in sunnhordland · 2016. 10. 11. · stolmen, return via bekkjarvik and on to bakkasund via the...

Bicycle trips in Sunnhordland

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Publisher: Samarbeidsrådet for Sunnhordland IKS. The cycling guide is financed through commercial development measures/ compensation funds for increased national insurance funds managed by Hordaland County Council. We reserve the right to make changes and do not take responsibility for any errors in this guide. Cover: Cycling in Kvinnherad - Norske Bygdeopplevelser Photo: Gro Jensen Gjerde, Gro Røhne Andersen, Kjartan Pettersen, Terje Rakke, Karen L Våge, Rosendal Turisthotell, Atle Helland, Norske Bygdeopplevelser, Kristina Bergesen, Ellen Tveit, Kjell Pettersen, Kristian Birkeland, Ragna Flotve, Jan Morten W. Nesse, Ove Gjerde, Svein Andersland, Vestfoto ved Tove V. Bråthen, Øyvind Stavenjord, Erik Kvalheim, Ida Wollum, Ragna Flotve, Reidun Rykkje, Dagfinn Bjørge, Toralv Brekke, Jon Olav Rolfsnes and Samarbeidsrådet for Sunnhordland. Edited 2015.

Cascading waterfalls, flocks of sheep along the roadside and the smell of the sea. Experiences are closer and more intense from the seat of a bike. Enjoy local home-made food and drink en route, as cycling certainly uses up a lot of energy! Imagine returning from a holiday in better shape than when you left. It’s a great feeling!

Sunnhordland is a region of contrast and variety. You can experience islands and skerries one day and fjords and mountains the next. Several cycling routes have been developed in Sunnhordland. Some of the cycling routes have been broken down into appropriate daily stages, with pleasant breaks on an express boat or ferry and lots of great experiences along the way.

In Austevoll, Bømlo, Etne, Fitjar, Kvinnherad, Stord, Sveio and Tysnes, you can choose between long or short day trips. These trips start and end in the same place, so you don’t have to bring your luggage. The day trips vary from 4 to 65 km. Spend a whole day on a trip or take a trip as a training exercise.

Cycling in Sunnhordland

The Barony Rosendal, Kvinnherad

Haugesund

Sand

Sauda

Nedstrand

Finnøy

Rennesøy

KarmøyBokn

Folgefonna

Odda

Halsnøy

Sunde

Sundal

Rosendal

Leirvik

Moster-hamn

Førde

Utåker

Jondal

Norheimsund

Utne

Hatvik

Bergen

Venjaneset

S U N N H O R D L A N D

Aksdal

Ropeid

Matre

FjellbergSydnes

JektavikHodnanes

Nordhuglo

Ranavik

Løfallstrand

Årsnes

Tørvikbygd

Samnanger

Svortland

Kvanndal

Kinsarvik

Trondheim

Oslo

Kristiansand

Sjernarøyane

Rubbestad-neset

F I TJ A R

S T O R D

T Y S N E S

K V I N N H E R A D

B Ø M LOE T N E

S V E I O

E39

E134

Tau

Stavanger

Sandnes

Jørpeland Lysefjorden

13

E39

E134

E39

E39

13

520

46

541

47

545

Etne

Ølen

Utbjoa

48Skånevik

48Varaldsøy

13

13

550

7

49

Halhjem

Våge

49

546

Hjelmeland

Ombo

Mekjarvik

Årdal

Oanes

45Frafjord

Forsand

48

AU S T E V O L L

Skudeneshavn

Sandvikvåg

Langevåg Buavåg

Skjershlm.

Ha

rdangerfjo

rden

Bekkjarvik

E16

E39

Hardanger

Arsvågen

Mortavika

Nesvik

Jelsa

Fister

Marvik

Sandeid

Fusa

Husavik

Gjermundshavn


13

Årdal

Oanes

Forsand

Fister


13

Årdal

Oanes

Forsand

Fister


13

Årdal

Oanes

Forsand

Fister

FrederikshavnHirtshals

KøbenhavnD A N M A R K Kiel

Kristiansand

OsloBergen

N O R G E

Stavanger

SandefjordLarvik

Strøm-stad

S V E R I G E

FjordNorgeSUNNHORDLAND

Hufthamar

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Accommodation: Cyclist-friendly accommodation is specially adapted for cyclists. This includes, among other things, safe bike parking, the opportunity to dry clothes and bike tools/wheel repair kits on

site. The accommodation enterprises have a special emblem on the outer door. It is often a good idea to book in advance.

Bike hire in Sunnhordland:

• Intersport Bekkjarvik, tel.: (+47) 56 18 08 56• Intersport Bremnes/Svortland, tel.: (+47) 53 42 12 80• Langevåg Bygdatun, tel.: (+47) 53 42 18 75/99 42 81 82• Rosendal Sport, tel.: (+47) 53 48 11 05• Fugl Fønix Hotell Etne, tel.: (+47) 53 77 14 40• Varehuset Larsen, Fitjar, tel.: (+47) 53 45 75 00• Joker Bakkasund, tel.: (+47) 56 18 32 05• Sveio Golfpark, tel.: (+47) 53 74 20 25• G sport Stord, tel.: (+47) 53 40 30 14

Practical informationi

Tips

Turtips• As a general rule, it may be a good idea to plan

travelling around 10 km per hour including short breaks.

• Never plan cycling stages that are so long that you don’t have time for unforeseen experiences en route.

• Well-inflated tyres don’t puncture as easily.

• Remember not to leave a trail behind you – show due consideration with respect to campfires, grazing animals and keeping dogs on a lead.

• Bring an extra inner tube, repair kit, pump and spanner.

• Pack saddlebags rather than a rucksack. A low centre of gravity is important.

• Eat little and often, and drink water frequently. Ensure you have easy access to high-energy food (nuts, fruit).

• Be prepared for fluctuating temperatures. It is better to wear several thin layers than one thick layer.

Remember that cycling is at your own risk; have fun and wear a helmet!

Map: Sunnhordland has GPS tracking units for many of its cycling routes. These can be downloaded from visitsunnhordland.no. You can also print detailed maps and route descriptions.

Our trip recommendations give you an opportunity to take detours. Have a rest on a small wharf, a beachor at a viewpoint. You can find more information about attractions, activities, accommodation etc. in theSunnhordland guide. The Sunnhordland guide is available at tourist information offices in Hordaland, or you can order a copy by sending an email to: [email protected].

View towards Rosendal, Kvinnherad

Bekkjarvik

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Austevoll municipality has become an ideal area for cycling now that the largest islands are con-nected by fantastic bridges. Cycling enthusiasts now have an opportunity to see a lot of Austevoll from the seat of their bike.

Starting in Bekkjarvik, you can cycle south to Stolmen via Salthella. The roads are great for cycling, and there is little traffic. Take time to enjoy the views as you cycle across Stolmen bridge. On Stolmen, you can park your bike at the shop at Årland and go for a walk on the newly-marked North Sea Trail.

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Selbjørn

Stolmen

Kvalvåg

Våge

Lundøya

Bekkjarvik

Difficulty level: MediumLength: 22,7 kmSurface: TarmacMax. altitude: 107 m

Bekkjarvik

Bekkjarvik – Stolmen (22,7 km)

Trip suggestions - Austevoll

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‘Smile to the west’For those who would like to cycle a longer trip, a good alternative is to cycle from Bekkjarvik to Bakkasund.

There are 26 km of excellent cycling paths from Bekkjarvik to Bak-kasund. If you are going to cycle there and back, the east side of Austevoll is recommended on the return trip. Cycling via Vinnes and Haukanes is like going back in time. You will see lovely green plains with impressive stone dykes, and the wild sheep will inquisitively watch you as you whiz past. In Storebø, you can have a bite to eat at Kultur-bakeriet bakery.

From Storebø, you then cycle across Austevollsbrua bridge to Aus-tevollshella. Take the time to enjoy the views to the west from up on Austevollsbrua bridge. Here, you can enjoy great open views of the sea from the seat of your bike. There are also two lovely picnic areas on the series of bridges for those who have brought a packed lunch. Cycle across Hundvåkøy on another great series of bridges to Storekalsøy and Bakkasund. The shop at Bahus on Bakkasund is worth a visit. The marina is a busy and lively place during summer.

On Bakkasund, you can cycle out to Kalve and walk the marked North Sea Trail out to Skansen. There are wide open views of Sotra, Marstein-en lighthouse and the ocean from Skansen. The sea has worn the rock at Skansen into special formations, and the sea shows its power and commands respect on windy days.

You can cycle the whole ‘smile to the west’ circuit. From Bekkjarvik to Stolmen, return via Bekkjarvik and on to Bakkasund via the east side of Austevoll. If you plot in the route on the map, you will see that a ‘smile to the west’ appears. Pack your bike and get out and smile back to Austevoll from the seat of your bike.

