities in the municipality: tidal currents and shipwrecks are popular with recreational divers. If you plan to dive, check local sea conditions in advance. Sport anglers visit Fosnstraumen; when planning a fishing trip, take local conditions and regulations into account.

The team at Kilstraumen Brygge can help organize fishing trips and paddling excursions in the archipelago. It can also assist with trips on a fast RIB and visits to an aquaculture facility. As these activities may change, ask the provider about current availability.

Search for Hotels in Austrheim

When searching for a hotel in Austrheim, start by deciding which activities will shape your travel dates—for example, the water sports week, a tour organized by a provider, or a walk at Vardetangen. Coordinate dates and possible outings with your travel plans, and check the latest trail conditions.

Discover more destinations: Fonnes.

Return to the main travel overview: Austrheim.