Discover Matre: Landscape and History

When planning a trip to Matre, the combination of landscape and history, as well as nearby attractions, is worth exploring. The Matre rundt trail leads past geological traces of the retreating ice and through a cultural landscape; the Bjørn West Museum is dedicated to the Bjørn West resistance group. Trails, bathing spots and drives each offer a different focus.

Matre rundt trail: geology and cultural landscape

The Matre rundt trail brings geology and the history of the retreating ice to life through terraces, moraines and river plains. At the same time, it passes through a cultural landscape with hillside walls, stone walls, pastureland and grazing livestock. Geological formations and features of the cultivated landscape sit side by side along the route. Near the old quay, the trail passes the old Matre Hotel, which dates from around 1914.

A different view of the surroundings comes from driving from Matre along County Road 381 through Matredalen to Stordalen. This scenic route runs between the fjord and the mountains. Through Matredalen, the drive follows the river up steep hairpin bends to Helveteshjelet, where a waterfall thunders into the gorge.

Resistance history and bathing spot

The Bjørn West Museum in Matre tells the story of the Bjørn West resistance group, which established itself in the Masfjell Mountains during the final part of the Second World War. Texts, films and authentic interviews offer insight into the group's life under the difficult conditions of the war. Weapons and personal belongings add further context. The museum thus provides a historical perspective that differs clearly from the trail's geological and landscape themes.

At the Våganeset bathing spot near Matre, there is a sandy bottom, a shelter and a barbecue; parking is available nearby. Facilities may change over time, so check before your visit whether they suit your plans. Hummelfossen is also located near Matre. It has been used to generate energy since the Second World War and is an important part of Matre's cultural heritage.

Hiking and planning your trip

The starting point for the Stegane ved Hummelvatnet trail is about three kilometres from Matre in the direction of Bjordal. Parking is available by an older power station; the marked trailhead is behind the building. Parking conditions may change, so it is a good idea to check the situation before setting out. The trail to Hummelvatnet is about 0.5 kilometres long and climbs 250 metres. These figures show different aspects of the route: alongside its short distance, you should also factor in the elevation gain when planning.

At the upper end of the Stegane trail, there are views of impressive glacial potholes. The mountain lake Hummelvatnet also offers the opportunity for a refreshing swim. Swimming conditions and trail safety vary by season; take the prevailing conditions into account when planning. For a longer drive, the Fjorden utenfor allfarvei loop continues from Stordalen along County Road 5442 towards Bjordal on the Sognefjord. Check road conditions and access before setting out.

More places to visit in the wider destination of Masfjorden

Beyond Matre, the wider destination of Masfjorden offers more landscapes and activities. The western part of Masfjorden has a West Norwegian skerry landscape suited to paddling, swimming and boating. Matrefjella and Fjonfjella offer mountain hiking terrain. The Fjon cable ferry crosses Masfjorden; if your plans include a crossing, check the timetable in advance. The Fjordblikk day-trip cabin is on the shore at Grøttneset, between Mjanger and Kvingo in Masfjorden.

The area's cultural history also extends beyond Matre. Nothuset in Sandnes was built around 1880. Together with the Masfjord boats, it conveys an important part of the local history of Masfjorden municipality and forms part of the built heritage of coastal culture. Sandnes Church is a rectangular wooden church dating from 1845. At Kvamsdals Fargeri, an exhibition tells the story of 60 years of small-scale industrial activity in Sandnes; the former drying loft now serves as an exhibition and concert venue.

Discover more destinations: Haugsvær, Masfjordnes, Hosteland

Return to the overview of the wider destination: Masfjorden.