Halhjem: Rock Carvings and Ferry Connections

Halhjem can be explored through its distinctive landscape and cultural features. These include Grødalshaug, the rock carvings in Vargavågen and the Vargahola cave; there is also a climbing area and named ferry connections. For planning purposes, it is worth considering these topics separately: the recommendation for visiting Grødalshaug mentions low tide, while the ferries serve different routes.

Landscape at Vargavågen

Grødalshaug lies at the end of Vargavågen on Haljem. The 30-metre-high rocky outcrop is situated between the bay and a damp valley hollow. The area around the outcrop is therefore defined by more than just the rock: the bay and the damp valley hollow are also part of its setting.

Vargahola is a different kind of landscape feature: a large cave in a rock face right at sea level, at the mouth of Vargavågen. By contrast, Grødalshaug is defined by its height and its position between the bay and the valley hollow, while Vargahola is defined by its cave formation, the rock face and sea level.

Rock carvings and quarrying history

The rock carvings in Vargavågen on Haljem are approximately 3,000 years old and date from the Bronze Age. The figure is approximate; together with the Bronze Age classification, it provides a time frame, not a specific year of origin.

Soapstone was formerly quarried at Grødalshaug. Traces of the quarry are still visible in several places in the area of the rock carvings. The quarry in Vargavågen was already in operation long before the Middle Ages. The rock carvings and quarry traces therefore point to different historical aspects: a Bronze Age classification and earlier quarrying activity.

Visiting Grødalshaug

Visitors to Grødalshaug are advised to walk around the bay at low tide and then continue a short distance in a southwesterly direction. Low tide is therefore a specific timing consideration for your visit; check the tide level for the day you plan to go.

Climbing in Halhjem

The Halhjem climbing area is located near the Halhjem ferry terminal and has routes graded from 4+ to 7−. This range covers different grades in the area, so the grade of the specific route is what matters when choosing one. Route information may change. Check the latest details for individual routes before climbing.

Ferry connections for planning your trip

The Halhjem–Sandvikvåg ferry connection on the E39 crosses the Bjørnafjord to Sandvikvåg in Fitjar municipality. The Våge–Halhjem connection links the Bjørnafjord with Tysnes municipality. Both connections have Halhjem in their names, but differ in their wider geographical connection: one goes to Sandvikvåg in Fitjar, while the other connects the Bjørnafjord with Tysnes. This makes it easier to distinguish between the named routes when planning your trip. As operating details may change, check the latest timetable before departure.

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