Mjømna – Island Church, Bridges and Trails to Piltevarden

Mjømna is an island in the municipality of Gulen in Vestland County, on the south side of the Sognesjøen, the outer part of the Sognefjord. Mjømnefjellet rises to 194 metres above sea level; Piltevarden, a destination on the circular hike and the 3-Fjellsturen, is located on this mountain. The island’s history and range of hiking options offer practical points of reference when choosing where to stay.

Bridges connect different islands

Mjåsundbrua connects Mjømna and Sandøy across the Mjåsundet. It is 217 metres long, rests on extensive embankments and is painted a warm red. Mjømnesundbrua provides another connection: it links Mjømna with Byrknesøy and is 376 metres long. Construction began in September 1995 and was completed two years later. The road connection between the two islands was officially opened on 13 September 1997.

The two bridges are easy to distinguish by where they lead: Mjåsundbrua crosses the Mjåsundet between Mjømna and Sandøy, while Mjømnesundbrua connects Mjømna and Byrknesøy. The second bridge’s length and construction history add a timeline to this geographical overview.

Church and memorial site on Mjømna

Mjømna kyrkje is a wooden long church with 310 seats. Bishop Johan Willoch Erichsen consecrated it on 5 November 1901. A votive ship dating from 1992, made by Ola Eiksund and shaped like a færing, hangs in the church. This makes a specific feature of the interior, as well as the church building itself, a focal point.

In the churchyard, a memorial stone stands by the grave of Konrad Byrknes (1915–1940). It is slightly more than three metres high, 55 centimetres wide and 23 centimetres thick. A memorial event is held there every year. If you are planning a visit for the occasion, check the current local arrangements.

Hikes to Piltevarden

The moderately difficult circular hike to Piltevarden starts at Mjømna kyrkje. It is 6.1 kilometres long, involves a total ascent of 219 metres and takes about three hours; the route is listed as open year-round. Its length, total ascent and approximate duration give you a practical framework for planning your day. The moderate rating describes the stated difficulty of the route.

Another option is Øytrimmen: on Mjømna, you can collect points each year from 1 January to 31 December. Checkpoints in the terrain are worth two points; Pitlevarden is listed as a summit checkpoint worth three points. Check the route details before setting out.

The 3-Fjellsturen also passes through Mjømna and continues to Piltevarden; a meal break is planned along the way. The event has been held every year since 2014, except for the COVID-19 year of 2020, and usually takes place in late April. While the circular hike is described with an approximate duration, the event’s usual date gives it a seasonal context. If you want to plan your trip around the 3-Fjellsturen, check the latest dates and arrangements.

More cultural highlights in Gulen

The wider destination of Gulen also offers cultural highlights of its own. From 900 to 1300, the Gulatinget was a regional assembly site where people from western Norway debated politics, made laws and administered justice. The Gulatinget Millennium Site in Flolid features monumental works of art by Bård Breivik. Gulen is also home to the Sellevåg wooden clog factory, a reminder of the small-scale wooden clog production that took place there until 1972.

Discover more destinations: Gulen, Byrknes, Ånneland, Åsheim, Byrknesøy, Dalsöyra, Eivindvik, Brekke

Back to the main travel overview: Gulen.