Eikefjord: Fjord, Culture and Hiking Trails

Eikefjord continues from Vassreset and Solheimsfjorden, first extending east and then southeast. After 16 kilometres, it ends at the village of Eikefjord. National Route 5 runs along the north shore between Eikefjord and Florø.

Church and Rock Art

Eikefjord Church is a wooden cruciform church completed in 1812. It is one of the oldest churches in the Sunnfjord region and belongs to the first generation of Norwegian wooden churches built in the 19th century. Its completion marked the first new church site in the county since the 17th century. Its construction date and regional context highlight two aspects of its significance: the history of the village and the development of church architecture in Sunnfjord.

The altarpiece also points to a later period: it dates from 1874 and is a copy of Bertel Thorvaldsen’s 1829 sculpture of Christ. The corresponding sculpture in Eikefjord is carved from wood. Together with the church’s completion date, these details offer several historical reference points without implying that they belong to the same period.

Ausevika, one of Norway’s largest rock art sites, lies near Eikefjord. Between Eikefjord and Stavang, more than 300 Bronze Age depictions can be found there, including boats, animals and people. The motifs give the visit an archaeological focus, distinct from the history of the wooden church. In Ausevika, visitors must use only the paths and boardwalks. Access conditions may vary seasonally; check them before visiting.

Landscape and Hiking Trails

Another nearby landmark is Stakaldeneset: this barren, west-facing headland rises steeply from Eikefjord at the Helgøysundet strait. Diabase was quarried there for more than 4,000 years. The landscape and its long history of use offer a different perspective from the rock art at Ausevika.

A circular hike via Eikefjordstøylen, Ytrestøylen or Ytre Knappstadstøylen, and Betnene starts and ends at the rest area in Eikefjord on Route 5. North of the rest area, signs point to a well-marked trail towards Eikefjordstøylen. Check trail conditions and markings locally. On the route from Eikefjordstøylen to Knappstadstøylane, the markings are red at first, then orange. These descriptions refer to different sections and should be distinguished when navigating.

At Lona, a section of the trail to Eikefjordstøylen has been reinforced with stones so hikers can cross the area without getting their feet wet, even after rain. This is a specific example of trail maintenance accounting for wet conditions. Current conditions along the route remain important for planning.

Harbour and Water

Inside the breakwater, Eikefjord has a small marina with a floating jetty, visitor berths, water and electricity. As harbour services may change, check which information applies to your plans before arriving. Kyrkjebukta also has an anchorage with a muddy seabed and several mooring bolts. Navigational information may change with harbour conditions; bear this in mind when planning a stay on the water.

A municipal sampling found that Eikefjord’s bathing water quality was excellent. The results of the municipal sampling were published on 28 June 2023. Check current bathing advisories before swimming.

Discover more destinations: Stavang, Tansøy, Rognaldsvåg, Svortevik, Florø, Barekstad.

Return to the main travel overview: Flora.