Many Norwegians, and some foreigners too, think that island hopping in Boknafjorden on the west-coast of Norway is an alternative to a Croatian island holiday. Learn more about island hopping on the west coast of Norway.
This beautiful Norwegian fjord coast with scattered little islands has fantastic coastlines. Boknafjord is a fjord located in Rogaland county. The huge fjord lies between the cities of Stavanger and Haugesund and dominates the central part of the county.
Feel free to take the fast boat out to one of the city islands outside Stavanger and visit the medieval churches on Rennesøy or cycle around the Sternarøyen. Don’t forget your swimming wear.
With over 250 islands, you can experience everything from the idyllic archipelago to the brute force of the North Sea. Stop at the Urstein Monastery, Norway’s only preserved medieval monastery and learn how Norway’s first king, Harald Fairhair, established his seat here.
There are dozens of smaller fjords that branch off the main part of the fjord, reaching most municipalities in the county. At its longest, the Boknafjord reaches about 96 kilometres (60 mi) into the mainland at the innermost point of the Hylsfjorden.
Related: Visit Norway’s Smallest Municipality
Boknafjellet Mountain is a renowned landmark for the people of Bokn and not least as an important way mark for sailors. Boknafjellet has been an important landmark for seafarers for thousands of years. When the Dutch and other nationalities came sailing in towards the Norwegian coast, Buch van See – the Dutch name for Bokn, was the first place they saw. Since ancient times a cairn has adorned the summit while in modern times the summit is the site of the Bokn radio transmitter.
Locals claim that ‘this 293m high mountain is Norway’s most beautiful mountain. The ride is just hard enough that you need a year to forget how tired you got. And then you take another trip’.
From Boknafjellet you can enjoy fantastic panoramic views all across Haugalandet.
Due to its strong agricultural heritage, the islands landscape is diverse and of great cultural and biological value and therefore are a paradise for nature lovers, where you will find many walking and cycling routes in unspoiled nature or the opportunity to the take a trip on a fishing boat. You can also enjoy a stroll through Haugesund in the evening, taking you along Smedasundet Sound, which will give you a good impression of the city’s history and its strong connection to fishing. You will also find a good choice of restaurants, bars and cultural offers in the area.
If the idea of a Mediterranean journey has crossed your mind—perhaps you should sail Dubrovnik to Split with Sail Croatia—to see the natural splendor and less crowded atmosphere of Boknafjorden and experience a refreshing change. Much like the Croatian coast, Norway’s west coast offers breathtaking views, charming small towns, and unique cultural experiences.
Island Hopping on the West Coast of Norway, written by Tor Kjolberg