Discover Stamnes by Veafjord

If you’re looking for a destination where fjord scenery, hiking trails and local history come together, Stamnes offers several different points of interest. Local attractions include a Stone Age site, historic buildings, short hikes and a guided experience centred on salmon fishing. You can tailor your trip to the interests that matter most to you.

Fjord scenery and the village landscape

Stamnes lies at the inner end of Veafjord, surrounded by steep slopes and deep-blue fjord waters. From the village centre, the fjord stretches between steep mountains and farms without road access towards Stanghelle. The fjord scenery and the farms define different aspects of the landscape: the water between the mountain slopes on one hand, and a settlement landscape of farms without road access on the other.

Hiking trails near Stamnes

Behind the village centre is the trail to Geithaugen. It’s a family-friendly hiking destination, with animal figures along the path. Slåttøyane and Bygdehytta by Tresvatnet in Øyadalen are among the shorter hikes in the Stamnes area. The attractions are described differently: Geithaugen is known as a family-friendly hiking destination, while Slåttøyane and Bygdehytta are classified as shorter hikes. If you’re weighing up different hiking options, these are specific starting points for your plans.

Archaeology and architectural history

Skipshelleren in Straume/Stamnes is a Stone Age dwelling site that has been used for more than 7,000 years. You can reach the site by boat from the fjord or via a marked trail from the Dæmring bus stop. There are information boards, a toilet, a fire pit and a pier at the site. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit.

The church site also tells a story of different building periods: the first stave church was built on the burial mounds at the present-day site; a new church was built there in 1861. Stamnes Church is a wooden long church built in 1861, with around 250 seats. Straume is also home to a protected row of boathouses dating from the 19th century, built using the grindverk construction method. Together, these sites offer different insights into the area’s architectural and settlement history.

Salmon fishing and fjord experiences

A traditional salmon fishing installation has been preserved at Stamnes. It is located on a rocky platform 20 metres above the fjord. Bygdasjarm offers a guided tasting and nature experience at the installation in Stamnes, exploring the identity, culture and history of salmon fishing. The experience also includes locally produced food; the dishes on offer may vary from one visit to another. Check booking and availability in advance.

For an activity on the water, kayaks can be rented from Stamnes Idrettslag at the pier in Stamnes. There is also a guest pier and a boat fuel station in the village centre. If you’re planning to make use of either option, check current availability in advance. This lets you distinguish between a guided experience at the salmon fishing installation, a hike and activities on the water, without combining these different offerings into a single excursion.

Getting there by car

From the E16 at Dalseid, you can reach Stamnes via county road 569 in about 15 minutes by car. This is an approximate travel time; check current road conditions before setting off. Together with the local trails and attractions, this information can help you assess whether Stamnes is a suitable destination for your travel plans.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Vaksdal.