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Hundvåkøy

Bakkasund

Kalve

BekkjarvikStolmen

Selbjørn

Storebø

Huftarøy

Difficulty level: MediumLenght: 65 kmSurface: TarmacMax. altitude: 87 m

At Storekalsøy

Bekkjarvik – Bakkasund (65 km)

Trip suggestions - Austevoll

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Røyksundskanalen

When you come from Trekantsambandet (the Triangle Connection) and have cycled across B.mlabrua bridge, you come to Gassasundet sound. There is a car park here at the junction to Moster, which is the starting point for the Around Siggjo route.

This is also where the round trip ends – at this junction on the Rv 541 road. But first, you cycle on a good 4-km walking and cycling path to-wards Siggjo. Follow this path on the outside of the Stokkajuvstunnelen tunnel. From the old road, you can look down on the old ferry quay in Siggjarvåg, which is now closed. The cycling path then comes to an end for a while.

After 6.5 km, you come to the crossroads at Ekornsætre. Turn left here towards Langevåg. When you have cycled a little while on the Erslands-vegen road, you can see Mount Siggjo rise to your left. Cycle a further 3.3 km to Tormodsætre. At this crossroads, continue to follow the road to Langevåg on the left. The road then narrows somewhat and twists and turns a bit. Follow Erslandsvatnet lake a while until you come to a small picnic area on the right-hand side of the road. From here, there are idyllic views across Sakseidvågen bay. After another 2.5 km, turn left towards Håvik at the Sakseid T-junction. Pass the old vicarage at Finnås on your right, before you come to the lovely beach in Åreiddalen.

It is 5.5 km from Åreiddalen to Håvik, and a further 2 km from Håvik to Røyksundkanalen canal. You cycle straight through Indre Håvik to get there. When you get to the crossroads at Røyksund, turn left again unless you want to take a short detour to Moster. It is 1 km from the crossroads to Gassasundet sound, which brings you to the end of the round trip.

Around Siggjo (27,3 km)

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SiggjoHåvik

Moster

Foldrøyhamn

Rubbestadneset

Sakseid

Ersland Siggjarvåg

Difficulty level: MediumLenght: 27,3 kmSurface: TarmacMax. altitude: 130 m

Trip suggestions - Bømlo

Brandasund

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The trip to Brandasund starts in Svortland.

In Hollundskjosen (the roundabout), turn left towards Brandasund. After 1.5 km, you come to Urangsvåg and its sheltered marina. The county road north to Brandasund is a varied, fun cycle and is narrow and hilly in parts. The road crosses several islands that are connected by bridges, and there are great views of the islands and skerries. You can take detours to some nice places en route to Brandasund, such as Katla and Skinnhueneset. ‘Nillo på Skjèret’ once lived on the island of Torgjo (Torget). Today, her de-scendants run the traditional village shop there. Now, it is only a further 1.5 km to Brandasund, and you are surrounded by the ocean on almost all sides. When you arrive in picturesque Brandasund, you will see white-painted houses huddled together, with lots of passing boat traffic. You can grab a bite to eat here. There is also a small sales outlet for felted woollen products and a wood carver who can make just about anything.

A walk to Brandasundsåta is also recommended while you are out at the ocean’s edge. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the top, where you get a real sense of being on top of the world.

Follow the same road back to Svortland. The route has a total length of 32.9 km and an altitude difference of 58 metres.

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Urangsvåg

Svortland

Skinnhueneset

Katla

Brandasund

Rolfsnes

Goddo

Difficulty level: Easy – MediumLenght: 32,9 kmSurface: TarmacMax. altitude: 59 m

Brandasund

Svortland – Brandasund (32,9 km)


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Svortland is the starting point for the cycling trip to Hiskjo.

Follow the road north past the council offices. At the roundabout, turn left towards Meling. At Økland, follow the signs to Hiskjo, to the left at the crossroads. Turn left at Melingskrysset crossroads, south towards Hiskjo. You then cycle seven kilometres through open landscape on all sides.

There are lovely beaches on the east side of the road and a lovely, old quay when you arrive in Hiskjo after 12 km. There is a marked road from the quay to Hiskholmen, called the ‘island of the Saga Kings’. There used to be a good harbour here both for small boats and their crew. When the weather was rough, this harbour always offered shelter out here at the ocean’s edge.

The route has a total length of 23.5 km, and it is pretty flat and easy to cycle with an altitude difference of 44 metres.

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Meling

Øklandsvåg

Hiskjo

Svortland

Difficulty level: Easy – MediumLenght: 23,5 kmSurface: Tarmac Max. altitude: 40 m

On the way to Hiskjo

Hiskjo

Svortland – Hiskjo (23,5 km)


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Cycling the fjords between the beautiful villages The trip starts in Skånevik, also known as ’the gem of Sunnhordland’, among other things because of its building style that is reminiscent of Southern Norway. Why not visit during the blues festival in July? You can find more information about what you can see and do in Skånevik at visitsunnhordland.no

The trip to Etne heads west past Fjordhotellet and the idyllic bathing islet Peparen. After 700 metres, you pass a sports ground, and 500 metres later you come to Leknes, where the old Post Road to Etne crosses the road.

The next 4 to 5 km is through pleasant villages in a small-scale cultural landscape, before the island of Taraldsøy appears on your right. There are beautiful views of Halsnøy island and the distinctive mountain Sydnessåto towards the end of the fjord. At Ebne, you see four gravestones in a field by the sea, which are part of the biggest ancient burial ground in Skånevikstranda. At Sandvik, you can take a detour down to a large beach.

The Ølensfjord and Etnefjord meet off Børkjenesklubben, which is where you turn east towards Etne. After a few turns in the road, you come to Svindal and Holmaseid. Nordstranda ascends steeply from the road, and is particularly steep at Dysjanes. Neset is a very popular fishing spot.

You are now approaching Etne, and you can see Tongane industrial site from Fjøsnaneset. At the old Enge school, you turn right across Etneelva river. A fish trap has been set up here, which will catch escaped farmed salmon for a three-year period from 2013. You pass the SKAKKE centre on your way to the centre of Etne, which is the village’s cultural venue. Check out its cinema programme. There are many food and accommodation options in Etne, where you can relax after the trip. There is a Tourist Information office at Fugl Fønix Hotel.

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Skånevik

E134

E134

E134

E134

E134

E13448

48

48

48

48

Utåker Åkra

Halsnøy

Taraldsøya

Etne

Ølen


The statue of King Magnus Erlingsson

Lauvvik, Skånevikstranda

Skånevik - Etne (27 km)

Trip suggestions - Etne

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Fitjar

Vestbøstad

Vik

Årbøelva

Rimbareid

Øvrebygda

Storavatnet


A nice trip around the largest lake in Fitjar.

This is a lovely trip around Storavatnet, the biggest lake in Fitjar. The trip starts in the centre of Fitjar, where you will find ‘Cyclist Welcome’ accommodation and bike hire, among other things. Follow the RV 545 road past Fitjar church and cycle southwards. After roughly two km, you come to a forestry plantation. If you like, you can leave your bike here and follow the walking path to Rimbareid on your left. There is a sign with a map at the start of the walk. Walking maps can also be purchased at Tourist Information.

When you have cycled a further one km on the RV 545 road, you arrive at the shore of Storavatnet lake. This is also where the ‘old road’ from Fitjar ends, which is an alternative to the main road if you would like to take a quieter route up to Vik. The road starts to the right of Fitjar church (skyssbrekka).

Continue cycling on the walking/cycling path towards Tveita. After a further two km, you turn left at a gravel car park, where a popular walking path starts. The path then forks in two: One path goes south to Sørlivatnet lake and Klysgard, while the other goes north to Botnavat-net lake and Kidno.

Follow the road on past Årbøelva river to the crossroads by the local Joker supermarket. You will find a table and benches there, and it is a good place to have a rest midway in the trip. Then turn right off the RV 545 road towards Koløyholmen. Cycle one km on a narrow country road and then turn right towards Fitjar at the crossroads at Øvrebygda Bedehus. After four km, you can turn right at a small car park, which brings you to Breiavikjo, a public bathing spot on the shore of Storavat-net lake. The bottom of the lake slopes gradually, and there are tables and benches and a toilet.

From there, you cycle one km until you reach a crossroads where you turn left onto the Vestbøstadvegen road. The road to the right takes you onto ‘the old road’ and down to Fitjar/Vik. Follow the Vestbøstadvegen road along the sea until you arrive back in the centre of Fitjar.

Kalveid, Fitjar

Around Storavatnet lake (16 km)

Trip suggestions - Fitjar

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Fitjar

Vestbøstad

Rimbareid

Fitjar

Vestbøstad

Rimbareid

StoravatnetKråko

Difficulty level: Easy – MediumLenght: 13,5 km Surface: Tarmac Max. altitude: 54 m

Difficulty level: EasyLenght: 5 km Surface: TarmacMax. altitude: 66 m

This is a varied cycling trip on a quiet road through Kråko, a beautiful area of shoreside cabins.

