Discover Onarheim: Thing history and fjord views

Onarheim combines archaeological traces dating from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages with a local history that reaches back to the 12th century. Blåbærhaugen and nearby Onarheimsvatnet also offer views and outdoor activities that can shape a stay here.

Thing site and local history

Onarheim has been known since the 12th century, when Erling Skakke held a Thing assembly there. After the Viking Age, the settlement developed into a centre for Tysnes and large parts of Hordaland; it was the site of a Thing meeting place. Onarheim tingstad og gildestad is an automatically protected archaeological and historic site dating from the Iron Age to the Middle Ages. The Olavsgildet is also part of the local history: it developed in Onarheim and is thought to have roots in pre-Christian times. Together, these sites offer a picture spanning early meeting places and medieval traditions.

Onarheim Church and Vossabakkjen Cemetery

Onarheim Church was first mentioned in written sources in 1327. The present building dates from 1893 and replaced a church completed in 1819/20. Today, the church stands on a raised terrace on the slope down to the sea. The church grounds include four automatically protected cultural heritage sites. Above the church is the historic Vossabakkjen Cemetery, surrounded by old stone walls and containing older cast-iron grave monuments. The first written mention and the present building represent different periods in the church’s history.

Blåbærhaugen and Onarheimsvatnet

At 297 metres, Blåbærhaugen is a hiking destination in Onarheim. From there, the views extend across the Onarheimsfjord and Kvinnherad. The route starts at the car park on the road to Storesætre and follows a gravel path that is also suitable for families with pushchairs and people using walkers. Trail conditions can change with the seasons. Blåbærhaugen has a shelter, a toilet, benches and a fire pit; as facilities may change, it is advisable to check before your visit.

Onarheimsvatnet lies just above Onarheim and offers opportunities for paddling, swimming and enjoying the outdoors. There is a self-service rental facility by the lake with three canoes, as well as a lavvo, tables and benches. If you plan to use the rental facility, check what is currently available in advance. From the pier on the east side, a path follows a forest road towards Solheimsdalen and Vattedal. The lake offers both waterside recreation and a route into the hinterland as separate activities, rather than as one set itinerary.

Cycling route and nearby destinations

A 43.5-kilometre cycling route runs via Våge–Uggdal–Onarheim–Lunde–Våge, passing through Onarheim. It follows sections of the Onarheimsfjord and Hardangerfjord, with views along the way of the mountains of Kvinnherad and Folgefonna. The places and fjord sections mentioned give an idea of how the route connects Onarheim with the wider landscape.

Nearby is the restored Flakka lime kiln, about two kilometres south of Onarheim. It was restored in 1992; there is parking and an information board by the main road. The marble quarry on Seløya is also in the area. It is located in an underground mine with several entrances and is accessible by boat. The marble layer was probably mined as early as the 17th century. If you plan to visit the marble quarry, check boat access arrangements in advance.

Tysnes in the wider context

Tysnes is an archipelago with a total area of 255 square kilometres. The landscape varies across this wider destination: in the west, rocky shores and heathland face the open sea, while in the east it gives way to high mountains and extensive forests by the Hardangerfjord. To travel to Tysnes from Bergen, take the ferry from Halhjem to Våge; a scheduled bus also runs from Bergen bus station to the ferry terminal. Check the timetables before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Uggdal, Lundegrend, Hovland, Reksteren, Tysnes, Flatråker, Hope

Back to the main travel guide: Tysnes.