Fjords, mountains, ancient monuments and a unique cultural landscape. Alver outside Bergen is the very essence of Western Norway.
Hop on the bus or the express boat from Bergen city centre and you will be in Alver in about half an hour. No need to go far to experience the fjords, majestic mountains and a fantastic coastline. Alver municipality consists of no less than 843 islands and islets, which makes the area great for kayaking, water sports and fishing.
Nordhordland Biosphere Reserve - Unique in Europe
Alver is part of the region Nordhordland, just north of Bergen. A large area in Nordhordland has been awarded the status of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In the middle of this unique area, you find Lyngheisenteret at Lygra (The Heathland Centre). The Heathland Center is the only place in Europe where you can experience authentic heathers cultivated by local farmers, which are also open for the public.
Photo: Lyngheisenteret
The heathlands are Europe's cultural landscape along the Atlantic Ocean, from Portugal in the south to Lofoten in the north. Sadly, the heathlands are threatened by extinction. However, in Alver they are protected, and you can enjoy the rich bird life, flora, and fauna and the fantastic view of the fjord and mountains. In the restaurant at the Center they serve local, home-cooked food. At The Heathland Centre you can go for a walk on marked paths in the heather, visit a farm, rent bikes and fishing rods. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the sea eagles.
The houses on the prairie
The name Alver derives from the Norse Alviðra, which means a place exposed to weather from all directions, or all kinds of weather. In earlier times, this harsh weather was not suitable for just anyone and many sought their fortunes in America. But who set off on this long journey? And what met them where they arrived? What kind of life did those who left Norway in search of the good life on the other side of the Atlantic get?
The Western Norway Emigration Centre is a real Norwegian/American small village, which has been moved from the USA to Sletta. All the buildings were erected by Norwegian/Americans in Minnesota and Dakota in the period from 1860 to 1920. But times changed, and towards the end of the 20th century the buildings stood empty. Between 1996 and 2003, the buildings were given as gifts back to Norway. They were dismantled, sent by ship across the Atlantic, and re-erected on Sletta. Today, these houses form a small prairie village with a church, a teacher's residence, a school, a doctor's office, a town hall and a prison.
Photo: Visit Bergen / Anders Nyland - visitBergen.com
Sweet dreams
Alver is only a short drive from Bergen and several of the experiences in this area are accessible by public transport. If you want to spend a few days in the area, Alver has several accommodation options to offer.
The hotel has a panoramic view of all the municipalities in the Nordhordland region and is a great starting point for visiting attractions in the region.
If you prefer camping, head to Bruvoll Camping & Hytter. They offer cabins, a space for your caravan or a place to pitch your tent. The campsite offers great scenery and an exciting petting zoo. If you enjoy kayaking or canoeing, you can follow the marked trails or alternatively try your luck fishing.
For those who enjoy accommodation in maritime surroundings, Vågseidestranda holiday resort is the place to go. The resort has a family friendly and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for families. At Vågseidstranda you can go fishing, go on a bike ride or even rent an ATV for a more thrilling experience. You can also hire a boat, a canoe or a pedal boat. From Vågseidstranda you can also join a guided trip to Lindås sea locks.
One of two in Norway
Lindås sea locks is one of two saltwater locks in Norway, and a national cultural monument from the steamboat era. When the steamboats first arrived, they became a challenge for the old municipal centre Lindås. The waters were too narrow for the new large, modern steamboats. After six years of construction work, the locks opened in June 1908, and they were in use until 1963. Now the locks have been restored and is open for visitors. If you are travelling by boat, you will find a guest harbour at Lindås Brygge.
In Alver you will find a number of local food producers that offer the true taste of Nordhordland. Both Westland Hotel and The Heatland Center serves local food, and several farms in the area sell their produce directly to visitors and locals.
Photo: Lyngheisenteret
Out and about
Alver is a good starting point for hiking in the unique biosphere area. The hike to Håøytoppen at Frekhaug is an easy walk, suitable for everyone - including families with children. If you have a car, you can follow The Wool Heritage Route that brings you on a several-thousand-year journey from Viking times to modern design.
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
