Tysnes – Nature, Culture and Cycling Routes

When planning your trip, you can weigh up which of these topics are especially interesting for your stay.

Church and history near Bruntveit

Reksteren Church near Bruntveit was built in 1936–1937 to plans by architect Torgeir Alvskaker. Master builder Jakob Molvik led the work; Bishop Fleischer consecrated the church on 28 January 1937. At its southeast corner stands a granite memorial with a metal plaque. The North Reksteren Cemetery is also near Bruntveit: it came into use around 1920 and at the time had space for up to about 300 graves.

There are other cultural sites on Tysnes. Årbakka Handelsstad is an old trading post by the sea. The traditional general store dates from 1898; its interior has been preserved as it looked in the 1930s. At Årbakkavollen are the remains of an archaeological site from the Early Iron Age, dated here to AD 0–550: 20 burial mounds and at least six standing stones.

The lime kiln at Flakka was restored in 1992 jointly by Tysnes kulturminnelag and Tysnes Municipality. Tysnes School Museum is housed in a school building from 1896; original school desks and furnishings are on display there. On Reksteren, the fort at Flygansvær is relatively large and well preserved. An information board shows a site plan of the fort. The memorial at Kaldafoss commemorates three British airmen who were shot down in 1941.

Landscape, peaks and trails

At 753 metres, Tysnessåto is the highest mountain peak on Tysnes; from the summit, the view extends in every direction. In the west of Tysnes, rocky coastlines and heathland meet the open sea. In the east, by the Hardangerfjord, the landscape gives way to high mountains and extensive woodland. Smooth coastal rocks and steep mountain slopes also characterise the wider landscape.

The shortest and steepest ascent to Tysnessåto starts at Myrdal and follows a Sherpa trail. The route includes sections with steps built by Sherpas; if you are fit, the ascent takes less than an hour. The hike from Myrdal to the summit is generally possible all year round. In snow or ice, assess the conditions carefully.

There are cycling routes of various lengths. The Tysnes cycling route is 71 kilometres long; on Tysnes you can also cycle around the island, ride over the mountain between Onarheim and Uggdal, or take a detour to Reksteren Island. One specific circular route runs from Våge via Uggdal, Onarheim and Lunde back to Våge. It is 43.5 kilometres long and passes through undeveloped areas and cultural landscapes; long stretches run along the Onarheimsfjord and the Hardangerfjord. The 31-kilometre loop from Våge to the Flatråkervassdraget and back passes through woodland and along waterways. The distances given help you compare route lengths, but do not in themselves indicate how long your ride will take.

There are also several places to go paddling on Tysnes: on the lakes near Flatråker and Onarheim, and around Bårdsundet, Godøysund and Ånuglo. The Ånuglo recreation area covers parts of the islands of Ånuglo, Seløy, Midtøy and Flornes on Tysnesøy. The area has hiking trails, picnic areas, marinas, quays and moorings.

Getting there and seasonal experiences

Tysnes can be reached by ferry from Halhjem to Våge or from Jektevik to Hodnanes. Another option is the road connection from Kvinnherad via the bridge at Lukksund. From Bergen, the ferry runs from Halhjem to Våge; there is also a bus service from Bergen bus station to the ferry terminal. Check the timetables before your trip when planning your journey.

The family-friendly Tysnesfest takes place every summer in July on Tysnes. The specific event dates and programme vary from year to year, so check the latest dates before your trip. For a glimpse into local cheesemaking, Myrdal Gård offers cheese made from goat’s and cow’s milk. In spring and summer, the farm welcomes visitors to its farm shop and restaurant. Tours of the cheese dairy or farm can be arranged; check dates and availability in advance.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Tysnes.