The trip starts in the centre of Fitjar, where you can hire bikes and find ‘Cyclist Welcome’ services, among other things. Follow the walking/cy-cling path along the seaward side of Vestbøstadvegen road. After almost three km, you turn right down towards Fitjar Sjø & Camping, Fitjar Laks and Kråko Sjøhytteområde. After a short distance, you again turn right towards Kråko Sjøhytteområde. Continue past Fitjar Sjø & Camping and then take the first left. You then come to a lovely area of cabins situated in beautiful scenery, and you keep cycling until you end up by the sea. If you would like to do a slightly longer trip, you can turn right after about 6.5 km up to Vesthaugane Hyttegrend. You will find tables and benches on this short round trip. Turn left again when you return to the road and follow it the same way back to the centre of Fitjar.

Kråko Sjøhytteområde (13,5 km)

An easy, short cycling trip with walking/cycling paths on parts of the route.

The trip starts in the centre of Fitjar and follows Vestbøstadvegen road along the sea. After 2.4 km, you come to a crossroads, where you turn left onto a narrow country road. You cycle along this road for 1.3 km until you come to another country road where you turn left and continue past Rimbareid primary and lower secondary school and on down Sjøssbrekka hill back to the centre of Fitjar. ‘Cyclist Welcome’ accommodation and bike hire available in the centre of Fitjar.

Around Vestbøstad (5 km)

Vestbøstad, Fitjar

Kråko Sjøhytteområde, Fitjar


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A varied route with a steep ascent. On this trip, it’s up to you whether you walk or cycle up the mountain.

The route starts in the centre of Fitjar, where you will find ‘Cyclist Welcome’ accommodation and bike hire, among other things. Follow the RV 545 road south past Fitjar church before you turn left onto a narrow country road after one km. You follow this road up to a car park with a barrier.

This is where the gravel path up to Svartavatnet lake starts. There is a steep ascent initially, but the path gradually flattens out.

After cycling 1.7 km from the car park, you come to the first lake , Olskjødno. The next lake is situated 0.8 km further ahead and is called Kidnavatnet. Midtvatnet lake then comes into sight and after almost one km, you arrive at Svartavatnet lake, which is one of Fitjar’s sources of drinking water. Tables and benches have been set up along the gravel path.

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Fitjar

Rimbareid

Storavatnet

Svartavatnet

Difficulty level: DemandingLenght: 12,3 kmSurface: Tarmac and gravel roadMax. altitude: 387 m

A view over the Fitjar islands

The road to Svartavatnet lake

Svartavatnet lake (12,3 km)


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Cycling around Uskedalen is a trip through a ch-anging landscape. From the flat, gentle landscape down by the fjord, the valley changes as you get higher up to lush agricultural communities and on to more dramatic landscape with the sheer moun-tainsides of Ulvanosa towering over the valley.

There are two roads at the bottom of Uskedalen valley, one on each side. They meet at Haugland and continue as one road all the way up to Friheim and Fjellandsbøvatnet lake.

Start at the car park in the centre of Uskedalen and cycle up to Kjær-landssida and on to Haugland where the roads meet. The road then continues past Haugland old school, which is now a museum. Guided tours by appointment; contact the cultural office of Kvinnherad munici-pality (tel.: +47 53 48 31 00).

The valley narrows and the road passes Friheim, which is the upper-most farm in Uskedalen. This is the home of Friheim Gardsmat. This company makes meat products and has a sales outlet on the farm. If you cycle past Friheim, you come to Fjellandsbøvatnet lake, which is a lovely area. Please note that cattle may be grazing in the area!

Return to the centre by the same route via Haugland and then follow the left side of the valley back down to the main road.

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Uskedalen

Haugland

FriheimFjellandsbøvatnet


Fjellandsbøvatnet lake with the Ulvanosa mountain in the bakcground.

Cycling route – Uskedalen (18,1 km)

The view from the main road towards Uskedalen

Trip suggestions - Kvinnherad

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Cycling into the Bondhusdalen valley is a trip inFolgefonna National Park.

The trip starts at the car park in Bondhusdalen. This valley has attracted visitors for more than 100 years. There are good gravel roads from Sundal on the Maurangerfjord up to Bondhusvatnet lake, where you can enjoy views of Bondhusbrea glacier and the lake.

Animals may be grazing along the road, so remember to shut gates!

Further up the valley, the trail turns off towards the cabins Fonnabu and Folgefonna. This trail was formerly known as ‘Keisarstien’ (Emperor’s path). See a separate description of this walk to Fonnabu.

There are tables and benches by Bondhusvatnet lake, where you can stop for a bite to eat. A path continues along the lake to the furthermost end, which is called Vetledalen valley. From there, you look up to a glacier arm, which has receded considerably in recent years.

The rich history of the Bondhusdalen valley and the tourists that flocked to the Folgefonna glacier in the late 1800s has been documented in several books. Today, Folgefonni Breførarlag guides tourists across Folgefonna from Fonnabu to Holmaskjer on the side of the glacier nearest Odda. You can walk up to Fonnabu without a glacier guide.

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Sundal

Bondhusvatnet

Bondhusdalen


Bondhusvatnet lake with the Bondhusbrea glacierin the bakcground

Cycling route – Bondhusdalen (7,1 km)

Cycling trip to the Bondhusvatnet lake


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This cycling trip is on pleasant, quiet roads around Husnes.

Start at Husnes Båthavn, which has been voted Norway’s best marina several times. On the road up from the sea, you pass Kvinnherad golf club and Undarheim golf course, which is a nine-hole course. To your left, you will also see the aluminium factory at Husnes, SørNorge Aluminium.

Turn right at the first crossroads and continue on to Husnes church. Turn right again at the church and cycle on to the next crossroads. Turn right there as well. Turn left towards Sunde at the next crossroads (not towards Bogsnes).

At the next crossroads, cycle straight ahead on the Kaldestadvegen road, not towards the centre of Husnes. There is then a slight ascent where the road twists and turns up to Kaldestad. There is a lovely view of the fjord from up at Kaldestad. This is the starting point for the walking path to Kaldestadåsen. Having passed Grønstøl, the road descends again down into a little valley where you turn off to the right on the Vågsvegen road. Follow this road past Christmas tree plantations and pleasant small farm clusters. At the sign for Bjelland, you can take a detour and walk to Bjellandsneset. Continue on the Vågsvegen road to Sunde, where you first pass Sunde marina and then cross the bridge into the old centre of Sunde. Turn off to the right after the bridge and continue past the old canning factory, which is now used as a salmon harvesting plant. A little further on, you will see Sunde quay on the other side of the bay. Express boats call here on their way to both Bergen and Stavanger.

Continue up the bay and don’t turn left towards Husnes, but cycle across the bridge and turn left towards Rosendal when you come to the next crossroads. The road then continues up to Reset and the Fv 48 Vikefjellsvegen road, which you follow a while until the Post Road crosses the Fv 48 road. Lovely view of Opsangervatnet lake with Husnes on the far side of the lake.

Turn off the Fv road at the Post Road sign, and follow the gravel road down towards Opsangervatnet lake. The Post Road takes you to the road in the centre of Husnes. Turn left towards the light sculpture ‘Samspel’ and continue to the roundabout by the Statoil service station at Husnes. Then turn right towards the golf course/church and return to Husnes Båthavn.

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Opsangervatnet

Kaldestad

SundeReset

Husnes

Husnes Båthavn

Difficulty level: DemandingLenght: 15 kmSurface: Tarmac and gravel roadMax. altitude: 84 m

Cycling route – Husnes-Kaldestad-Sunde-Husnes (15 km)

Husnes by Opsangervatnet lake


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A varied round trip that takes you inland andalong the coast.

The trip starts at the marina in Leirvik. Turn right at the roundabout and continue past Galleri Giga. Follow cycling route no 1 past Esso and out of the town centre. The route takes you up a gentle ascent past Knutsaåsen Aldersheim (old people’s home) to the end of the road where the road then splits in two – follow the one that passes through an underpass. You will now be cycling on a gravel road. After the last house on this road, there is a gradual descent down a carriage road. Follow cycling route no 1 and you will return to Gruvevegen road. Pass the old school at Stuva and continue through Litlabø. There are many lovely farms and fantastic cultural landscape along the road.

After roughly 6.5 km, you come to an exit road on the right that takes you to the Mining Museum at Litlabø. Iron pyrite was extracted here from 1865 to 1968. The museum has lovely grounds with a walking trail.

From the Mining Museum, you can continue cycling on a walking path along Storavatnet lake. After roughly three km, you come to a crossroads in Sagvåg, which brings you to the west side of Stord. Follow cycling sign no 1 towards Haugesund (to the left) on Sagvågsvegen road towards the centre of Sagvåg, where there is a grocery shop and service station. Sagvåg quay is situated about 100 metres from Sagvågsvegen road to the right of the grocery shop. This is a nice area with benches, tables and an information board.

