Østhusvik: Wharf, History and Hiking Trails

Østhusvik combines a historic wharf with a history of trade and hiking trails. The area has both described routes with varying terrain and trails for circular hikes or walks across the island.

Wharf and History of Trade

Østhusvik’s cultural environment includes the wharf and the building now known as Fjordbris Hotel. The Østvikhus Handelslag was founded in this building in 1924. The former Handelslag building is of architectural value and is also part of the cultural environment. The wharf thus brings together the history of trade and a distinctive local building.

Historically, the cultural environment was a central meeting place and transport hub: goods, mail and people arrived by boat every day. This describes the site’s former importance, not today’s boat traffic. The history of the trails also offers insight into earlier connections. The road from Vikevåg to Østhusvik was originally laid out as a riding and church path. The first road to Østhusvik was built in 1897 from Reianes and Galta via Eidet. These two details show different aspects of transport history: the original purpose of a path and the construction of the first road.

Hiking near Hegglandslia and Rennesøyhodnet

The hiking trails in the heathland area associated with Dale, Bjerga and Østhusvik are considered the most heavily used in Rennesøy municipality. Hegglandslia is a starting point for hikes in the Rennesøyhodnet area. The trail from Hegglandslia first leads to the old peat bogs of Mikalsgrovene. Nearby Rennesøyhodnet is 234 metres high; from the summit, you can look out over well-kept farms and the heathland on the northern side.

When planning your hike, it is helpful to distinguish between the described route options. The marked trail network around Rennesøyhodnet offers both circular hikes and walks along the length of the island. There is also a newly marked hiking trail from Sel, via Rennesøyhodnet, continuing to Hegglandslia in Østhusvik. Check the trail markings on site before following this route.

On the Hegglandslia–Rennesøyhodnet hike, the trail starts on an easy-to-walk gravel road. It becomes more challenging through the forest and towards the summit. The trailhead is at the entrance to a residential area; check the current trail and parking situation on site. This will help you distinguish between the changing terrain on this hike and the circular or lengthwise hikes on the trail network when planning, rather than treating all trails as having the same difficulty level.

Hotel location, bus and paddling

Fjordbris Hotel is at the far end of Østhusvik on Rennesøy. Hiking trails are directly in front of the hotel, and you can also paddle out onto the fjord from there. If these activities are important to your stay, confirm current access and the equipment needed for paddling when booking. This lets you choose a hotel based on the activities without assuming that specific equipment or a guided experience is available.

A local bus service also runs directly in front of Fjordbris Hotel, making it possible to travel without a car. Check the current timetable for your travel date. Along with its location at the far end of Østhusvik, this gives you a specific point of reference for planning your journey; however, it does not replace checking departure times.

Discover more destinations: Mosterøy, Rennesøy, Bru.

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