Located in the heart of Ryfylke district in Norway, Hjelmeland boasts diverse landscapes, ranging from high mountains to heathlands. The municipality of Hjelmeland gets its name from the word “Hjelmen,” meaning the helmet.
Places to See in Hjelmeland
Hjelmeland’s natural wonders are composed of mountains, fjords and an archipelago. Hjelmeland is famous for fruits and fish. Vigatunet, a 16th century farm, features a historical orchard as a part of the Ryfylke Museum.
The Ardal Church, a 17th century renaissance church, is an interesting place to visit. The Randoy Bridge, a suspension bridge across Olesundet, connects Randoy to the mainland. The 202-meter bridge is a fascinating structure.
Trollgarden is a two-kilometer long moraine ridge that looks like a lengthy drystone wall. It is said to be deposited about 9,700 years ago when the icecap covering the region retreated. The fascinating moraine offers a full-day hiking opportunity for adventure seekers.
The Spinneriet Cultural Center, on the Hjelmelandsana River, is a historic spinning mill that has been renovated for art exhibits and cultural activities. It depicts the history of the Jaeren rushwork chair – a popular tradition of Hjelmeland – and offers handicrafts for sale.
Things to Do in Hjelmeland
The Gjil Activity Center in Hjelmeland’s Josenfjorden village offers exciting activities, ranging from hunting and cycling to aerobics and yoga. Visitors can also enjoy concerts and sporting events.
Fister, a small village on the south-western coast of Norway, is a serene destination with nice fishing opportunities. Beautiful fjords near Skomakarnibba and the Josenfjord are also great for fishing. Hiking up the mountains to the “Nibba,” i.e., peak, offers stunning panoramas of fjords and the sea.
Transportation
The Stavanger Airport is the closest to Hjelmeland at a distance of about 50 km. Hjelmeland’s public transport includes ferries, express boats and buses. Ferries are readily available from Ryfylke.
Visitors can arrive at Hjelmeland via the Discovery Route, a historical route dating back to 1880, connecting Stavanger to Bergen, traversing through picturesque landscapes, including salmon rivers, waterfalls and lakes. Hjelmeland stop is on Rv13 National Touristroad 47 km, taking about 40 minutes from Stavanger.
Hotels and Holiday Homes in Hjelmeland
There are luxurious holiday homes in Ardal and Fister and the surrounding regions, such as Nesvik and Sandangervagen. The Spa-hotell Velvaere is in the Hjelmeland municipality. Other hotels around Hjelmeland include Lilland Hotel, Ryfylke Fjordhotel, Fjordbris Hotell, Utstein Kloster Hotell and Skansen Hotel.