Follow the road from the centre of Sagvåg towards Leirvik, and cycle on a footpath past the sign to Kunsthuset at Almås (detour 0.9 km on the left) and then past another road to Sætravik bathing spot (detour 1.2 km on the right). After around 3.5 km, the road meets the E 39 road. Stick to the left and follow the signs to Leirvik over the footbridge (that crosses the E 39 road) and on behind Heiane Storsenter (shopping centre). Follow the blue signs towards Leirvik past Langeland school. The road meets Verftsvegen and you can take a detour down to Kværner Stord, Sunnhordland’s largest industrial employer. You can alternatively follow the footpath towards the centre of Leirvik, along Andedammen pond and down to Kulturhuset and the marina.

Difficulty level: Medium Lenght: 18 kmSurface: Tarmac and gravel road

SagvågLeirvik

Heiane

LitlabøNysæter

Sagvåg guest marina

The sculpture ”Storddøra” (The Stord Door), Leirvik

Litlabø, Sagvågsrunden (18 km)

Trip suggestions - Stord

200m

0m

0m 2km1km 3km 4km

Easy, short cycling trip suitable for familieswith small children.

Start at Kulturhuset in the centre of Leirvik, and follow the narrow road on the lefthand side behind Kulturhuset up a steep hill. Continue cycling under the footbridge, past Andedammen pond and on along the main road until you come to a pedestrian crossing by a bus stop. Cross the pedestrian crossing and turn left. You then come to the entrance to Landåsen walking area, 0.8 km from Kulturhuset. You can then cycle a further 1.5 km until you come to the end of Landåsvatnet lake, where there are tables, benches and you can swim.

Landåsen walking area is often used by the locals. Another popular stop in Landåsen is the “fairy-tale forest” where you can see exhibitions of Norwegian folktales.

Difficulty level: EasyLenght: 4,5 kmSurface: Tarmac and gravel roadMaks. høgde: 74 m

17

Leirvik

Vabakken

Landåsen

Starting point for Landåsen

In the ”fairy-tale forest”, Landåsen


Landåsen turområde (walking area) (4,5 km)

A lovely trip through beautiful scenery and char-ming cultural landscape.

Starts at Kulturhuset in the centre of Leirvik. Cycle through the town centre and continue up Borggata Street. To visit Sunnhordland Mu-seum, turn left up Skrivarvegen road and take the first right. At the top of the hill, you come to Sunnhordlandstunet – a farm cluster of eleven old buildings where there is a historical exhibition, a café that is open at weekends. From Borggata continue on your right along Skrivarve-gen road, past the church and up Hystadvegen road. After 2.3 km, turn right onto Valevegen road (a 30-km zone). This is a narrower road with very little traffic and a nice view of the sea. After cycling 3 km, you come to the premises of the business Apply. From here, continue up to the left along Storhaugvegen road. After 0.7 km, you come to a pedestrian crossing where you turn right into an area of gravel, where the road through Hystadmarkjo starts – the biggest alder forest in Northern Europe – starts. There are benches and a toilet here. You must push your bike along the roughly two-km long trail. At the end of Hystadmarkjo, you come to a large marina. Cycle along the marina and follow Sjoarvegen road back up to Hystadvegen road, where you turn right. After 7.7 km, you come to a sign for Rommetveit. Turn right past Samhald and cycle up a narrow, local road (Krokane) where you cycle through a small area of idyllic cultural landscape. After 0.8 km, you come down onto Klingenbergvegen road. If you turn right, you come to Breidvik, a small beach with a wharf, tables and benches. Cycle back up Klingenbergvegen road, past HSH and onto Rommetveitvegen road. After cycling roughly 11 km, you come to the E39 road. Cross this road and cycle up Fjellgardsvegen road. After 4.8 km, you come to Saneset. Just before the E39 road, you turn right down to a small area of gravel where you then follow a narrow gravel path along Ådlandsvatnet lake. After almost 1 km, you arrive at the beach by Ådlandsvatnet lake, which is a lovely spot for swimming. After 0.5 km, you come to an intersec-tion under Ådlandsbrua bridge where you keep cycling straight ahead towards Krækjen fish farm and up the hill to the left. You then come out onto Ådlandsvegen road, which you follow down again to Stord Church. Then follow Hystadvegen road to the right back to the centre of Leirvik.

200m

0m


Difficulty level: MediumLenght: 20 kmSurface: Tarmac and gravel roadMaks. høgde: 160 m

18

Stord Sjukehus

Ådlandsvatnet

Fjellgardane

Rommetveit

Hystadmarkjo

Hystadmarkjo

Fjellgardane, Stord


Leirvik – Hystadmarkjo – Fjellgardane – Ådlandsvatnet lake (20 km)

Mekjeland, Sveio

19

The route starts on the bike path along the main road and continues through peaceful forests and farmland with many gems along Ålfjorden. If you’d like, you can make a detour into the village in Førde, or go for a swim in Selsåsvika.

Where the road from the Golf-park meets the road to the village, turn left and ride on the pedestrian-/cycle-track northwards alongside the Route 47. You have to cross to the right-hand side at Bjelland, and ride in the underpass at the intersection, continuing now alongside the highway E39. Pass Haukås service-station. After Rød, at Drange, the cycle-path stops, you have to ride on the road 1 km, and there can be a lot of traffic. On the left turn into the old gravel road. (From here there’s a walkingtrack to a stone-age settlement site, Geitalemmen.) At Hanaleite the cycle-track begins again. At Førde there is a café and a shop down the hill on the left. You cross E39 and take the road to the right to Erve, with signposts. At Joavatnet there’s a walking-track on the right to Børshovda, 189 metres high and a fortress about 500 A.D. At Selsåsvika there is a recreation area where you can swim in the fjord, and there’s a public toilet. The road winds through forest and past peaceful farms, Framnes, Oa and Erve. At Våga there is a quay and a shop which is open in the summer. From Våga you go up the hill, a sharp turn to the right, Continue past Mekjeland, in the underpass under E39, and to Krossgått. Here you turn right, past Lid school, and on up to the main road Route 47. Cross over, and ride southwards on the cycle-track back to the Golf-park.

200m

0m


Round trip Ålfjord (32,5 km)

SveioErve

Kvalvåg

Selsåsvika

Førde

Difficulty level: Medium – DemandingLenght: 32,5 km Surface: Tarmac and gravel path

Rødspollen, Sveio

Framnes, Sveio

Trip suggestions - Sveio

20

A round trip on the peaceful village roads to Ryvarden Lighthouse.

From the Golf-park cycle past the shops and about 200 metres west of the church ride up the hill on the right, and after about 1/2 km turn right again, northwards along Tjernagelsvegen. This road is partly narrow and winding and is used by heavy transport. After about 3 km there’s a side-road on the left with a sign to Eltravåg. Ride about 3 1/2 km until the road gets to Route 541. Turn left, southwards. When you come to Lyngholmsvegen on the right, you can take a detour out there (2 km each way) to see the monument in memory of the shipwreck, “DS Thor”, in 1906. Continuing along Route 541, past Vandaskog, you come to Mølstre crossroads. Turn right, following the signs to Ryvarden. From Mølstrevåg the last 2 1/2 km are on a narrow gravel road over a moor. At the lighthouse there is a gallery and a café, open on Sundays, as well as weekdays in the summer. For accommodation, you can rent a cozy house with a living room, kitchen, a bathroom and four bedrooms. To book the house/make an agreement please contact Gunn Bente Håvardsholm on tel.: + 47 53 74 80 00. You can find more information on www.ryvarden.no To get back to Sveio village, cycle to the crossroads at Mølstre, turn left (north) and after about 250 metres, where there is a little red house from the 1800’s, turn right onto the gravel road Paddevegen. Beware, there is not much traffic here but you don’t always see or hear it until the last minute. Ride about 5 km, turn right and straight afterwards left on to the pedestrian-/cycle-track past the church and shops, and left back up to the Golf-park. If you want a longer trip, you can cycle from Sveio center towards Førde on E39. Down at the pier in Førde lies the restaurant/cafe Kaien AS.

200m

0m


Round trip Ryvarden lighthouse in Sveio (25 km)

Ryvarden

Sveio

Mølstrevåg

Eltravåg

Difficulty level: Medium Lenght: 25 kmSurface: Tarmac and gravel road

Ryvarden lighthouse, Sveio

Ryvarden towards Hårsku, Sveio


21

200m

0m

0m 9km 18km 27km

A round trip around Vigdarvatn lake, the largest lake in Sveio. Plenty of opportunities for a dip in fresh or salt water. The round trip follows a bike path and roads with little traffic.

From the Golf-park cycle to the road to the village and turn left, on to the pedestrian-/ cycle-track, going northwards alongside the main road Route 47. When the cycle-track stops, cross the road and cycle on the side-road, signposted “Kvalvåg”, eastwards past Lid school. At Krossgått turn left, towards Våga. The road goes under the E39, continue to Våga. Down a steep hill you come to a junction where you turn right.

