Vardetangen – the westernmost point in mainland Norway

Vardetangen in Austrheim is the westernmost point in mainland Norway, and a popular destination for people who enjoy walking.

Distance: 142 km
Driving time: Approx. 2 1/2 hours
Best time to do it: All year.

Map with details of the trip.

Brief description of the trip

If you are travelling by car, follow the Rv 57 road towards Mongstad. When you get to Seim, turn off towards the Heathland Centre. Drive on towards Mongstad and Vardetangen. Turn off at the sign that reads ‘snøggbåtkai’ (express boat quay).

The westernmost point in mainland Norway, Vardetangen

Vardetangen is situated in Austrheim municipality at a longitude of 4°56'25.90" E and a latitude of 60°48'21.96” N. The landscape in the far north of Nordhordland comprises a string of islands and heathlands. If you like to notch up geographical extreme points, you should definitely visit Vardetangen!

Walking in the heathlands, Photo: Helge Dyrkolbotn 

Walking in the heathlands

Great walking trails have been developed in the open coastal landscape around Vardetangen, including a 5-km trail. Feel free to bring a fishing rod, or swim between islets and skerries. This is a great place to look for crabs and prawns in the ebb with children. Austrheim is also a great place to go kayaking, and you can really get close to the fauna and nature in a kayak.

‘The inner fairway’ between Bergen and the Sognefjord

The first thing you meet after you leave Bergen is the Nordhordland Bridge – the gateway to Nordhordland, which was built in 1994. You can see a long way up the Osterfjord and in towards the strong currents in Nordhordland. The sea was the most important means of communication up until very recently, and the fjord boats transported people and goods to and from Bergen. Today, you can take an express boat on the ‘inner fairway’ between Bergen and the Sognefjord. Norled’s boats stop at Vardetangen.

Walking trail by Vardetangen

Walk described at ut.no / The Norwegian Trekking Association.
Level of difficulty: Easy (see the scale)

Waymarked trail of approx. 5 km to the westernmost point in mainland Norway, Vardetangen, and on to a great bathing spot at Årvikane, where there are tables and toilets. The trail continues on the southwestern side of Fonnesvågen, past a fishing lake (permit needed) and along the idyllic rural road back to the car park at Vardetangen. At Torvneset at the start of the trail, you will find a crofter’s farm with a restored earth cellar and mounds of stones. Tables and benches have been set up here, and there is access via a universally designed path.

Kilstraumen Brygge offers both accommodation and a nice restaurant.

Kilstraumen Brygge – tavern since 1610

A stop at Kilstraumen Brygge gives you a chance to enjoy a great culinary experience. The tavern dates all the way back to 1610, and has provided accommodation, a wharf and a pub. Its current hosts run a lovely restaurant by the water’s edge, serving local fish and food made by local producers. We recommend Kilstraumen’s fantastic fish soup. The restaurant also serves the catch of the day, supplied by Nordhordland Fisk. Kilstraumen also offers accommodation in the tavern itself, and in traditional ‘rorbuer’ and apartments. Hire a boat and try your luck fishing. You can also hire kayaks and bikes to explore the coastal landscape on your own!

If you’ve visited Vardetangen, the westernmost point in mainland Norway, you can buy a certificate and T-shirt to prove it at Kilstraumen Brygge. Here is a list of the other extreme points of Norway.

Buffé at Kilstraumen Brygge every Sunday's

Find more suggestions for day trips by car from Bergen.