Bjoa: Cultural Trail, Hillfort and Blueberry Garden

In Bjoa, the Kulturstien–Utbjoaneset, Steinslandssåto and the blueberry garden in Utbjoa cater to a range of interests. The cultural trail follows a route about three kilometres long and passes five burial mounds; Steinslandssåto has the remains of a hillfort and established climbing routes. The blueberry garden adds the opportunity to pick your own blueberries. The options therefore range from archaeological traces and hiking and climbing to picking your own berries.

Kulturstien–Utbjoaneset near Utbjoa

Kulturstien–Utbjoaneset is about 3 km long and branches off at the inner end of Utbjoavågen, making a circular walk possible. There are five burial mounds along the trail today. Its approximate length, the possibility of a circular route and the burial mounds offer three concrete points of reference for the outing: the distance, the route shape and the archaeological connection.

Steinslandssåto: Hillfort and climbing routes

The remains of a hillfort are located on Steinslandssåto near Bjoa. The summit is 249 m above sea level and rises about 50 m above the surrounding terrain. The two figures describe different measures: the height of the summit and how far it rises above its immediate surroundings. From the top, you are said to be able to see seven parishes. Climbing routes have also been established on Steinslandssåto. If you plan to use them, check their current condition beforehand.

Pick your own blueberries in Utbjoa

Alfred Mitchell’s blueberry garden in Utbjoa is an attraction where visitors can pick their own blueberries. This activity complements the hiking and cultural themes with something to do in its own right. Check the visitor information before you arrive.

Culture and hiking in the wider destination of Vindafjord

In the wider destination of Vindafjord, Vindafjord Museum focuses on local craft and economic history, particularly shipbuilding traditions. The museum is set up as a rural farmstead and includes the municipality’s last telegraph station. Its themes therefore range from shipbuilding to a specific example of telegraph history.

Another cultural site in the wider destination of Vindafjord is Nerheimstunet, on Store Nerheim in Ølen. The farmstead is believed to have been built around 1660, and its buildings have been restored. Nerheimstunet is associated with a pre-Christian temple to the gods, and there may also have been a historic meeting place there.

In the wider destination of Vindafjord, Olalia is a hiking area used in winter, summer and autumn. A lit path about five kilometres long runs between Oppheim and Fjellstøl. Marked trails and ski trails from Olalia lead to the hiking destinations Hest, Vådli and Staurskar. The lit path therefore has specifically named endpoints, while the other trails and ski trails lead to three named destinations. Since trail markings and conditions may vary by season, it is worth checking current conditions before a trip to Olalia.

In the wider destination of Vindafjord, Vadhytta can be reached from Bjoa and Ølensvåg via gravel roads. The route from Bjoa to the cabin is suitable for bicycles, strollers and wheelchairs. The cabin also has a mini-library run by Vindafjord Library.

Discover more destinations

Skjold, Vikebygd, Ølen, Vikedal, Ølensvåg, Åmsosen, Nedre Vats, Kvaløyna

Back to the wider travel overview: Vindafjord.