You continue past Kvalvåg, past Fjon camping-place, and a fish farm. Further on you come to the highway E39 and you have to cycle to the left, on the highway about 200 metres as far as the side-road with a sign to “Søre Våge”which takes off to the right.

Along the next 10 km, past Eilerås and Kalland, there are several lakes, but note that swimming is not allowed in lakes used for town water supplies (signposted).

This road leads to the main road Route 47 where you turn right (north). Use the cycletrack, and turn into Route 541 with a sign to Buavåg. After about 1 km, keep to the right, leaving R541, and ride along Vågedalen. At the intersection with Route 47, cross over and after a short distance on the cycle-track, turn right and follow the signs past Tveit on the local road. This leads back to R47 where the cycle-track begins again and goes past Krossleite housing area and under the main road. Then you turn right and come back to Sveio village, and further on the Golf-park.

Difficulty level: Medium – DemandingLenght: 37 km Surface: Tarmac

Round trip Kvalvåg/Kalland (37km)

Sveio

Kvalvåg

Tveit

Eilerås, Sveio


At Nesheim, Sveio

22

The route varies from cycle path along the main road, country road through beautiful farmland and roads along the coast.

Where the road from the Golf-park meets the road to the village, turn left and ride on the pedestrian-/cycle-track, signposted “Bergen”, i.e. northwards alongside the main road Route 47. When the cycle-track stops, you have to cross the road; the cycle-track resumes on the right-hand side. It continues through an underpass at the intersection with the highway E39, and you ride on, past a service-station on the east side, Haukås, until you get to Rød. At the sign to “Auklandshamn”, turn left, leaving the cycle-track. This road is narrow and winding, with local traffic. On the right-hand side is Langevatnet with places for swimming and for fishing if you buy a fishing-permit. You come to a road junction with a sign to “Tjernagel”. A detour, take the road to the right, then walk to the recreation area Slettene, where you can swim or picnic, and there’s a public toilet. Otherwise go to the left at that junction. There is a store at Auklandshamn. Ride south along the coast with its inlets, towards Tjernagel. There is an old harbour and fishing-port. The road goes to Bua. On the left is Storevatnet where you can swim. Just past a kindergarten (previously school) on the left, you come to a crossroads. (Straight ahead is the shortest way back to Sveio, a hilly road with traffic to and from the ferry.) The road to the right from the crossroads, with a sign to “Bømlo”, brings you to Buavåg where a car-ferry goes from. From here the road southwards, Route 541, is part of the North Sea Cycle Route, in the direction of Haugesund. South of Buavåg you can swim in the sea at Grunnavåg, 5 min walk from the road. Further on at Hovda is a beautiful view over Bømlafjord Continuing southwards you pass Eltravåg and come to Lyngholmsvegen. Another possible detour, take to the right out to the monument in memory of the shipwreck “D S Thor” in 1906. Route 541 goes past Vandaskog and on the left is the gravel road Paddevegen, with a small red house from 1800. This is the way back, but another possible detour is to ride 1/2 km further on to Mølstre crossroads, and turn right at the sign. “Ryvarden Kulturfyr”, a lighthouse well worth visiting. About 7 kilometres there and back (4 km gravel). From Mølstre crossroads you turn left and ride 1/2 km back to Paddevegen. There is little traffic on this gravel road but beware, because of the forest and the hills, you don’t always see or hear it until the last minute. When you get to the asphalt, turn right and shortly left on to the cycle-track back to the shops and on to the Golf-park.

The coastal trip in Sveio (Sveio – Rød – Auklandshamn – Bua – Vikse – Sveio) (49 km)

200m

0m


Sveio

TveitMølstrevåg

Vikse

Buavåg

Tjernangel

Auklandshamn

Rød

Difficulty level: MediumLenght: 49 kmSurface: Tarmac and gravel road


23

The cycling trip to the beautiful Haaheim Gaardstarts at Malkenes quay, where the Hardangerfjordekspressen express boat calls on its way from Bergen to Rosendal.

The route is almost 20 km long, so it’s a good thing that there’s a culinary treat at the other end of the route, where an unforgettable experience awaits you.

You cycle up the road from the Malkenes quay to the crossroads on the Rv 49 road, turn right to the west and follow the road to Lundegrend and Våge. Here, you can enjoy cycling on quiet roads while you enjoy the views of Humlevika cove, Gjersvikvågen bay and the Bjørnefjord with its wooded small islands, islets and skerries. After 3.5 km, you pass Lundegrend, where you can buy something to drink or fill your water bottle. If you really want to work up a sweat, you can take a detour after a further 6 km by turning off towards Myrdal at the crossroads. This the shortest and steepest ascent up Tysnessåta (753 metres). After 12 km, you get to Våge and follow the Rv 49 road to the left at the roundabout, south towards Stord, Hodnanes and Uggdal. Just before you get to Uggdal, there are signs up towards Dalen. You then follow the road along the Reiso river the last 3 km to Haaheim Gaard.

You will receive a warm welcome when you arrive at Haaheim Gaard, where you can enjoy the good life until you’re ready for the next adventure on the seat of your bike.

200m

0m

0m 5km 10km 15km

Malkenes – Haaheim Gaard (19,7 km)

Uggdal

Våge

Haaheim Gaard

Malkenes

Lundegrend

Difficulty level: MediumLenght: 19,7 km Surface: TarmacMaks. høgde: 145 m

Våge gjestehamn

Trip suggestions - Tysnes

24

This is an interesting cycling trip through highly varied scenery, which starts in the coastal village of Våge.

You cycle through undeveloped areas, over flowering meadows, farm clusters, and through woodland. Large parts of the trip are along the Hardangerfjord with views of the Kvinnheradsfjella mountains and the Folgefonna glacier in the background. Excellent views along the whole route, and the diversity and variation make this route special, since you cycle on both the west, east and north sides of the island as well as right across it. You experience fjords, mountains, the coast and inland landscapes. Start at the ferry quay at Våge. After about 350 metres, turn right at the roundabout on the Rv 49 road towards Hodnanes and Stord. After 4.8 km, after you have passed Uggdal church and just before Uggdal town hall, you come to a sign for Onarheim. Turn left, east towards Onarheim (13 km). Follow Uggdalsdalen valley right across Tysnesøy island. After 8 km, you come to the old thoroughfare in Uggdalsdalen, which is preserved as a cultural heritage site. There are many traces of the people who lived by the thoroughfare during ancient times. The old thoroughfare went between Uggdal and Onarheim, and it is still visible in many places. Information board at the gateway to the thoroughfare. Innermost in the Uggdalsdalen valley, you start an ascent until you get to the highest point on the route by the turn-off to Singelstad. You are then at an altitude of 166 metres. This uphill stretch corresponds to a climb of 90 metres over a distance of 3.3 km. At Onarheim church, there is a sign towards Lunde to the north (16 km). Turn left and follow the road north towards Lunde at this crossroads. After a total of 24 km, you come to Årbakka, where there is a traditional village shop where you can fill your water bottle and buy something to eat and drink. You can take a detour down to the sea to the old Årbakka trading station and Årbakkavollen, a relic from the early Iron Age with standing stones and the remains of burial mounds. After 1.5 km, you come to a beach at Klubbavikja /Ølfarnes, where you can take a short break or a detour down to the beach. This is one of the best beaches in Tysnes with views towards Melderskin, the Folgefonna glacier and the Hardangerfjord. You come to a crossroads 7.5 km further on, where you turn left and follow the Rv 49 west to Lundegrend and back to Våge. The route has a total length of 43.54 km and an altitude difference of 685 metres. The highest point on the route is 166 metres, which you come to after 14 km.

200m

0m


Uggdal

Lunde

Hovland

Mæland

Onarheim

Våge

Difficulty level: Medium – DemandingLenght: 43,5 kmSurface: TarmacMaks. høgde: 166 m

Onarheim

Våge guest marina.

Round trip Tysnes (43,5 km)


25

The cycling trip to Flatr.kervassdraget starts in the coastal village of V.ge and takes you through wooded areas and along sparkling lakes.

You cycle through short avenues of sweet-scented pine trees and through huddled farm clusters with buildings right by the road. Every turn in the road and every plain will tempt you to stop and enjoy the picturesque scene and the peace and quiet. You will more or less have the road all to yourself. Grazing animals, the wind blowing though the treetops and the noise of your wheels on the tarmac are the only sounds you’ll hear.

Starts at the ferry quay at Våge. After about 350 metres, turn right at the crossroads on the Rv 49 road towards Hodnanes and Stord. Follow the Rv 49 road south to Flatråker, where you come to a crossroads that will take you east along the Flatråkervassdraget river. At this point, you will have cycled 13.4 km. You follow the only tarmac road along the river. You pass Midtvatnet lake and then come to Nordbustadvatnet lake after a while, where you cycle along the east side. The road now climbs approx. 71 metres up to an altitude of 144 metres. From here, there are excellent views of Nordbustadvatnet lake and down the valley.

