Førre: Fjord landscape and Helgelandsfjellet

Førre can be explored through two specific features: its location at the innermost end of Førresfjorden and the hike up Helgelandsfjellet. The church and the pedestrian path connecting Førreparken and the church add to the local character. The wider destination of Tysvær offers additional natural and cultural attractions, providing a distinct regional perspective.

Fjord setting and orientation

Førresfjorden is narrow and relatively shallow; it forms a north-facing branch of Boknafjorden. The E134 between Drammen, Haugesund, and Haugesund Airport on Karmøy runs through Førre, or Førdesfjorden. The fjord and the road thus provide two different points of reference for getting your bearings: the location at the innermost end of the fjord and a regional connection that passes through the area.

Hiking and footpaths in Førre

The summit of Helgelandsfjellet is 219 metres above sea level. From there, the view extends across Førresfjorden, Bokn, and Karmøy. The hike starts from the E134 east of the Førre Tunnel, via the residential area on the east side of the European highway. A municipal description published on 13 August 2026 calls it a short, accessible and popular local hike for all ages.

A municipal notice dated 2 September 2026 also describes a new footpath between Førreparken and Førre Church. It runs along this section of Førresvegen, connects existing footpaths, and creates a continuous, safer pedestrian route there. The path is about 166 metres long and designed according to universal design principles. This length refers to the footpath, not the hike to the summit.

Førre Church and its altarpiece

Førre Church was built in 1893 by master builder Tjerand Solheim and consecrated on 19 September that same year. The altar features a copy of Eilif Peterssen’s painting “Ecce homo”. It depicts Jesus crowned with thorns; the original was painted for Norderhov Church in 1882. The two dates therefore refer to different things: 1882 is the year the painting was made for Norderhov, while 1893 is the year Førre Church was built and consecrated.

Tysvær as a wider travel destination

Beyond the local perspective on Førre, Tysvær encompasses a 220-kilometre coastline and a varied landscape: smooth, polished rocks, heathland, mountains and hills, deep fjords, and well-maintained cultural landscapes. Hiking, cycling, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and fishing are all possible in Tysvær’s outdoor areas. These nature and leisure activities are part of the wider destination of Tysvær and should not be confused with the specific features of Førre itself.

Tysvær’s hiking routes can also be compared based on their different details. The hike to Himakånå is 4.2 kilometres long and takes about two hours for the round trip; the trail is signposted and well marked. Himakånå itself is a 357-metre-high rock or mountain formation above Lysevatnet, near Hinderåvåg. The trail to the Alvanuten day-hiking cabin starts in the centre of Aksdal; the climb to the summit is about 1.5 kilometres long. At 631 metres, Lammanuten is the highest mountain in Tysvær; the route there is signposted and marked in red. For Himakånå, the figures refer to the total distance and approximate round-trip duration, while for Alvanuten, the distance refers to the climb to the summit.

Cultural attractions in the wider Tysvær area include the Arquebus War History Museum, with exhibitions about the occupation of Norway from 1940 to 1945. Private tours can be booked for groups of ten or more; bookings must be made at least ten days in advance. Check availability in advance. The Nedstrand local history museum tells the story of the timber trade in the Ryfylke fjords during the 16th and 17th centuries. The old customs post of the Ryfylke Customs Station has also been preserved as a protected building by the ferry quay in Nedstrand. In the outdoor area at Slogvik stands the old log-built Kvernhuset, a watermill. Tysværtunet in Tysvær houses a library, a swimming pool with various bathing facilities, and a cinema.

Discover more destinations: Nedstrand, Tysvær, Skjoldastraumen, Askeland, Hervik, Aksdal

Return to the wider travel overview: Tysvær.