Discover Fitjar: Culture, History and Trails

Fitjar brings together cultural and historical sites in the centre with art, excursions and trails in the surrounding area. If you’re looking for a hotel in Fitjar, you can plan your trip around specific interests: local history, a visit to the Engesund Visningssenter, views, or exploring on foot and by bike.

Cultural history in the centre

In Håkonarparken in the centre stands a statue of Håkon the Good, created by Anne Grimdalen. It depicts the king who fell in battle against Eirik’s sons in 961. Fitjar Church is next to the park. Until 1866, Fitjar had a stone church dating from the 12th century. Stones from the old Fitjar Church have been preserved in the cemetery wall, and part of its furnishings have also been preserved.

The cultural history trail in Fitjar has five information boards about local cultural history. It is an easy walk with many cultural experiences for visitors of all ages. Kongsbrunnen is on the Fitjar Trail and is associated with Fitjar’s former royal estate. As you explore the area, you’ll encounter various traces of its history, from preserved church materials to historic sites and stories.

Burial mound, views and art

Rimsvarden is a large Bronze Age burial mound monument on the Fitjar Trail. From there, you can enjoy a wide view over Fitjarvikjo and Austevoll. The site combines a tangible glimpse into prehistoric times with views of these two named areas. If you’re interested in archaeology, this combination is a reason in its own right to include Rimsvarden in your plans for Fitjar.

Near the centre, Galleri Losjen hosts art exhibitions by Fitjar kunstlag. Fitjar kulturhus also has a cinema. So, in addition to the cultural and historical sites, exhibitions and film are part of the cultural offering to consider when planning your stay. In the municipality of Fitjar, Osternes festning on the Selbjørnsfjord is also a cultural heritage site from the Second World War.

Visitor attractions and trails

Engesund Visningssenter is in the centre of Fitjar, next to the tourist information office. Its offerings include boat trips departing from the centre of Fitjar, as well as visits to the centre in Fitjarøyane. Booking and operating details may vary; check them in advance if you’re planning such a trip.

There are also various options for exploring on foot or by bike. The route around Svartavatnet starts in the centre of Fitjar. You can choose whether to take the mountain trail on foot or cycle. Nearby, Midtfjellet Wind Farm has 27 kilometres of numbered gravel roads between the wind turbines. The main road to the wind farm branches off from road 545 at Rimbareid, about 1.5 kilometres south of the centre of Fitjar. The options described therefore differ both in their starting points and in the type of activity.

Getting your bearings in the harbour

Sjøsio Gjestehamn, also known as Sjøsio, is in the centre of Fitjar. Facilities include a petrol and diesel pump, bunkering facilities, showers and toilets. Harbour facilities may change, so confirm the details before you arrive. Its central location and the listed facilities are useful points of reference if the harbour is relevant to your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Søfteland, Alvik, Valevåg

Go to the broader travel overview: Hordaland.