Discover Hosteland

Hosteland is part of the quiet outer archipelago of Masfjorden, with its islets and skerries. Water activities, maritime heritage, and local craft and food offerings add different touches to a stay here. Other places in the broader Masfjorden destination also offer their own hiking and cultural themes.

Paddling, Beach and Crafts

The paddling tour through Nordbygda can start in Hosteland. It combines sea and lake sections and can be extended to two days with an overnight stay in a tent. Check the seasonal conditions before setting off. Nearby, Areklettsanden is a shallow sandy beach, about a five-minute drive from Hosteland. The final stretch is on foot along a cart track and a path.

At Litle Sleire, you can learn to bake your own lefse and flatbreads. Nearby, Atelier Treskhuset offers ceramics courses for groups by prior arrangement. Canoeing on Sleirsvatnet is possible from Litle Sleire depending on the season; confirm the season and arrangements again before your trip. At Ardo, paddling and swimming are possible in sheltered coves when the boat and accommodation are rented together; the coves are only a few minutes away. During a stay at Nautesund, you can fish, hike in the mountains, swim and paddle. Marked trails lead to nearby peaks.

Maritime History and Local Products

The Hostelandsferja was built in 1957 by Sverre Kvinge, one of the last ferry builders in Masfjorden. This small, lightweight ferry is one of the few with only three plank strakes. In Hosteland, it was used, among other things, for small-scale fishing and other minor errands. Its year of construction, distinctive design and former use come together in a single testament to maritime history.

Solvang Gardsmat makes salsiccia and lamb sausages from the farm’s sheep. The farm’s own lambs are also made into sheepskins, which are tanned in Norway. If you would like to visit the farm and its animals, Solvang Gardsmat asks you to get in touch in advance. Spar Hosteland sells groceries, fresh bread and baked goods, as well as hot food at its deli counter. It also offers pharmacy items and parcel collection through Post-i-butikk or PostNord. Product range and service availability may change.

Hiking and Culture in the Broader Masfjorden Destination

In the broader Masfjorden destination, the Stegane Trail leads to Hummelvatnet. It is about 0.5 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 250 metres; at the summit, you can see glacial potholes. The distance and elevation gain describe different aspects of the route. The short distance alone does not give a complete picture of the trail.

Ådneburen is a distinctive 797-metre-high peak in Masfjorden. The trail passes through forest, along an old cattle track, up steps and over scree. From the route, the views extend north to the Sognefjord and south to Bergen. The Nonkletten hike starts behind the shop in Haugsvær. The trailhead is signposted, the path remains easy to follow, and the hike offers views across Masfjorden.

The cultural attractions are also located in different parts of Masfjorden. Nothuset in Sandnes was built around 1880. Nothuset and the Masfjord boats offer insight into an important part of local history and form part of the built heritage of coastal culture. At the Bjørn West Museum in Matre, you can learn more about the fighting in the final days of the war in 1945; on display are weapons, equipment and personal belongings of Bjørn West soldiers and local contacts. The exhibition at Kvamsdals Fargeri tells the story of 60 years of small-scale industrial activity in Sandnes. The former drying loft is now used as an exhibition and concert venue. In Sandnes, Sandneskafeen serves homemade food made with local ingredients.

Discover more destinations: Matre, Haugsvær, Masfjordnes

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