Take a journey through the islands of Austevoll near Bergen and experience the rich cultural heritage and unique culinary delights of Western Norway cuisine. Breathe in the invigorating fresh sea air as a wave of restorative well-being begins to soothe the soul.
I visited these beautiful islands twice during my recent month-long visit to Norway. My first trip was a full-day outing on my cousin’s boat as we travelled on the North Sea, weaving through a maze of rocky, rugged large and small islands with secluded bays and pine forests from Sotra Island (across the bridge from Bergen). The second visit was a road trip to discover more about the communities.
Labelled a “Sustainable Destination,” the Austevoll archipelago has a total of 667 islands, reefs and islets with 100 km of coastline to explore.
Views of Toranger on the ferry to Austevoll. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
These islands offer boaters endless harbours to explore for recreational opportunities: walking trails, hiking, camping, and, of course, fishing and crabbing. They are also a paddler’s paradise. It is a wonderful outdoor adventure playground for my local family and visitors.
Here, you will find beautiful homes and buildings dating back to the 1600s. There are also museums, galleries, shops, cafes, bakeries, and world-class culinary experiences unique to the area, with award-winning chefs of Bocuse d’Or fame.
I have deep ties here. My great-grandmother called this area home; the islands are her final resting place.
Bakkasund, Kvaløya, Huftarøy, Storebø
Island hop to explore the many communities of Austevoll by car, boat, or bike. There are plenty of guest marinas if you are travelling by boat. Living and playing on the islands promotes a relaxed, slower pace, allowing one to enjoy the good life and soak in beautiful surroundings. There are many outdoor patios.
We stopped in Storebø, the municipality’s largest village, for lunch at Casa Mia. Indoor and outdoor seating, as well as takeout, are available. In Bakkasund, we enjoyed an ice cream treat from the food shop in the marina and saw the Marstein lighthouse.
The charming community of Storebø on Austevoll Islands. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Bakkasund, Kvaløya Huftarøy and communities on Austevoll Islands
Charming Kvaløya on one of the Austevoll Islands near Bergen Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore Austevoll Island communities near Bergen Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
My cousin Ståle and his friends have many adventures through the islands and built this dock, shelter and play area for fellow boaters to enjoy. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Subscribe below to be alerted to the next article as soon as it is published. We pride ourselves on writing informative articles with interesting facts. Please leave any comments, questions or suggestions below.
Search for accommodation anywhere using Booking.Com, book a sightseeing tour using Viator or a flight with Expedia. Any commissions earned will help keep this website running.
Unique Wild Sheep
Wild sheep (villsau), saved from extinction in the 17th century, roam freely throughout Austevoll. They have a healthier diet than white sheep. They forage locally and feast on kelp, giving the meat a unique cross flavour between a sheep and a deer. This meat plays an important part of Western Norwegian food culture and is difficult to find outside the region.
Huge Sea Eagle
The enormous white-tailed eagle, once an endangered species, can be seen soaring throughout the islands. Thanks to conservation efforts, Norway is helping other countries, like Scotland and Spain, regrow their population of these large birds of prey. The “king of the skies” is larger than the bald eagle by about a foot in height and length. Their wing span can be up to 2.65 metres, and their weight can go up to 7 kg.
This sea eagle can carry up to twice its weight. Years ago, in one coastal area of Norway, a young child was carried away and later rescued from the eagle’s nest. I have visited the spot and spoken to one of the rescuer’s sons about the incident. More on that story in another article.
Bekkjarvik
Rich in maritime history, picturesque Bekkjarvik has been an important trading centre since the 16th century.
Bekkjarvik Betjarwick Harbour near Bergen, Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The Herring girl statue at the Bekkjarvik harbour near Bergen, Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Smio
The old blacksmith “smio” building below is considered the oldest in the area. It dates to the 16th century and was restored in 2016. The inside walls now display historic agricultural tools.
16th-century blacksmith building in Bekkjarvik. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Bekkjarvik Betjarwick Guest House
We dined at the beautiful, historic, family-run Bekkjarvik Betjarwick Guest House, serving food since the 1700s.
Today, this restaurant is listed in the “White Guide – The Best Restaurants in the Nordic” and is known for its excellent cuisine created by award-winning chefs, twin brothers Ørjan and Arnt Johannessen. Their numerous awards are proudly displayed. In 2015, Orjan won a gold medal in the gastronomic world championship in Bocuse d´Or in Lyon, France. It is one of the world’s most prestigious cooking competitions.
All ingredients comprise the freshest local foods from the farm and the sea. One of their signature dishes features wild sheep, a delicacy of Western Norway.
We selected a three-course meal. All the dishes were masterpieces, intertwined with rich, delicate flavours I wanted to savour forever.
Bocuse d’Or winner Ørjan Johannessen. Photo: Visit Bergen / Mathias Falcone©
Bocuse d’Or winner Ørjan Johannessen displays his trophies. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Menu at Bekkjarvik near Bergen Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Meal prepared by Bocuse d’Or winner chef Ørjan Johannessen. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Ståle enjoys a meal prepared by Bocuse d’Or winner chef Ørjan Johannessen. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Laila enjoys a meal prepared by Bocuse d’Or winner chef Ørjan Johannessen. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
After a most delicious meal at the luxurious Bekkjarvik Guest House, we toured the lush gardens above the property, which boast views of the North Sea.
Bekkjarvik Guest House has lush gardens above the property with views of the North Sea. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Pathway through the gardens at Bekkjarvik. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
New for 2024, a dinner cruise is offered from Bergen. Once on board the catamaran MS RYGERTROLL, guests receive a welcome drink, then sit back and soak in the coastal scenery before experiencing a four-course tasting menu at Bekkjarvik.
If you visit this area, consider taking a cooking class in a world champion’s kitchen.
Beckerwyc House
The newly opened 20-room boutique hotel Beckerwyc House sits on the hill above Bekkjarvik Guest House and boasts spectacular views of the Bekkjarvik harbour. Mirabelle restaurant is on the third floor of Beckerwyc House.
View up the hill of the Beckerwyc House boutique hotel. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Mirabelle by Ørjan Johannessen
In the fall of 2023, Mirabelle opened on the third floor of Beckerwyc House. Here, Bocuse d’Or winner Ørjan Johannessen and his team present a luxurious “Island Gastronomy” tasting experience.
Bocuse d’Or is the biennial world chef championship held in Lyon, France. Ørjan Johannessen is the fifth Norwegian chef to win the prestigious award.
Mirabelle at Beckerwyc House with Chef Ørjan Johannessen a 2015 Bocuse d`Or winner. Photo: Visit Bergen, Tom Haga©
Bekkjarvik Art Gallery
This impressive gallery is steps away from Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri. Come in to relax and enjoy viewing impressive art by local artists.
Wild Sheep painting in the Bekkjarvik art gallery. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Inside the Bekkjarvik art gallery is an inviting scene that makes you want to stay for a while. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
How to get to Austevoll from Bergen
From Bergen to Austevoll by car, it is a 1 hr and 22 min scenic drive with a short ferry ride. You can also take a 1 hr and 22 min ferry or a quick private speed boat journey through the islands.
The Austevoll bridge with a view of a ferry. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Electric ferries service the Austevoll Islands near Bergen Norway. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Read more about other cultural adventures in Norway:
The significance of historic Stave Churches in Norway, Unravelling rich cultural heritage of Avaldsnes, Norway’s oldest Royal seat, Viking Farm and St. Olav Church, and Discover 9 things to do in Stavanger Norway – A Travel Guide.
Source link
