Skjoldastraumen: Lock, cultural heritage and hiking trails

Skjoldastraumen brings together a distinctive lock, archaeological traces and hiking destinations. The lock lies on the sea route into the Skjoldafjorden and is Norway’s only saltwater lock still in active use. Other highlights include the restored swing bridge, a church with stave church-inspired design, and trails with different stated durations. This makes it possible to explore technical history, cultural heritage and the landscape as distinct aspects of your stay.

Lock and swing bridge

The Skjoldastraumen locks opened in 1908 and are still in active use. The old swing bridge at the lock has been restored and is normally kept open. It is protected nationally by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration. The lock and bridge are two different structures at the same distinctive site: the saltwater lock is still operating, while the bridge is preserved as a protected historic structure.

Archaeological traces and church architecture

On a hill west of the locks is a burial site with two burial mounds from the Iron Age. Erland is also rich in archaeological monuments: there are burial mounds, standing stones, rock shelters and hills with names associated with gods. The seven standing stones are particularly striking, forming a rare ploughshare-shaped arrangement. Erland was probably already a religious gathering place in the Early Iron Age, around 500 BC.

Another cultural destination is Skjoldastraumen Church. It was consecrated in 1910 and was formerly also called Vordeneste or Skjoldastraumen Chapel. Its design is strongly inspired by stave church architecture. Together with the archaeological sites, it offers a glimpse of different records of local history, from the Iron Age to church architecture in the early 20th century.

Viewpoints and hikes

Freåsen is in Skjoldastraumen on the west side of the fjord. From the 152-metre-high mountain, the view extends across the entire fjord, from Skjold in the north to Borgøy in the south. The hike up Freåsen is easy, takes about 30 minutes each way, and passes several interesting cultural monuments. Parking is available in Erland. At the summit stands the large boulder Bjolandskjerringa, which is associated with local legends.

The hike to Ørnå starts at the turnoff from County Road 515 near Skjoldastraumen. A signposted road leads to Håland, where there is a signposted car park. The marked trail takes about two to three hours return, is moderately difficult and reaches an elevation of 454 metres. Near the summit, a distinctive rock formation resembles an eagle with outstretched wings. It provides a natural resting spot on the way up.

The trail to Måvatnet starts at the same trailhead as the Ørnå hike at Håland and takes about 30 to 45 minutes. The stated durations for the two summit hikes also differ in that the Freåsen duration is for each way, while the Ørnå duration covers the round trip. Freåsen is described as an easy hike, while Ørnå is moderately difficult.

Tysvær as the wider setting

In the wider destination of Tysvær, the landscape ranges from smooth, bare rock and heathland to mountains, hills, deep fjords and well-tended cultural landscapes. Tysvær has a 220-kilometre coastline. Outdoor recreation areas offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and fishing.

Other named hiking destinations in Tysvær include Lammanuten. At 631 metres, it is the highest mountain in the destination; its trail is signposted and marked in red. Himakånå is a 357-metre-high rock formation or mountain above Lysevatnet, near Hinderåvåg. The hike is 4.2 kilometres long and takes about two hours return; the trail is signposted and well marked. These details provide a separate regional overview, distinct from the trails and sights in Skjoldastraumen.

Discover more destinations: Førre, Aksdal, Askeland, Tysvær, Nedstrand, Hervik.

Back to the wider travel overview: Tysvær.