After a further 8.2 km, you return to the Rv 49 road at Holma, where you turn right at the crossroads and follow the Rv road back to your starting point at Våge. On this stretch of the route, you pass the municipal centre Uggdal where you can take a detour down to the bathing spot at Kjevikjo to cool down.

The route has a total length of 31.24 km and a total altitude difference of 509 metres. The highest point on the route is 144 metres, which you come to after 21 km.

200m

0m

0m 6km 12km 18km 24km 30km

Flatråkervassdraget river (31 km)

Færavåg

Uggdal

Flatråker

Uggdalseidet

Våge

Difficulty level: MediumLenght: 31 km Surface: TarmacMaks. høgde: 144 m

Taking a break near Uggdal Church


26

Krokeide

Hufthamar

Bekkjarvik

Kvalvåg

AUSTEVOLL

STORD

FITJAR

BØMLO

SVEIO

ETNE

KVINNHERAD

TYSNES

Storebø

Husavik

Sandvikvåg

Brandasund

RubbestadnesetSvortland

LangevågBuavåg

Mosterhamn

Fjelberg

Utbjoa

ØLEN

Skånevik

Matre

Utåker

Sydnes

Ranavik

Sunde

Husnes

LeirvikSagvåg

Huglo

Jektevik

Hodnanes

Føyno

Rosendal

Uskedalen

Åkra

Fjæra

Etnefjella

Løfallstrand

Årsnes

Varaldsøy

GjermundshamnVågeReksteren

UggdalFlygansvær

HopeSolstråleøya

Onarheim

MundheimHalhjem

Sørstokken

SundalFolgefonntunnelen

JondalstunnelenHardangerfjorden

Hesvik Eikenes

Espevær

Halsnøy

Ølensvåg

Valen

HerøysundOmvikdalen

Folg

efon

na

Ølve

Lunde

Årbakka

Flakkavåg

Finnås

ODDA

Lykling

Os

Til Bergen

Attraction

Accommodation

Cafes and restaurants

Information

Shops

Suggestions for longer tripsThe Fjord and Mountain Route

The Islands and Skerries Route

The Tysnes Route

The North Sea Cycle Route

Fast ferry

Ferry

16

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 140650 1140 1505 1845 Bekkjarvik 0815 1335 0830 1445 ★ ★ ★ ★f 1515 ★ Lundøy 0805 0820 1430Fr ★ ★ 1155 1520 1735 1905 Litlakalsøy 0800 1320 0815 1425 ★ ★0710 1205 1525 1730 1910 Møkster 0755 1315 0810 1420 1730 ★0725 0740 1220 ★ 1925 Austevollshella ★ 1305 0740 ★ 1405 1715 ★ ★ Sandtorv ★g ★Fr ★e 18000730a,k 0745 1230a,h 1545d,k 1755d 1940a Hufthamar 0735i 1255b 0730 0750i 1400b,p 1705b,n 1755c 1945

Tur nr. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20Espevær 0630 0730 0830 1030 1320 1430 1630 1830 2030 2140 0830 1030 1320 1630 1830 1030 1320 1530 1730 2030Eidesvik 0640 0740 0840a 1040 1330a 1440 1640a 1840 2040 2150 0840a 1040 1330 1640 1840 1040 1330 1540 1740a 2040Eidesvik 0640 0805 0905b 1110 1405b 1505 1705b 1905b 2115b 2205 0905b 1110 1405b 1705 1905 1110 1405 1610 1805b 2115bEspevær 0650 0815 0915 1120 1415 1515 1715 1915 2120 2215 0915 1120 1415 1715 1915 1120 1415 1620 1815 2125 a Bil til Langevåg.b Bil frå Langevåg.

ruteendringar i påskehelga 2006:Skjærtorsdag og langfredag sundagsruter, men tur 20 er innstilt.Påskeaftan laurdagsruter.1. påskedag og 2. påskedag sundagsruter.

espevær–eidesvik Frå 1. januar–30. april 2006. M/S «Espeværekspressen». ☎ 91 68 12 05

Fr Fredag.a Snøggbåt til Bergen.b Snøggbåt frå Bergen.c Ferje frå Krokeide.d Ferje til Krokeide.e Ikkje fredag.f Gjeld tysd. og torsd.g Via Hufthamar

dersom behov.h Buss til Bekkjarvik.i Buss frå Stolmen

og Kolbeinsvik.k Buss til Drøna

og Stolmen.n Buss frå Storebø.p Buss frå Bekkjarvik.★ Stopp etter avtale.

ruteendringar våren 2005:1. mai, 2. pinsedag og 17. mai sundagsruter.Kristi Himmelfartsdag og 1. pinsedag innstilt.Onsdag 4. mai fredagsrute.

ruteendringar i jule- og nyårshelga 2005/2006:Julaftan, 1. juledag og nyårsaftan innstilt.2. juledag og nyårsdag sundagsruter.

ruteendringar i påskehelga 2006:Onsdag 12. april fredagsruter.Skjærtorsdag, langfredag og 1. påskedag innstilt.2. påskedag sundagsruter.

20/6–12/8 1/5–17/6 og frå 15/8

Hufthamar–austevollshella–Møkster–Litlakalsøy Frå 1. januar–30. april 2006.

▲

▲

▼

▼

▲

1/5–17/6 og frå 15/8

FredagFriday

1/5–30/9og frå 7/4

SundagSunday

Mandag–fredag / Monday–Friday FredagFriday1/5–30/9

og frå 7/4

SundagSunday

Måndag–fredagMonday–Friday

Måndag–fredagMonday–Friday

Mån, tys, tor, FreMon, tue, thu, Fri

OnsWed

LaurdagSaturday

SundagSunday

This is a map of the area. You can use the ’Stord-Fitjar’ and ’Folgefonna-Hardangerfjorden’ walking maps.

Map basis: Norge Digitalt (Hordaland County Authority).

DistancesMosterhamn - Rubbestadneset 25 km

Rubbestadneset - Brandasund 22 km

Rubbestadneset - Svortland ......8 km

Brandasund - Svortland ..........18 km

Svortland - Sakseid/Finnås .....11 km

Sakseid - Leirvik ......................23 km

Leirvik - Fitjar ..........................30 km

Fitjar - Hufthamar ...................31 km

Rosendal - Matre .....................26 km

Utåker - Husnes ......................21 km

Husnes - Rosendal ..................29 km

Leirvik - Jektevik .....................13 km

Hodnanes - Gjermundshavn ....53 km

Gjermundshavn - Rosendal .......5 km

Sveio: s.19-22

Til Stavanger

Local routes:

Map

Fitjar: s.10-12

Austevoll: s.4-5

Tysnes: s.23-25

Bømlo: s.6-8

Stord: s.16-18

27

Krokeide

Hufthamar

Bekkjarvik

Kvalvåg

AUSTEVOLL

STORD

FITJAR

BØMLO

SVEIO

ETNE

KVINNHERAD

TYSNES

Storebø

Husavik

Sandvikvåg

Brandasund

RubbestadnesetSvortland

LangevågBuavåg

Mosterhamn

Fjelberg

Utbjoa

ØLEN

Skånevik

Matre

Utåker

Sydnes

Ranavik

Sunde

Husnes

LeirvikSagvåg

Huglo

Jektevik

Hodnanes

Føyno

Rosendal

Uskedalen

Åkra

Fjæra

Etnefjella

Løfallstrand

Årsnes

Varaldsøy

GjermundshamnVågeReksteren

UggdalFlygansvær

HopeSolstråleøya

Onarheim

MundheimHalhjem

Sørstokken

SundalFolgefonntunnelen

JondalstunnelenHardangerfjorden

Hesvik Eikenes

Espevær

Halsnøy

Ølensvåg

Valen

HerøysundOmvikdalen

Folg

efon

naØlve

Lunde

Årbakka

Flakkavåg

Finnås

ODDA

Lykling

Os

Til Odda

How to get to the area

To Rosendal: Express boat (www.rodne.no) from Bergen, the trip takes less than two hours. You can also get there by express bus (www. nor-way.no), local bus (www.skyss.no) or by car/ferry.

To Skånevik: Express boat (www.norled.no) from Bergen, Stord, Haugesund, Stavanger. You can also take an express bus (www.nor-way.no), local bus (www.skyss.no) and car/ferry.

To Leirvik/Stord: Express boat from Bergen, Stavanger and Haugesund (www.norled.no). Express boat between Leirvik/Stord – Ranavik – Sunde – Utbjoa – Skånevik – Ølen. You can also take an express bus (www.kystbussen.no, www. nettbuss.no), local bus (www.skyss.no) or plane (www.stordlufthavn.no).

To Bømlo: Express boat goes to Rubbestadneset and Mosterhamn (www.norled.no) from Bergen, Leirvik, Haugesund, Stavanger. You can also take a local bus (www.skyss.no) or drive.

To Austevoll: Express boat from Hufthamar to Bergen, Leirvik, Haugesund, Stavanger (www.norled.no). Local bus (www.skyss.no) and ferry (www.fosennamsos.no).

