Discover Bru: cultural trail, coastal landscape and historic sites

Bru offers a variety of ways to enjoy a stay: trails wind through cultural landscapes, past outdoor art and historic sites. If you’re looking for a hotel in Bru, it’s worth considering the differences between the routes and the places that shape the island’s character. This can help you plan according to whether you mainly want to hike, combine art and landscape, or explore historic buildings.

Hiking trails and landscapes on Bru

The Bru cultural trail crosses the island. It was established in 2008, when Stavanger was a European Capital of Culture, and starts on the grounds of Kulturbruket 44/4. The three-kilometre route passes 15 outdoor artworks, an old settlement site and burial mounds. Along the way, the landscape shifts between forest, gardens, pasture and coastal nature. At the endpoint near Bruhåve stands a granite throne.

There is also a marked circular trail on the farm grounds, leading to Bruhalsen and Bruhåve. The full loop is approximately five kilometres long. Both route descriptions mention Bruhåve, but give different distances: around three kilometres for the cultural trail and approximately five kilometres for the loop. When planning, consider these distances separately.

Bruhåve is approximately 40 metres above sea level and offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. In western Bru, heathland stretches up to 91 metres above sea level; Brufjellet lies in the southwest. The viewpoint and the higher heathland thus represent different aspects of the island’s landscape. Sheep and cattle graze on Bru; dogs must be kept on a leash year-round.

Cultural sites and architectural history

Ingvarbakken is on the south side of Bru and offers views towards the city. In 2020, the site received Stavanger’s heritage conservation award. The rock carvings at Ørnavigå on Bru mainly depict boats and ships. Other traces of the island’s past include numerous burial mounds and the remains of an old stone church.

Sjøhuset, also known as Sildesalteriet, is located at Bruveien 222. The building was constructed around 1850 and includes an integrated living area. It is a landmark of Bru’s harbour environment. Kulturbruket 44/4 is a different kind of historic building: the converted barn is used for art, culture, parties and celebrations. It has bright rooms for small and large events, a commercial kitchen and eight double rooms with bathrooms. Small concerts are occasionally held there, and chamber musicians return to the barn repeatedly. If you want to include a concert in your travel plans, check the date in advance.

Connections

The road connections also help put the island in context: Bru is linked to the mainland by a bridge to Sokn. The Byfjord Tunnel connects Bru with Harestad in Randaberg and is part of the Rennfast link on the E39.

Discover more destinations: Mosterøy, Østhusvik, Rennesøy.

Go to the main travel overview: Rennesøy.