The island Tysnes gives you a taste of the good life. And when you get the taste of something really good, chances are you want to come back for more.
Tysnes is perhaps best known for the music festival Tysnesfest, which is held every year in July. However, this beautiful island between the ocean in the west and the Hardangerfjord in the east has more to offer. On Tysnes, the good things in life are important and treasured.
Tysnesfest. Photo: Øystein Vaage
How to get here
Tysnes is actually not just one island, it is a group of islands, with a total area of 255 square kilometers. Tysnes has rolling mountainsides towards the ocean, heathers facing the sea on the west side and large forest areas in the east towards the Hardangerfjord. In addition, there is a great archipelago, perfect for excursions by boat and of course fishing.
Photo: Visit Bergen / Anders Nyland - visitBergen.com
To get to Tysnes from Bergen, you take the ferry from Halhjem, about 35-40 minutes' drive from the center of Bergen. The ferry goes to Våge on Tysnes. If you use public transport, there is a bus from Bergen bus station to the ferry. The bus ticket is included in the Bergen Card.
Tysnes is part of Sunnhordland, which are labelled as Sustainable destination. Sustainable destination is a quality mark for destinations that has committed to work systematically towards more sustainable tourism, preserving local communities, natural areas, and cultural heritage, and reducing the environmental footprint from tourism.
They say that if you look towards Shetland on a clear day, you can see if someone left the door to the boathouse open.
The hotel has 23 rooms and suites, all of which are furnished in a historical style, with reconstructed wallpapers from Swedish and Norwegian castles and manors.
Photo: Visit Bergen / Anders Nyland - visitBergen.com
Around Haaheim Gaard there is a magnificent garden with flowers, herb gardens, benches, gazebos and 1,500 meters of garden paths.
At Haaheim you can also attend a concert and other cultural events as well as enjoy great quality food made from local produce. The menu is based on seasonal ingredients from local suppliers, and the flavours are topped with herbs from the garden.
Award winning cheese
In beautiful surroundings at the foot of the highest mountain on Tysnes, Tysnessåta, you find Myrdal Gård. This farm produces world-class cheese from both goat's and cow's milk. In the spring and summer it is possible to visit the farm, and buy some cheese and local produce in the farm shop. The restaurant serves delicious pizza bakes in a wood-burning stove as well as dishes mades with produce from the farm. From Våge on Tysnes, it takes about 15 minutes to drive to Myrdal Gård.
At EH Vaage right by the sea at Eie in Uggdal there is no shortage of sweet temptations. The store has its own chocolate factory which produces handmade confectionary, macaroons and other high quality local produce. And not to be missed: The home-made ice cream!
Photo: Visit Bergen / Anders Nyland - visitBergen.com
Landhandleriet is like a living museum, where you can experience what a shop could have been like 100 years ago. During the summer they expand to include a gastropub.
Years ago, there were several places around Tysnes of great importance when it came to trading of goods. EH Vaage was one of them and Årbakka another. At Årbakka you can visit a “krambu” (a general store) where the interior is as it was in the 1930’s. You can also visit the old post office and an exhibition of all things related to coastal living. The exhibition also has art for sale.
Photo: Visit Bergen / Anders Nyland - visitBergen.com
Photo: Visit Bergen / Linn Kjos Falkenberg - visitBergen.com
Not far from Årbakka, Årbakkavollen is an interesting place to visit with an ancient monument from the early Iron Age, the remains of 20 burial mounds and at least 6 burial stones.
Photo: Visit Bergen / Anders Nyland - visitBergen.com
Their specialty is simple dishes rich in natural flavours. The fish and shellfish on the menu are supplied by local fishermen, delivered on the pier just outside the kitchen door.
Fruit and apples are picked in the area. The restaurant also has a rich selection of local ciders from Hardanger which you can enjoy outside on a nice summer day.
Photo: Mandelhuset
To the top!
When you arrive at Tysnes, tie your hiking boots and set off on a mountain hike. Tysnessåta is beautifully located in the middle of the island Tysnes and from the top (751 meters above sea level) you have a great view of the surrounding fjords and islands.
If you’re all for hiking, but perhaps prefer an easier alternative, try the hike to Ramnanuten (230 m.a.s.l.). The starting point is in Våge and the hike is suitable for all ages and level of fitness.
Våge Harbour
The archipelago south of Bergen for boat enthusiasts. The large harbour in Våge can accommodate 150 boats and has several times been among the finalists in the selection of Norway's best marina.
The harbor has all facilities including a Tourist Information center, a playground - and a sauna! In the service center there is a washing machine, tumble dryer, shower and toilet.
The region around Bergen has a lot to offer and Tysnes is a great place for a day trip from Bergen. Or even better: extend your visit to Bergen with a few days and enjoy the good life at Tysnes.
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