For more information about timetables, tel.: +47 177. Local bus www.skyss.no

Tourist Information OfficesAustevoll Tourist Information Office NO-5399 Bekkjarvik, tel.: (+47) 951 87 698

Bømlo Tourist Information Office Rådhuset NO-5430 Bremnes, tel.: (+47) 53 42 30 14

Etne & Skånevik Tourist Information Office Tel.: (+47) 53 77 14 40/ (+47) 53 77 07 00

Fitjar Tourist Information Office NO-5419 Fitjar, Tel.: (+47) 53 45 77 00

Folgefonn Information Centre NO-5470 Rosendal, tel.: (+47) 53 48 42 80

Stord Tourist Information Office Kulturhuset, NO-5402 Stord, tel.: (+47) 53 49 69 50

Sveio Tourist Information Office NO-5550 Sveio, tel.: (+47) 53 74 80 00

Tysnes Tourist Information Office, “Flytenaustet” in Våge, NO-5680 Tysnes, tel.: (+47) 95 86 90 75

Etne: s.9

Kvinnherad: s.13-15

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Map

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The Fjord and Mountain Route

This is a varied, easy cycle route which is suitable for a weekend. The Fjord and Mountain Route has been devised as a round trip from Rosendal, but it is also possible to start the trip at other locations. It may be best to follow the route in the direction we describe here, since the ascent from Omvikdalen valley is less challenging than from Matre. The Hardangerfjord Express boat (www.rodne.no) will take you from Bergen to Rosendal in less than two hours. If you arrive the previous evening you will have time to explore the Barony village before you jump on your bike. The putball park, where you can play football golf is in walking distance of the centre of Rosendal, as is the Stone Park, which is a beautiful area along the river which displays types of stone from the Folgefonna National Park.

Rosendal – Omvikdalen – Matre – Skånevik: 26 kmA visit to the small palace of the Barony Rosendal or Kvinnherad church is a must before you set off on your bike. The cycling trip to Skånevik is a great leg of the trip which takes you through the agricultural community of Omvikdalen. Follow the rv. 551 road from the centre of Rosendal south towards Uskedalen valley. After roughly 3.5 km you will arrive at the Statoil service station in Omvikdalen. This is your last opportunity to stock up on provisions before the trip over the mountain to Matre. There are several farm cluster museums in Omvikdalen; Nistovetunet with its smoke house from the 18th century and Hauahuset (Tvedt-stova). The museums are only open on request.

There is a 2-km gentle ascent up the Omvikdalen valley, followed by a 10-km steady ascent before a steep decline to Matre. There is a fantastic view of the Matrefjord. The ferry from Matre to Skånevik takes 25 minutes. There are lots of activities throughout the summer in Skånevik, which is famous for its blues festival. There are lots of lovely bathing spots in Skånevik and you can take a nice walk through the centre of the village.

76 km

The Barony Rosendal

Peparen, Skånevik

Suggestions for longer trips

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You can take a detour/extend you trip by cycling from Skånevikstranda to Etne, a distance of 26 km. You can get back to Skånevik by Skånevik fjordsafari or a local bus. If you fancy a hike, try the old postal road between Skånevik and Etne.

Skånevik – Valen – Husnes – Uskedalen – Rosendal: 50 km The trip starts with a 20-minute ferry trip from Skånevik to Utåker. There are wonderful views on this leg of the trip, and you cycle close to the fjord all the way. You cycle through beautiful, fertile communities and can take detours to various places such as the beautiful Handelandsdalen valley.

At Sunde, you can take a detour to Halsnøy (Ranavik) or Stord (timetables at www.norled.no). The trip continues past Husnes, which is the biggest village in Kvinnherad. Here you can either cycle through the village centre or follow the rv. 48 road past Opsangervatnet lake. Take a detour to Herøysund (2 km), which used to be a traffic hub in the days of steam ships, and has a crafts shop and joiner’s shop.

In Uskedalen, you can visit Bygdatunet Rød and the Haugland school museum. It is 15 km from Uskedalen to Rosendal. There is a beautiful beach at Uskedalen.

Back in Rosendal the Hardangerfjord Express is waiting to take you back to Bergen. If you want to cycle across to Stord or back to Bergen, you can do so by cycling across the island of Tysnes. The cycling trip can also be combined with the Islands and Skerries Route or the North Sea Cycle Route. You can also start your trip in Skånevik.

Tips! In Rosendal: Take a walk in the Stone Park, a nice area along the river which displays types of stone from the Folgefonna National Park. The Barony park also lies in a walking distance from Rosendal centre. Or you can try putball (football golf), which is great fun for both children and adults.

In Skånevik: Experience “Fjord spa” at Skånevik Fjordhotell. Take the time to experience a fjord cruise with Åkrafjorden Adventure and see one of the 10 most beautiful waterfalls in the world, Langfoss (CNN 2011).

Charming accommodation in Rosendal

The Barony Rosendal

Accommodation:

Rosendal Turist Hotell NO-5470 Rosendal, tel.: (+47) 53 47 36 66,[email protected]

Skånevik Fjordhotell NO-5593 Skånevik, tel.: (+47) 53 77 07 00,[email protected],www.fjordhotellet.no

Baroniet Rosendal Avlsgard& Fruehus NO-5470 Rosendal,tel.: (+47) 53 48 29 99,[email protected],www.baroniet.no

Booking/information:Kvinnherad Tourist Information Office,tel.: (+47) 53 48 42 80,[email protected]

Skånevik centre

A view towards Rosendal


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The Islands and Skerries Route

Mosterhamn – Rubbestadneset: 25 kmFollow the Rv 542 road northwards from Mosterhamn, footpaths make up part of this stretch. There is a good cycling alternative to the Stokkajuvet tunnel. Follow the signs towards Rubbestadneset.

Rubbestadneset – Brandasund – Svortland: ca 40 kmThe distance from Rubbestadneset to Brandasund is 22 km. The route goes back 3 km along the road from Rubbestadneset, and then crosses the island to Svortland/ Bremnes. The county road north to Brandasund is a varied, fun cycle and is narrow and hilly in parts. The road cros-ses several islands which are connected by bridges and there are great views of the islands and skerries. The idyllic old trading station and inn at Brandasund is situated right out at the edge of the ocean and has a shop and café. The route goes back on the same road to the municipal centre at Svortland/Bremnes. You can take a detour to Hiskjo with western Norway’s most rugged and charming coastal landscape. Svortland – Leirvik: 37 kmFrom Svortland, cycle south towards Mælandsvåg and Sakseid (11km). The road is narrow and twisting and is hilly in parts, but makes for great cycling. After Sakseid, cycle east towards Håvik (6 km) and the Triangle Link. The Triangle Link’s bridges have good cycling paths, and are an experience themselves. At Heiane industrial estate, follow cycle sign no. 1 towards the centre of Leirvik.

138 km

Leirvik guest marina, Stord

Brandasund on Bømlo

The trip starts in varied coastal scenery on good-quality hilly roads and offers great impressions of the ocean, scenery and cultural landscape. On this trip you visit Mosterhamn, which was an important centre in the Viking Age, and has exhibitions and a stone church from the 12th century. The trip described here starts either in Rubbestadneset or Mosterhamn. There is an express boat from Stavanger to Mosterhamn, and there is also an express boat from Bergen to Rubbestadneset (www.norled.no).


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Accommodation:Bømlo Hotell NO-5420 Rubbestadneset,tel.: (+47) 53 42 93 53,[email protected],www.bomlo-hotell.no

Almås Hotell NO-5402 Stord,tel.: (+47) 53 40 99 99,[email protected],www.almas-hotell.no

Grand Hotell NO-5401 Stord,tel.: (+47) 53 40 96 [email protected]

Stord Hotell NO-5411 Stord,tel.: (+47) 53 40 25 00,[email protected],www.stord-hotel.no

Fitjar Sjø og Camping Kråko, NO-5419 Fitjar,tel.: (+47) 53 49 78 [email protected],www.fitjarcamping.no

Fitjar FjordhotellNO-5419 Fitjar,tel.: (+47) 53 45 77 [email protected]

Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri NO-5399 Bekkjarvik,tel.: (+47) 55 08 42 [email protected]

Fitjar centre

Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri

Leirvik – Fitjar: roughly 30 km Follow the cycling signs (national cycle route no. 1) from Leirvik to Heiane and Fitjar. You can take a detour from Sagvåg to Litlabø and visit a former mining community where iron pyrite was mined. There is now a museum. After Sagvåg, the rest of this part of the route is more hilly. At Storavatnet lake in Fitjar, the route runs along the western side of the lake and is slightly hilly with great views to the west. At the north end of the lake, there is a great bathing spot with a toilet. Follow the cycling sign (no. 1) towards Fitjar/Bergen to the centre of Fitjar.

