Islandparadise Solund

Take a local buss or bike along the new island road, The North Sea Port, where 6 bridges connect the many islands of Bulandet and Værlandet. A wonderful island outing! Go via Krakhella if you are coming from the south, or via Askvoll from the north. Either way corresponds with the expressboat to and from Bergen.

The islands you visit on this roundtrip are often mentioned among the most beautiful places in Norway, and the island hopping were in 2010 voted the best roundtrip in Norway by visitNorway! 

If you are coming on the express boat from the south (Bergen), get off at the Krakhella stop then continue by buss to Hardbakke, the centre of Solund. The buss stops right at the harbour, where the post-boat “Stjernesund” awaits to take you to the islands of mid-Solund. These are quiet waters, where we may be lucky enough to catch sight of wild coastal animals such as sea-eagles, seals and porpoise. The boat stops where there are deliveries to be made or passengers to pick up on that particular day, usually stopping at Lågøy, Litle Færøy, Ytrøygrend and Indreøy. Finally, we stop at the idyllic harbour of Gåsvær in the west.

14 people live on Gåsvær in the summer season, and make their living on fishing, boating, farming and tourism. There used to be great activity here, with fishing for salmon, prawns and lobster, as well as collecting the down of seabirds. They even had their own inn on the island in those days! Today Gåsvær is and exotic and idyllic destination for holiday makers and fishing fans, and up to 20 people can stay be housed in  holiday accommodation with plenty of character. Anne Marie Gåsøy Færøy and her  family welcome guests to the island with information, and can also offer a cup of coffee  and a snack if you wish.

After your stop in Gåsvær the trip continues over a strech of open sea to Bulandet in the municipality of Askvoll. Here you will have plenty of time to stroll along the country lanes. Go to the view-point of Halsøhågen for a splendid overview of the islands, visit Bulandet Temapark and study their exhibit of traditional island life, or enjoy a meal at Pernillestø or the local café.  On the very western edge of the island there is also an art gallery, where you can also purchase a memoir of your trip... If you feel like doing something slightly more strenuous you can rent a bike at the local shops of either Bulandet or Væralandet, and explore the new road that connects the island via 6 bridges. There are also great hiking trails on the islands. The next point of your trip is a local bus to Værlandet, where you catch the ferry to Askvoll, and from there board the express boat to return to your starting point!

A  brochure covering this daytrip available on the boats and ferries, as well as in the shops on the islands.

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SOLUND:  

Solund is the most westerly municipality of islands in Norway, as well as being the only municipality to consist entirely of islands in the Sogn og Fjordane Region. The population is currently about 900, with most people living on the main islands of Sula and Ytre (outer) Sula. Fishing is the communities most important source of income, while Solund Shipyard is the largest single employer, with 58 employees. With its fascinating collection of islands, Solund is a popular destination amongst boating tourists as well as those interested in fishing and hiking. The most westerly islands of Norway, Utvær, pertain to Solund, and are also a popular destination for day-trips in the summer.

GÅSVÆR:  

Placed in the west between Lågøyfjorden [Low Island Fjord] and Gåsværrosen [The Rose of Gåsvær], Gåsvær is one of the outer islands of North-Solund. Ideally placed in relation to the historically massive fishing along this coast, Gåsvær is assumed to have been a trade centre even before records were kept. In 1767 Gåsvær had its own inn, offer shelter, food and drink to fishermen working along the coast. The oldest section of the island’s characteristic main Manor is from the 1700’s, while another section was built of wood from an old ship. During the last century people out here have made a living from combined fishing and farming, and in recent times also from tourism and running passenger boats. BULANDET Bulandet is one of the most vital fishing communities in Norway. Unlike many other small island communities, the poulation here has grown steadily over the past years. Today about 270 people live here, mosyt of them employed in the local fishing industry. The village has many services, including galleries, kayak-rentals and the country’s most westerly chiropractor.

BULANDET:

Bulandet is one of the most vital fishing communities in Norway. Unlike many other small island communities, the poulation here has grown steadily over the past years. Today about 270 people live here, mosyt of them employed in the local fishing industry. The village has many services, including galleries, kayak-rentals and possibly Norway`s westernmost art gallery. During the summer, Bulandet is a favourite spot for boaters and holiday makers staying in cottages and fisherman cabins. Bulandet is characterized by many small islands, and is often called "Norway`s Venezia"!

Timetable roundtrip from Bergen:

08.00 - Departure by express boat from Bergen
10.15 - Arrival Krakhella
10.20 - Departure by bus from Krakhella
10.50 - Arrival Hardbakke (get off by the harbor)
10.50 - Departure local post boat, Hardbakke
12.30 - Arrival Gåsvær, 30 min stop
13.00 - Departure Gåsvær
13.30 - Arrival Bulandet
15.50 - Departure by bus from Bulandet *
16.15 - Arrival Værlandet ferry pier
16.30 - Departure by ferry from Værlandet
17.30 - Arrival Askvoll
17.40 - Departure by express boat from Askvoll
20.40 - Arrival Bergen

* - you can also rent a bike and cycle form Bulandet to Værlandet. The local shop at Bulandet rent out bikes, and you can hand them in at the shop at Værlandet, located by the pier. It takes about 1 hour (11 km).

Information and booking:

Season 2013: June 24 - August 23 (Monday - Friday).

Price roundtrip ticket from Bergen: 1350,- for adults, 790,- for children/senior.

For more information and booking, please contact Stiftinga Jensbua at phone nr: +47 57 73 90 20 or e-mail: stiftinga@jensbua.no.

You can also buy roundtrip tickets at the Touristinformation in Bergen or at Norled on Strandkaiterminalen in the city centre of Bergen.