Osterøy: Fjord Views, Culture and Hikes

Osterøy combines fjord landscapes with hiking trails, a history of craftsmanship and cultural attractions. The inland island is surrounded by fjords on all sides. On your trip, you can combine time outdoors with visits to museums, historic farms or workshops; each attraction has its own focus and visiting conditions.

Hikes, summit views and a circular tour

Kossdalssvingane runs through 17 hairpin bends. The hike is considered relatively easy and is also suitable for families with children. A rockfall advisory is currently in effect for the route; check conditions before your visit. Another hiking option is Bruviknipa: the 822-metre-high summit lies on the eastern side of Osterøy, and the ascent starts in Bruvik. From the summit, you can take in views across the fjord landscape.

If you would like to explore the island by bike, you can plan a circular tour of about 27 kilometres. The route runs from Lonevåg via Storavatnet, Fotlandsvåg, Hosanger and Kossdalen, returning to Lonevåg; the stated duration is approximately three hours. The distance and travel time are estimates, and road and service conditions may change. When planning, you can choose between different ways to get around: a hike with striking bends, a summit destination with fjord views, or a longer circular tour through several villages.

Osterøy also has numerous swimming spots and publicly maintained recreational areas. Specific swimming facilities and conditions may vary seasonally. Bergen og Omland Friluftsråd secures, develops and operates the municipality’s swimming and outdoor recreation areas. Osterøy Turlag is for people who enjoy exploring nature on foot or on skis; the association’s activities and dates vary.

Culture and craftsmanship on Osterøy

In Mjøsvågen, you’ll find Den Grøne Fabrikken, a restored furniture factory in a historic workshop and boathouse setting by the sea. Today it is used for art, culture, experiences and a range of events. The programme includes creative workshops, painting classes, yoga sessions, talks and concerts; the offerings may change. The restored buildings also house a café, a gallery and a shop selling local products. These visitor facilities may also change.

At the inner end of Mjøsvågen bay, next to Den Grøne Fabrikken, is Flabellina: a floating art sauna on a platform that combines art, architecture and functional sculpture. Booking arrangements may change. Osterøy Museum is in Gjerstad, in the middle of the island. Its main focuses are the history of textiles and clothing, weaving, local building traditions, and the local history of Osterøy and Nordhordland. Havrå, meanwhile, is one of Norway’s best-preserved and most distinctive cluster farms. The settlement consists of several farms and is still worked using traditional methods.

Visits with a particular focus

At Koppen Gard, guided tours are offered of Gamlahuset, the farm grounds and the old farm forge. At Gamlahuset, visitors learn about typical life on Osterøy’s farms up to the 1970s. Visits in 2026 require an appointment. At the Norlender factory, visitors can learn about the production of classic Norwegian wool sweaters. Group visits are available by prior arrangement.

Klyvvikje in Olsnes near Bruvik offers a cultural heritage trail as well as axe throwing, disc golf and canoeing on the fjord. Confirm availability before travelling. In Tyssebotn, Tøsse Brygghus offers tastings for groups of up to 60 people. The tour and tasting include a sample platter with four different beers and local dried sausage; arrangements for groups may change.

Getting there and finding your way

From Bergen, it takes about 40 minutes to reach Osterøy by car via the Osterøy Bridge. The route follows the E16 towards Voss to the bridge; travel time may vary depending on traffic. Mjøsvågen in Lonevågen is about an hour’s drive from central Bergen and serves as a starting point for exploring the island. These two estimates refer to different destinations. When planning, make sure to account for whether you are travelling to Osterøy in general or to Mjøsvågen.

Discover more destinations: Tysso, Bernes, Lonevåg, Fotlandsvåg, Valestrandfossen, Tyssebotnen, Bruvik, Vaksdal

For the broader travel overview: Hordaland.