Island hopping by bike in West Norway

Two night accommodations, meals, cycle hire and luggage transport

A wonderful weekend of cycling, from Bergen and over the beautiful islands of Austevoll and Tysnes.

Explore these breathtaking coastal landscapes by bike. The weekend package includes top-class cycle hire, accommodation and meals.

The trip starts in Bergen, at Bike the Fjords, who organise cycle hire and provide you with maps. All you have to carry is a small rucksack. The rest of your luggage will be taken care of and transported by car to the different destinations.

The start of the cycling trip is from Bergen Børs Hotel at 10.00.

The first stage of the cycle is via Skjold, Rådal and the beautiful church in Fana, on the way to Krokeide ferry quay. Immediately before arriving at the ferry quay, we pay a visit to Ostegården, a local cheese maker, where you can sample some of their delicious produce. Ostegården has a delightful location on the banks of the Fanafjord. They make Camembert and Brie, following original recipes from France, in addition to their local Fana cheese and Jønsberg.

The ferry from Krokeide to Hufthamar and Austevoll departs approx. every hour.

After leaving the ferry, the next stage follows excellent bikeways. Austevoll municipality is made up of 667 islands and islets, the largest of which are now interconnected by bridges. This makes Austevoll a haven for cycling enthusiasts.

We recommend stopping at Heimalaga on the island of Storebø, some 4 km from the ferry quay. This is a charming location where you can enjoy authentic, "heimalaga" or homemade food. From there, you continue by bike along the eastern side of the island, following a road with so little traffic you feel you have travelled back in time. Take time to enjoy the delightful views of green fields bordered by impressive stone walls over which wild sheep watch you as you glide past.

You are guaranteed a warm welcome at Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri, in one of the most sheltered harbours on the islands of Austevoll. The restaurant in this charming guest house serves some of the best local seafood and other delicious dishes. You spend the night in the guest house's wonderfully historic rooms, following in the footsteps of three centuries of guests. Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri is a family-run business and your hosts, Asta and Øystein Johannessen, take good care of you along with their sons, Ørjan and Arnt. In 2015, Ørjan won the gold medal in the biennial world chef championship, Bocuse d'Or. He also holds the title of European champion from Bocuse d'Or in 2012. His twin brother, Arnt, was named Chef of the Year in 2014 by NKL, the Norwegian association for master chefs.

After a good breakfast the next morning, it is time to get back in the saddle and set off for the beautiful island of Tysnes and a visit to Haaheim Gaard.

We recommend starting this stage of the trip at 11.30 at the latest so that you catch the ferry from Husavik at 13.15. This ferry takes you over to Sandvikvåg on the northern point of Stord island. Parts of the route from Sandvikvåg to Jektevik follow the E39 road along the east side of Stord. This road can be quite busy so please take care when cycling here.

We recommend that you aim to catch the 15.40 crossing from Jektevik to Hodnanes on Tysnes.

The island of Tysnes has long been known as "Gudeøya Tysnes" or the godly island. Its ancient name was Njardarlog, which has been interpreted as an area where you could come to praise the Norse God, Njord. The island is also thought to have been the religious centre for the people of Hordaland county and large parts of West Norway.

The last stage on the island of Tysnes from the ferry quay to Haaheim Gaard is varied and hilly, initially following the coast then heading uphill and inland into this green island. As you head away from the coast, you are cycling along Ferdselsvegen in Uggdal valley. This is most probably one of the oldest known roads in Norway. It dates back to prehistoric times, and the old road can still be seen in some parts. There are several steep climbs along the road, but you are generously rewarded when you arrive at Haaheim Gaard and can enjoy the magnificent views of the valley and island. Haaheim Gaard is a true oasis and a delight for all the senses. Enjoy flavours from the past in the restaurant and the scent of the roses in the garden through your bedroom window. After a wonderful, homemade breakfast the next morning, you have an easy roll down the road back to the coast then head for the ferry quay in Våge.

From here, you take the ferry to Halhjem, which departs approx. every hour.

From Halhjem, you have a choice of route back to Bergen – either via Os centre or taking the more "elevated" route via Ytre Moberg to Ulven, Søfteland, Kalandseidet and then to Bergen.

We recommend a stop in Hop to visit the delightful Troldhaugen. This picturesque villa was the home of Edvard and Nina Grieg. It was built in 1885 and was the summer residence for the Griegs for the last 22 years of Edvard Grieg's life. Today, the villa is packed with unique memorabilia from Edvard Grieg's life and works. The villa and surrounding land opened as a museum in 1928 and has since been a pilgrimage for Grieg enthusiasts from all over the world.

You should arrive in Bergen centre, at Bergen Børs Hotel, from around 17.00 to 19.00.

The package includes:

Cycle hire

Map with description of routes

Luggage transport

Two nights' accommodation in a standard room

Two buffet breakfasts

Two picnic lunches

Two 3-course evening meals. Drinks with your meals are not included in the package.

Cheese tasting at Ostegården, Krokeide

 

Start- & ending point: Bergen

Km of cycling per day: 45 km

Km of cycling totally: 135 km

Transport: Cycle hire (also e-bikes)

Incl.:Two nights accomodations, meals, cycle hire and luggage transport

Duration: 2 nights/3 days

Highlight: Bike ride including delicious meals

All inclusive per person NOK 5 790,-

 

Recommendations:

The bike trip is advanced or challening, because of the changing altitude along the route. You should have experience with long bike trips.

Possible to rent e-bikes for a more comfortable bike trip.

Can be in combination with e- bike and the local passenger boat from Bergen to Bekkjarvik / From Malkenes to Bergen. Suggestions is to take passengerboat from Bergen to Bekkjarvik. Stay over at Bekkjarvik. Next day bike to Hufthamar (Austevoll) and take ferrry to Krokeide, bike via Os to Halhjem and take ferry to Våge (Tysnes). Bike from Våge to Haaheim Gaard. Stay over and next day  on the return to Bergen, bike to Malkenes and take Hardangerfjordexpress to Bergen. (Bike the fjords will assist with organizing the tour with local passenger boat and e-bike).

Bring enough food and drinks.

Take enough stops to enjoy the nature and to take a rest.

NB! Check out the timetables: Look for Sunnhordlandsruta at www.Skyss.no and Hardangerfjordekspressen på www.rodne.no.