Askvoll: Island Nature, Culture and Hiking Trails

Bronze Age boat motifs, a wooden church dating from 1674 and the Nordsjøløypa trail, with flat sections, a few peaks and signposted viewpoints, show the variety of Askvoll’s island landscape. In the municipality, nature experiences range from fjords and mountains to the outer island archipelago. On Værlandet and Bulandet, trails and island life take centre stage; Atløy adds its own focus on cultural history.

Island Nature and Hiking

The Sørværet Nature Reserve near Værlandet is a protected wetland in Askvoll municipality. Visitors may see seals, otters, eagles and deer, among other wildlife; sightings are not guaranteed. Seasonal access restrictions may apply to the protected area. Værlandet and Bulandet have several established hiking trails. The Nordsjøløypa is one of the longer routes, combining flat terrain with a few peaks and signposted viewpoints. Check the signs on site. Alden lies between Værlandet, Bulandet and Atløy. The hike to its summit reaches an elevation of 481 metres and offers panoramic views. This gives you a choice of different types of hikes: a longer route with flat sections and viewpoints, or a summit hike with panoramic views.

Fishing History and Island Life

Bulandet is Norway’s westernmost active fishing community. The old schoolhouse is home to the Bulandet Theme Park, which provides an overall picture of life in the island community, past and present. The permanent exhibition focuses on the turn of the millennium, fishing and peace. Visits are possible on request or by appointment. On Værlandet, Hamnaholmen is housed in a former general store and serves as a café, pub and shop. It is near the Værlandet guest harbour and about 1.5 kilometres from the ferry terminal. If you plan to visit Hamnaholmen, check its opening details before your trip.

Rock Art and Architecture

At Cape Staveneset, the rock art site comprises 11 areas with Bronze Age rock carvings dating from around 1800 to 500 BC; most depict boat motifs. At Vilnes, on the southern tip of Atløy, stands Vilnes Church: a wooden long church built in 1674, with 130 seats. A stone cross in its churchyard commemorates the so-called Olav’s Cross on the island of Svanøy. Askvoll’s cultural history thus spans different periods: Bronze Age rock carvings and a church building from the 17th century.

Getting Around the Islands

The Værlandet–Bulandet cycling route is about 10.8 kilometres long and runs from the ferry terminal on Værlandet to the terminal on Bulandet. The free car and passenger ferry MF Nordfjord connects Askvoll or Fure in Fjaler with Værlandet and Bulandet. There are several daily sailings from Askvoll to Værlandet; check the timetable before your trip, especially if your plans depend on a specific connection.

To get to Alden, take the ferry from Askvoll or Fure in Fjaler to Værlandet, then continue by boat. Contact your accommodation to arrange boat transport; also check ferry times against your travel dates. When choosing where to stay based on your planned activities, distinguish between hikes on Værlandet and Bulandet, cultural sites on Atløy and the additional boat journey to Alden.

Discover more destinations: Bulandet, Værlandet, Holmedal, Kvammen, Stongfjorden, Korssund, Atløy, Askvoll.

For the main travel overview: Sogn Og Fjordane.