Fister

When choosing a hotel for a trip to Fister, local attractions may be the deciding factor: Fister kyrkje offers an architectural landmark, two swimming spots differ in location and facilities, and the day-trip cabin Fisterbu opens up views of the village, fjords and islands. The wider destination of Hjelmeland offers further distinct landscape and cultural attractions.

Fister kyrkje: a history of construction above Fistervågen

Fister kyrkje stands on a hill above Fistervågen. Built in 1867, it is a wooden long church with a tower, based on a design by Linstow. It is listed as a church in Hjelmeland. For architecture enthusiasts, its construction date, material, building type and named designer make it a specific point of interest for a trip.

Swimming spots with different facilities

The Sandnes swimming spot is on Hetlandsvatnet in Fister; its facilities include a seating area, a waste bin and a car park. Kjelavika has a sandy beach and a grassy area in Fister, as well as an outdoor grill, a beach volleyball court, seating areas and a toilet without running water. These features offer different options: at Sandnes, the focus is on the lakeside location and car park alongside the seating area, while Kjelavika offers a beach, grassy area and other recreational facilities. When planning your visit, bear in mind that the toilet at Kjelavika has no running water.

Fisterfjellet and hiking trails

The Fisterbu day-trip cabin is on Fisterfjellet and offers views of the village, fjords and islands. For hikes in Fister, the municipality lists PDF guides for the Lauvåsen–Loftsheia and Fister–Skjekkjesåsen trails. Alongside the viewpoint, there are two separately named trails to help you find your way.

Hjelmeland: landscape and culture in the wider destination

In the wider destination of Hjelmeland, the landscape opens up on a larger scale. Jøsenfjorden extends into the municipality; the rock formation Skomakarnibbå lies 700 metres above the fjord. The round-trip hike there takes about five to six hours from the car park. This approximate duration is a useful reference for planning your day; conditions may vary. Also in Hjelmeland is Ritlandskrateret, a meteorite crater with a diameter of about 2.7 kilometres. The hike starts at the car park in Kleivaland in Vormedalen and runs mostly along a tractor road through easy terrain with a good surface. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Hjelmeland also has places to explore its cultural history. Spinneriet is an industrial building dating from 1873 that was restored for cultural use. During the summer season, an exhibition is open there and a summer café operates; check current opening information before your trip. Vigatunet is an old farm whose history can be traced through written sources back to the 16th century. It was taken over as a museum farm in 1970. During the summer opening period, you can visit the various buildings, learn about farming and discover what life on the farm was like. Check the current visiting arrangements.

Discover more destinations: Jøsenfjorden, Årdal I Ryfylke, Skiftun, Nessa

Go to the wider travel overview: Hjelmeland.