Pilgrim cruise to Svanøy and Kinn

Travel on a magical coastal cruise from Florø to two of the most popular historical travel destinations; "The pearl of Sunnfjord" Svanøy and mythic island Kinn.

Travel on a magical coastal cruise from Florø to two of the most popular historical travel destinations; "The pearl of Sunnfjord" Svanøy and mythic island Kinn. Both the islands are key places on the coastal pilgrim route. Kinn is the home to one of the oldest stone churches in the country, and Svanøy has the historic main house Svanøy Hovedgård, as well as a long Viking history. During the guided day trip, you will experience a saga dating back to the Viking Ages to pilgrims, beautiful nature, and the island communities in the unique coast of the westernmost town Florø.
Start at Fugleskjærs quay in Florø
The guided tour starts at the Fugleskjærs quay in Florø, where the boat M/S Skropefjord will transport you to Svanøybukt at Svanøy. This is the southernmost and greenest island in Kinn municipality. There is a large variety of trees and plants, such as holly, that you cannot find anywhere else on the west coast. Svanøybukt is the local meeting point for Svanøy's residents and vacation guests. You can also find the local grocery store Svanøy Handel and the restaurant Svanøy Kro here.
Svanøy Estate Manor house
Svanøy estate manor house has been a nobleman's dwelling and an episcopal residence. The island can also be connected to Nikolai Astrup and the Norwegian Constitution from 1814. The manor house is located about 10 minutes from Svanøybukt quay, and you will walk on an idyllic asphalt road to get there.
Guided tour in the Manor house
When you arrive at Svanøy manor house, the guide will give you a tour and introduction into the fascinating history of the grand house. Today, the residence is used as an hotel during the summer and for events.
Long and varied history
Svanøy's long and varied history includes a stone cross which was built in honour "Olav den Heilage" (Olaf II of Norway) and a sacrificial site from the Viking Ages. "Eirik Blodøks" (Eric Bloodaxe) was even born on the island! To this day, Svanøy has an active cultural environment, production of smoked salmon, and is the home of the Norwegian Deer Centre.
After the tour, you will all walk down to the boat together. The boat will now head towards Kinn by passing the beautiful island groups and the many sheep, people, birds, and fish!
Kinn Island
Around the 1950s, during the height of the herring fishing industry, there were about 10-15.000 people who lived in the area around the mythical island of Kinn. Arriving at Kinn, the tour will continue along an approximate 1km long gravelled road to Kinn church. The beautiful stone church from 1150 is placed on the north western part of the island. Follow the guide inside the church and learn about its long and interesting history. The church truly is a special place to experience! Outside the church you can spot the characteristic clefted mountain and sailing mark "Kinnaklova".
St. Sunniva og Selja
People have connected Kinn to the story of St. Sunniva of Selja. Princess Borni was on board of one of St.Sunniva's boat fleeing from Ireland, and it ended up at Kinn.
Kinnaspelet
Kinnaspelet is arranged every year in June in front of Kinn church. Kinnaspelet is a historic outdoor theatre about the story of St. Sunniva and the Reformation. The natural made amphitheatre below Kinnafjellet, the sky, and the changing ocean creates a beautiful back drop for the dramatic play. Visiting Kinn is without a doubt an impactful experience.
After the guiding on Kinn island, you will walk back to Kinn quay, and head back towards Florø, passing by islands, skerries, and famous land marks like Batalden and Stabben lighthouse.
Beer tasting at Vesle Kinn
Combine the tour with guiding and beer tasting at Vesle Kinn in Strandgata. Vesle Kinn is Kinn brewery's own beer café and test brewery. Wednesdays at 17.00 and Saturdays at 17.30. Purchase tickets at fjordkysten.no or ticketco.
Practical information
The Pilgrim cruise is a guided tour, and the guide will both inform you about the area and lead the tour. The guided tour starts at Fugleskjærs quay in Florø. You will have to walk from Svanøy quay to the manor house on an asphalt road, as well as a 1,2km long gravelled road from Kinn quay to the church. You cannot join the tour midway through.
Food
You can purchase a cold beverage on board Skorpefjord. If you purchase the local lunch deal when you book your tickets, you will get this once you leave Svanøy . There will also be a chance to buy bottled water, soda, coffee, cookies, and chocolate by Kinn church.
Clothing
Dress according to the weather, and bring clothes appropriate for wind and rain. We recommend having shoes that are good for walking.
Facilities
Skorpefjord has toilets on board. This also goes for  the local store at Svanøy, the manor house, and by Kinn church.
Tickets and prices
Purchase tickets in advance at www.fjordkysten.no and www.skyssbat.no . You can also purchase a ticket at the tourist office in Florø (Strandgata 30)