Discover Ytraland

Ytraland on Karmøy is shaped by its coastal battery, a historic mining area, the Tjæremilen and the adjoining coastal heathland. For trip planning, these sites offer cultural and historical points of interest as well as natural ones: military defence, mining, traditional tar production and the protection of the coastal landscape.

The coastal battery and its surviving structures

Ytraland was a gun emplacement within the HKB 66/977 Vikene coastal battery system. The battery’s main purpose was to protect the entrance to Vedavågen. Its main armament consisted of four 7.5 cm K236(b) guns. Today, only bunkers, concrete gun emplacements and barracks walls remain. These offer different points of interest: the battery’s function and what remains of its structures. If you plan to visit, check current access arrangements in advance.

The historic mining area

The mining area, about 1.5 km long, extends from Ytraland in the south towards Kvalavåg in the north. A total of 34 mines and prospecting sites are recorded in this historic area. The approximate length describes the corridor, while the number refers to the recorded sites. Gåsvatnet and the road are also useful landmarks. South of the lake, the mineral deposits lie east of the road; north of the lake, they lie west of it. This connects the area’s north–south extent with a change in its position relative to the road.

Coastal heathland and wildlife

To the north and east, the Ytraland industrial area directly borders coastal heathland. An ecological assessment from 2019 described large parts of the heath as intact and in good condition. As a designated natural habitat type, the heath is particularly vulnerable and subject to additional protection. In Norway’s 2018 Red List for Ecosystem Types, it is classified as Endangered (EN). The heathland is also an important habitat for the eagle owl, whose main breeding area lies somewhat farther away. Nearby, between Visnesbukta and Ytraland, a corridor of lakes and streams runs through the area. Gulls and ducks in particular use these waters as they move between freshwater and the sea.

The Tjæremilen

The Tjæremilen is located in Ytraland. An initiative launched in 2021 aims to produce traditional tar products for maintaining stave churches and other medieval wooden buildings. Alongside traces of military history and mining, this brings the preservation of historic wooden architecture into focus. Unlike the coastal battery, the subject here is not defence, but a material and its contribution to preserving old buildings. If you plan to visit, check the current arrangements in advance.

Karmøy in a wider context

At the broader destination level, Karmøy offers a wider perspective: the island is known for its coastal culture, varied natural landscapes and strong industrial heritage. The municipality has four museums and a history centre that present the region’s history over the past centuries. The Nordvegen History Center also presents the history of Norway and the royal seat of Avaldsnes over a period of 3,500 years.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Skre, Avaldsnes, Åkra, Vormedal, Håvik, Vedavågen, Åkrehamn, Eike

Back to the main travel guide: Karmøy.