Torvastad

Torvastad offers a variety of experiences for a stay: hiking and views in Bjørgene, Olavskilden, kayaking near Vikingstad and two mini golf courses with distinct designs. In Bjørgene, the focus is on hilly trails and views; the mini golf courses differ in the number of holes and how they are laid out.

Hiking and views in Bjørgene

The family-friendly Bjørgene hiking area lies in hilly terrain around five hills. One trail is lit, while other trails allow loop walks of varying lengths. You can choose between the lit trail and loop walks of different lengths.

The summit of Veten is 68 metres above sea level. From there, the view extends west to Føynå and the sea, north to Haugesund, Risøy and Røvær, east to Norheim and the mainland, and south to Karmøy. The panorama therefore takes in several directions, with clearly recognisable places and landscapes.

Two mini golf courses with distinct features

Låven mini golf course has eleven holes, nine of which are played inside an old barn. The indoor area offers shelter from wind and rain. Gårdstunet course runs around the old barn and has 18 holes of varying difficulty. Its features include a honey machine, a fried egg and a wine cellar. In comparison, Låven stands out for its sheltered indoor holes, while Gårdstunet has more holes and unusual playing features.

Olavskilden, kayaking scenery and getting there

According to local tradition, Olavskilden on Torvastad never runs dry. From Kyrkjevegen, you can reach the spring via a livestock crossing. As local trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before your visit.

Around Vikingstad, kayaking offers numerous islets and coves to explore. This complements the hiking trails and viewpoints in Bjørgene with a different perspective on the landscape: from the water, the view is shaped by islets and coves.

A scheduled boat connects Haugesund with Kveitevik on Torvastad. Before travelling, check with the operator whether the service is currently running and what the departure times are.

More to discover across the wider Karmøy destination

Across the wider Karmøy destination, coastal culture, varied nature and a strong industrial setting are among the defining themes. Avaldsnes is one of the cultural and historical attractions that play a central role in tourism on Karmøy. The Nordvegen History Center presents the history of Norway and the royal seat of Avaldsnes over a period of 3,500 years. In total, Karmøy has four museums and one history center that convey the region’s history across past centuries.

Museums across the wider Karmøy destination offer other perspectives on history. The Skudeneshavn Museum, Mælandsgården, presents the town’s maritime history and insights into everyday life in the past. The Åkrehamn Coastal Museum uses objects and photographs to show Karmøy’s past as an important fishing center. While Mælandsgården focuses on the town’s history and everyday life in earlier times, the Åkrehamn Coastal Museum is dedicated to the history of fishing.

The natural features of the wider Karmøy destination are also varied. Karmøy has ten nature reserves, most of which are nesting areas for seabirds. The coastal zone includes seagrass meadows, kelp forests, rare plants and a diverse seabird population. Coastal paths pass through varied landscapes, and Åkrasanden is used for hiking and surfing. Swimming, canoeing and kayaking are permitted at Fotvatnet. The region therefore offers a choice of both coastal activities and things to do by the lake.

Discover more destinations: Åkrehamn, Røyksund, Ytraland, Kolnes, Skre, Åkra, Vedavågen, Vormedal

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Karmøy.