Discover Heggjabygda: Church, Art and Trails

Explore Heggjabygda through a range of interests: Heggjabygda Church on Hornindalsvatnet, local art offerings, and trails connected with Åsebønakkjen and Veltene. When planning your stay, it helps to consider these topics separately: the church and memorial stone offer a cultural and historical focus, the studio and courses an artistic one, while the trails are about spending time outdoors. If you’re looking for hotels in Heggjabygda, this selection can help you decide what you’d like your stay to focus on.

Church and local history

At the lower end of the settlement, right on Hornindalsvatnet, stands Heggjabygda Church, on the north side of the lake. The wooden building is a long church. It was consecrated on 21 October 1936 by Bishop Andreas Fleischer. The altarpiece is by Jens Leivdal of Nordfjordeid, and the frame was carved by Martin Lillestøl. The church has 200 seats. It thus brings together a tangible connection to the landscape with architectural and art history.

Another local historical landmark is the fire signal station in Heggjabygda. There, the Heggjabygda youth association erected a memorial stone in 1904. The date and the youth association’s initiative give this memorial a specific local context.

Landscape and trails

From Åsebønakkjen, you can look towards Eid and across Hornindalsvatnet. There is parking for Åsebønakkjen at the upper end of Åstøbakkane; check before setting off whether parking is still available, as parking arrangements can change. Southeast of the Åsebønakkjen memorial stone, towards Hornindalsvatnet, there is a steep slope. Keep this side of the terrain in mind as you find your way around.

There is also parking for Veltene at the upper end of Åstøbakkane, by the timber storage area at Reset. As parking arrangements can change, check before your visit whether parking is still available. The forest road to Veltene is steep and unsuitable for cars. From Veltene, an easy trail leads towards the summit of Hestefjellet. You can also continue from Veltene towards Blåfjellet.

Art and activities

Åse Huse’s studio is located in an old barn. The studio hosts exhibitions and sells art and crafts. This gives your stay a different focus from the church or Åsebønakkjen: art and crafts take centre stage. Åse Huse also offers art courses indoors and outdoors. UT av Huse offers courses and guided tours focused on paddling and friluftsliv, meaning outdoor activities and experiencing nature. At Åse Huse, the focus is on art courses; at UT av Huse, on paddling and friluftsliv. If you’d like to plan a visit or activity, check availability in advance.

Discover more destinations: Eid, Haus, Hennebygda, Holmøyane, Kjølsdalen, Stårheim, Torheim, Nordfjordeid

Go to the main travel overview: Eid.