Fitjar – Bekkjarvik – Hufthamar: 31 kmThe distance from the centre of Fitjar to the ferry quay at Sandvikvåg is 7 km. The ferry to Husavik takes 20 minutes. Follow the signs to the left towards Bekkjarvik. Bekkjarvik is an idyllic old trading station, which is a great place to take a break or spend the night. There is a fishing boat exhi-bition at Bekkjarvik Torg with boats from the 19th century up to the present day. Galleri Bekkjarvik has exhibitions of famous artists’ work in oils, water colours, graphic art and sculpture. From Bekkjarvik, you can take a detour and cycle across Selbjørn and across the bridges to Stolmen and Kvalvåg. Follow the Rv 546 road on the west side of Huftarøy north to Storebø. The municipal centre Storebø offers a number of services. From Hufthamar, you can take a detour to Austevollshella and cycle right out to the west of the island to Store Kalsøy and Kalve. You also have the opportunity to con-clude your trip and take the express boat to Bergen or Stavanger.

Tips! Bømlo: Visit Mosterhamn marina and Moster Amfi. Moster was an important centre during the Viking Age. Inside Moster Amfi you can see the exhibition “From Heathendom to Christianity”. Moster Old Church (from the 12th century) lies in the same area. Visit the village shop at Brandasundet and on “Skjeret”.

Stord: Borggata Street at Leirvik is worth a visit. Visit the gallery Galleri Giga in Leirvik centre with art exhibitions and a gallery shop. An afternoon walk to Sunnhordlandstunet (Sunnhordland Museum), or visit Stord Maritime Museum at Leirvik quay.

Fitjar: The Håkonar Park lies in the middle of Fitjar centre. Here you can find a statue of Håkon the Good, who died in the battle against Eirik’s sons in 961. He got the lethal wound here in Fitjar. Every Wednesday in the school holiday there is a guided cultural walk in Fitjar.


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It is possible to cycle both around and across the mountain between Onarheim and Uggdal (Fv 78 road), or take a detour out to Reksteren (Fv 83 road), the second biggest island in the municipality. The roads in Tysnes are generally narrow and follow the terrain. There is generally light traffic. A trip around Tysnes is a concentrated experience of western Norway. Along the road, you will see cultural monuments from the Iron Age up to the modern day. It is easy to get to Bergen, Leirvik or Rosendal from Tysnes. A separate brochure, Sykkelstreif i Njardarlog - i historiske fotefar p. Tysnes (cycling in Njardarlog – following historic footsteps on Tysnes), has been published.

Leirvik - Hodnanes - Onarheim - Gjermundshamn - Løfallstrand - Rosendal: If you come from Leirvik, take the ferry from Jektevik to Hodanes. From here, you can follow the Fv 78 road to Lunde. After 5 km, you will pass the lime kiln at Flakka, a relic from the time when they extracted lime from quarried stone in the area and exported it to England, among other places. You will also pass Onarheim, which in the 14th century was the seat of the Onarheimsgildet guild, and on to

Årbakka with its burial mounds, standing stones and the old trading station. After Hovland, follow the signs towards Lunde, past Vevatnet lake, where it is believed that gods were worshipped in pre-Christian times. You can catch a glimpse of mount Tysnessåto, 753 metres above sea level. From Lunde, you can take a left on the Rv 49 road towards Våge, take the ferry across to Halhjem and continue on to Bergen. Alternately, you can take a right on the Rv 49 road towards Gjermundshamn. The next 30 km of the route are through forest terrain and along the fjord. There is a great view of the fjord from the Lukksundbrua bridge. Ølve is a beautiful village with great views of both the Kvinnheradsfjella mountains and mount Hovlandsnuten. In Gjermundshamn, you take the ferry across to Løfallstrand (25 min.), and then cycle 5 km on to Rosendal.

71 km

Ved Onarheim, Tysnes

Tysnesruta


Årbakka handelsstad - old trading station, Tysnes

Towards Onarheim, Tysnes

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The coast of Sunnhordland is part of the international North Sea Cycle Route, the world’s longest cycling route. It is 6,000 km long and goes around the whole North Sea. In Sunnhordland, the route goes through Sveio, B.mlo, Stord and Fitjar. The route is sign-posted with national cycle route no. 1 signs. A separate description of the route and the different legs is available. www.northsea-cycle.com

6000 kmNorth Sea Cycle Route


A stop in Skånevik

Ryvarden lighthouse, Sveio

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North Sea Cycle Route

Norway’s most varied coastal scenery! Starting in Egersund or Haugesund, you can cycle the North Sea Cycle Route along the coast and experience dramatic and idyllic fjords, high mountains and gentle slopes, a fantastic archipelago,rocky shores and long white sandy and pebble beaches. You can choose to cycle the entire way, or just parts of the North Sea Cycle Route.

Haugesund - Bømlo - Stord - Bekkjarvik - Bergen

The tour goes in varied cultural landscape, and gives a great experience of the sea, nature, culture landscape, villages and farms. You visit the islands Bømlo and Stord. Two big suspension bridges bind these islands together, and you can walk or bicycle over the bridges. A beautiful view over fjords, mountains and archipelago. Take a visit to Mosterhamn, which has an important historical role in the Viking history. Here you find exhibitions and one of the oldest stone churches in Norway.

152 km5 days On request

Included:• Five to eight nights’ accommodationincluding breakfast• 5-7 packed lunches/filled hot drinks flask• Two afternoon meals.• Map and daily guide.

The trip is recommended for adults and children over 12 years.

Only for groups, 6-8 persons. On request.

Booking:Norske Bygdeopplevelser,Tel.: +47 61 28 99 [email protected]

Slåtterøy lighthouse, Bømlo

The bridge

over Bømlafjorden


35

This tour varies from flat to hilly fjord terrain. You’ll visit Rosendal, famous for its Barony, a beautiful historic manor and estate. You’ll pass through the village Skånevik, well-known for its Blues Festival and the idyllic trading station of Bekkjarvik.

Bergen - Rosendal - Skånevik - Stord - Fitjar - Bekkjarvik - Bergen

The trip begins with the expressboat Hardangerfjordekspressen from Bergen to Rosendal, then You cycle along the Hardangerfjord to Husnes and on to Utåker. The ferry takes you over to the lovely vil-lage of Skånevik. For those who wish to cycle more, there is a nice detour from Skånevik to Etne and back, before the expressboat takes you on to Stord. From Stord you cycle to Fitjar and get the ferry from Sandvikvåg to Husavik. There’s just a short distance from Husavik to the old merchant centre of Bekkjarvik, where tasty local cooking and comfortable beds awaits you. In Austevoll you can take extra trips across the bridge to the islands of Stolmen, Hundvåkøy and Store Kalsøy, before you get the expressboat back to Bergen. We recom-mend you stay an extra night in either Rosendal or Skånevik, since both places have so much interesting to offer (this will be extra).

166 km Price from: 8 150 ,- 5 days

Along the Hardangerfjord

in Kvinnherad

Price includes:• 4 nights’ accommodation incl. breakfast andselfmade lunch pack / thermos refill• 3 x 3-course dinner(not dinner in Leirvik)• Hardangerexpress fromBergen to Rosendal• Ferry Utåker - Skånevik• Expressboat Skånevik - Leirvik• Ferry Sandvikvåg - Husavik• Expressboat Hufthamar - Bergen• Map and tour description• LUGGAGE-TRANSPORT

The trip is recommended foradults and children over 12 years.Daily stages: 0/50/52/44/20 km Booking: Active Norway /Norske Bygdeopplevelser:+ 47 61 28 99 [email protected]

Prebook before 1th of June and get a discount on 250 NOK p.p

Around Sunnhordland by bike and boat - Including luggage transport


Sunnhordland is situated south of Bergen, at the mouth of the Hardangerfjord. It is a region full of contrast extending from the barren islands at the ocean’s edge to the steep mountainsides of the fjords and the lush interior.

Sunnhordland also has a flourishing cultural scene, and festivals, shows, concerts, markets, exhibitions etc. are held throughout the summer. Visit our website for more information about the entertainment on offer.

Sunnhordland is the perfect region for cycling holiday enthusiasts. We offer cycling routes that are broken down into suitable daily stages, with pleasant breaks on an express boat or ferry and lots of great experiences en route. This brochure contains several trip suggestions that are organised as round trips starting and stopping with express boat trips. Many of the trip suggestions are short day trips that start from a marina or your accommodation.

If you would like to buy a complete cycling package that includes accommodation, meals, ferry and express boat tickets, contact Norske Bygdeopplevelser. It specialises in cycling trips and sells two different packages in Sunnhordland.

Cycling in Sunnhordland

Samarbeidsrådet for SunnhordlandPostbox 444, 5403 Stord, NORWAY

" +47 53 45 67 90 [email protected]

www.visitsunnhordland.no

www.cyclingnorway.no

Production: ZP

IRIT - 2015

in sunnhordland · 2016. 10. 11. · stolmen, return via bekkjarvik and on to bakkasund via the...

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