The cultural trail in Fitjar

Cultural Heritage Course, Fitjar Centre 2 km



Location: Fitjar
Map: Stord - Fitjar 1:50.000.
Start and end point: Municipal building in Fitjar
Marking: Information boards along the trail. Marked and graded after the new national standard. Signs in all crosspaths.
Grading: Green Easy hike
Difference in altitude: 13 – 118 m. above sea level
Estimated time: 1 hour, 2 km
Good advice: Take your time, a lot of historical sights

Tour description: Easy trip containing cultural experiences for both children and grownups. From the parking lot the park is easily seen north of the church. Further the walk is on a flat asphalt road with easy access for prams and wheelchairs. Go left, past the lay chapel to get to the King’s well (Kongsbrunnen). Walk the same road back to the chapel, but cross the main road and onto a path across the churchyard. On the other side you cross the asphalt road, keep going up the road north of and past Rimbareid primary school. From here the road turns left up some stairs and then there is a path to Rimsvarden. Here is a nice view of Fitjarvikjo and Austevoll. You must follow the same track back down to “Sjøsbrekko”. Here you keep left and straight back to the parking lot.



There are information boards about the cultural heritage of Fitjar at many of the historical places. These give an account of the history of the community. One is placed at the Håkonar Park and the statue of Håkon den Gode (made by Anne Grimdalen, 1961). Here is the account of the battle of Fitjar in 961 AD. At the King’s well you may find information about the well and the King’s estate. South of the church is the information board telling about the old stone church preceding the wooden one. Up at Rimsvarden, which is a grave mound from the Bronze Age, is a separate information board about the mound and its contents.

Please follow these safety tips when you go hiking in Norway.

1. Be prepared
Be sufficiently experienced, fit and equipped for your intended trip.

2. Leave word of your route
Many cabins, hotels and other lodgings have tour notification boxes in which you may put a written notice of your planned route

3. Be weather-wise
You should always be alert to forecasts of bad weather, yet not rely completely on forecasts of good weather.

4. Be equipped for bad weather and frost
Always take a rucksack and proper mountain gear.

5. Learn from the locals
Local people can often tell you about avalanche trails, wind and snow conditions, and the safest routes.

6. Use a map and compass
Always have and know how to use a map and compass.

7. Do not go solo
If you venture out alone, there is nobody to give you first aid or notify a rescue service in an emergency.

8. Turn back in time - sensible retreat is no disgrace
If conditions deteriorate so much that you doubt you can attain your goal, turn around and return.

9. Conserve energy and build a snow shelter if necessary
The stronger the wind, the tougher the walking/skiing. Suit your speed to the weakest member of the party.

Find more detailed safety tips in the Norwegian Mountain Code.