Eidslandet at the Inner Eidsfjord

Eidslandet lies at the inner end of the Eidsfjord, between Eksingedalen and Stamnes. Its location can be understood through its fjord setting, the Ekso River, and the routes into the mountain areas. If you are looking for a hotel in Eidslandet, consider whether you want to focus your stay on the waterside scenery, hiking, or cultural attractions.

Fjord Setting, River, and Church

The Ekso is a salmon river that flows into the Eidsfjord at Eidsland. The river and fjord thus help orient visitors at the inner end of the fjord. Eidsland Church is a particular attraction for travelers interested in architecture: it stands on a small peninsula south of Eidslandet, shortly before the end of the Eidsfjord.

The church is a wooden long church with a three-story tower on its west side. Its location on the peninsula and the distinctive side with the tower offer two specific points of reference for understanding its location and architectural form. The area thus brings together different themes: the fjord landscape and a clearly defined example of religious architecture.

Trails and Summit Hikes

A marked trail leads from Eidsland to Leiro, a roadless mountain farm, in about 40 minutes. The time is approximate; trail signs and conditions may change. Several marked trails to mountain farms and peaks begin along the road north of Eidsland toward Eksingedalen. They are suitable for day hikes starting from the road.

Eidsland offers several options for summit hikes: Grånova and Snjofannefjellet are more challenging choices, while Eidsnova is considered a more accessible option for a summit hike. Conditions at all three peaks depend on the season and the weather. The mountain areas around Eidsland are also used for summit hikes and small-game hunting. If hunting is important to your plans, check current access and season information locally.

There are also trails and landmarks nearby. Leiro lies by Leirovatnet, and Mysterstølen is also in the area. From Leiro, you can continue hiking into Steinsedalen. On the west side of Eidsland, a route follows the Mysterelva, passing Leirovatnet and continuing into Steinsedalen. The named trail sections can thus be distinguished by their starting points.

There are several swimming spots along the road from Eidsland toward Eksingedalen, especially at the end of the route just before Modalstunnelen. Swimming conditions depend on the season. When the Eidsfjord freezes over in some winters, you can go ice skating or ice fishing there. This is therefore not possible every winter, but depends on the fjord freezing over.

Getting There and Road Directions

Eidslandet can be reached via the county road, which passes Stamnes and continues to the end of the Eidsfjord. The tunnel junction is nearby, about seven kilometers from Eidslandet. Check local road conditions before setting out; a travel time cannot be inferred from this distance.

More Experiences in the Wider Vaksdal Destination

The wider Vaksdal destination offers further cultural attractions. Near Stamnes is a restored salmon net fishing installation 20 meters above the fjord. Visitors can tour it as part of guided visits; confirm the dates locally. Skipshelleren is also in the Stamnes/Straume area. Part of the Straume Landscape Museum, it is a Stone Age settlement site that has been in use for more than 7,000 years.

The Vaksdalsvegar cultural trail in Vaksdal complements these themes with information boards about the landscape and vegetation, transport, livelihoods, agriculture, sports, and hydropower. These stops are part of the wider Vaksdal destination and form a distinct cultural focus.

Discover more destinations: Kyrkjebø, Stanghelle, Vaksdal, Stamnes.

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Vaksdal.