On a trip to Norway: Top 5 hikes in Øygarden

Øygarden municipality (or Sotra) is truly a paradise for nature and outdoor enthusiasts, with a variety of hiking opportunities stretching from south to north.

The characteristic Sotra terrain is defined by its open landscape with limited vegetation, rocks, cliffs, and an incredible sea view that opens to the west. The island offers everything from mountain hikes to coastal walks. The nice thing about Sotra is that you can mostly walk here all winter without having to hike in deep snow. But remember to bring crampons, as there can be a lot of ice on the stones.  

1. The Bekhilderen (the cave by the sea) in Telavåg - Moderate

The starting point for the trip is Telavåg sports ground. Move down Telavågvegen until you reach the main road. Cross the road and continue on the sidewalk until you reach Selstøsjøen. Continue along the road and turn left into Håvardenvegen, then make another left turn. Continue down Håvardenvegen. After passing a chain barrier, the road becomes gravel. When you reach the bottom of the hill, turn left onto the path (there is a mailbox here). Follow the path marked with cairns to Grunnevågen. Go down the stairs and turn right. Follow the marked path further until youreach a junction with the sign 'Bekhilderen'. Follow the path, which is marked with small cairns and red-painted spots on the stones, all the way until you reach the cave.

Please note that it is necessary to have low tide when entering the cave, and be careful as the stones can be slippery. Return is made by following the same route back.

2. Veten (285 m) in Sund - Moderate

From the parking lot, head towards the school/swimming hall. Here you will see hiking signs. Continue straight towards the large guitar and follow the path to the right, which curves up behind the guitar. The path takes you through the characteristic Sotra terrain with outcrops and limited vegetation. After a while, you will come to a new sign marked 'Veten 1.5'. Continue along the path. There are some steep sections, and it can be slippery, so bring spikes if there has been frost.

Follow the long stone cairn up to a new sign. Here you have the option to take a detour to Storevarden, but if the goal is Veten, continue straight ahead. Cross the bog to go up the last rampart. Here you will find an aircraft part embedded in the mountain. Continue another 150 meters towards the mast.

At the top, there is a cairn, a telescope, and a guestbook. Enjoy the impressive 360-degree view!

3. Hike to the Dethloff cabin in Øygarden - Easy

This is an easy hike suitable for everyone. It is recommended to have good shoes as it can be slippery in some places. Spikes are recommended in winter. Follow the path where it is marked 'Dethloff'. Wooden bridges have been built and the path is marked with blue-painted stones. It is about 1.5 km from the parking lot to the cabin, and it is visible from a distance. At the cabin, there is a nice sea view in all directions.

The Dethloff cabin is private, so remember to be considerate if there are people there. For those who are curious, the cabin was used during the filming of the movie 'The Snowman' from 2017, based on the book by Jo Nesbø.

For a longer hike, one can take a round trip around Ono.

4. Liatårnet (341 m) to Haganesfjellet (232 m) - The panoramic hike on Sotra - Moderate

Start the hike from Liaskjæret. Go right at the main road and follow the paved road through the housing estate. Turn left at the turning point and follow the path into the forest up to Liatårnet (341 m). From here you get a fantastic view. Continue south along the ridge of Høgafjellet, and enjoy the panoramic view. Go down towards Kattatjørna, take a detour to Øvsta Ørnanipa for extra views, and stop at Brattestigvatnet for a break. Continue south towards Haganesfjellet (232 m) and enjoy the view from there. Follow the path back to Liaskjæret, and finish with a kilometer on the paved road back to the car.

5. Hiking trip to Grana and the Portal of Life in Sotra - Easy

Short hike in the characteristic Sotra terrain, which is often flat and rocky. The place is called Grana, and here you will find the artwork 'Portal of Life', surrounded by smooth rocks and with an impressive view of the sea. Grana is located all the way west in Telavåg. The hike starts from Telavåg school. You first walk on paved roads past some houses. Then there is a good path marked with red markers all the way. It’s about 2 km from the parking lot to Grana. Return the same way.