Hyllestad: Millstone History and Hiking Destinations

A day cabin by the lake, centuries of millstone history and trails to distinctive hiking destinations shape Hyllestad. The town combines cultural history with tangible experiences in nature: the extraction of garnet mica schist dates back to the 8th century, while marked trails lead to special destinations. When planning your hotel trip, you can decide whether to spend more time following the historic trails or hiking.

Millstone History and Pilgrim Route

Hyllestad is home to Norway’s and Northern Europe’s largest quarry from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages. Hyllestad’s cultural landscape tells the story of continuous garnet mica schist extraction spanning more than 1,300 years, dating back to the 8th century. Millstones from Hyllestad were exported to Germany, Denmark and Sweden. This long history reveals both how long the quarrying continued and the far-reaching trade connections it created.

Hyllestad Millstone Park is a designated key stop on the Coastal Pilgrim Route. This pilgrim route can be travelled by combining public boat services with car or bus journeys and hikes; arriving in your own leisure boat is also possible. If you plan to use a public boat service, check the timetable in advance.

Stone Crosses and Church

Three Celtic crosses from the early Middle Ages stand by the wall of Hyllestad’s old cemetery. A fourth cross from the site hangs in today’s “Hyllestad Church.” The long wooden church was consecrated on 23 November 1880 and is also located on the Coastal Pilgrim Route.

Hikes to Lihesten and Hesjetinden

Marked trails and Sherpa steps lead to the Lihesten plateau; from there, a marked trail continues to Risnesnipa. Hesjetinden is another hiking option: the 480-metre-high mountain offers views of Åfjord and Lihesten; the hike is easy to moderate, suitable for families and possible year-round.

Sørefjordhytta is a day cabin by Sørefjordsvatnet and offers views of Lihesten. The trail beside the cabin continues to Hesjetinden. The cabin thus brings together views of Lihesten and the trail to Hesjetinden.

Historic Trails and Other Experiences

Den Trondhjemske Postvei also combines cultural history with outdoor activity. The section through Hyllestad and Fjaler to Langeland was part of the route from 1785 to 1868; large sections of the post road have now been restored. The trail is marked in places and is best suited to hiking in its current condition. Some sections are overgrown or steep, so cyclists may need to use County Road 57 for parts of the route.

In summer, coffee and snacks are served in historic premises at Hyllestad Millstone Park. Indrefjord Gard offers farm visits with animal and petting-farm activities, as well as guided horseback rides. Ask in advance about dates if you plan to take part in one of these activities.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hyllestad, Sørbøvågen, Leirvik I Sogn, Aurland, Høyanger, Gaular, Balestrand, Gulen.

Go to the regional travel overview: Sogn Og Fjordane.