Fjell: Church, Kyrkjevegen and Fortress

Fjell offers several distinct points of interest to help you plan your trip: the history of Fjell kyrkje, the military history of Fjell festning, and the named trails Kyrkjevegen and Russarstegen.

Fjell kyrkje and its history

Fjell kyrkje is located at Fjell Gard. Bishop Birkeland consecrated it on 28 August 1874; it is the oldest church in Øygarden municipality. The church also contains an old altarpiece. It was found in a barn at Liaskjæret and is believed to come from the oldest church in Fjell, dating to around the 15th century. It depicts Saints Olav and Sunniva. Thus, a 19th-century church building stands alongside a sacred object that is believed to have a considerably older origin.

The nearest bus stop to the church is also called Fjell kyrkje. From the stop, it is about a one-minute walk to the church. If you plan to use the bus for your trip, check the timetable in advance; public transport information may change.

Kyrkjevegen and other trails

Since 2021, Kyrkjevegen has been designated as part of the Kystpilegrimsleia. The pilgrimage walk to Fjell kyrkje begins on Kyrkjevegen in Morland. A route from the church via Morland and Fjæreide to Sekkingstad runs between Eidesvatnet, Liavatnet, Midtvatnet and Kyrkjevatnet. Morland and Fjæreide mark the route, while the four lakes identify the landscape features along it. Well-marked trails in Fjellparken lead in many directions.

Russarstegen is another trail: it is the fastest way up to Fjell festning from Gjerdet kulturminnegard. The two named routes therefore differ in purpose: Kyrkjevegen is part of the pilgrimage route, while Russarstegen leads to the fortress complex.

Fjell festning and the memory of the war

Fjell festning is one of the most important military-historical cultural landscapes in Western Norway. The fortress's Kanontårnet offers sweeping views to the west. Guided tours are held at the site. If you are planning a tour, check in advance whether a date works with your trip.

The nearby Gjerdet kulturminnegard in Fjell also preserves many memories of prisoners of war who lived in the village. The fortress complex and the cultural heritage farm offer different perspectives on history: the military-historical landscape on the one hand, and the memory of people who lived in the village as prisoners on the other.

More topics in the wider destination of Øygarden

In Telavåg, within the wider destination of Øygarden, you’ll find the North Sea Traffic Museum. Its exhibitions cover the Telavåg tragedy, the coastal resistance movement, and the escape route across the North Sea to the United Kingdom during the Second World War. The museum's North Sea Traffic Exhibition also includes a 25-minute film about the Telavåg tragedy. This is a distinct regional focus alongside the church and military history associated with Fjell.

Also within the wider destination of Øygarden, on Skogsøyna, you’ll find the Hildringsbu birdwatching hut. It is open during the season. If you are including the hut in your trip plans, check its current seasonal accessibility in advance.

Discover more destinations: Straume, Solsvik, Ågotnes, Foldnes, Kolltveit, Brattholmen, Misje.

Back to the wider travel guide: Fjell.