Just west of the city center of Bergen, a tiny half-hour in the car, there is an
incredibly beautiful and varied paddling area. Few, if any, other
cities in Norway can offer a similar islands in such close proximity to
the center.
The large island of Sotra that has given the area it´s name is on the west side, surrounded by a wealth of small islands, islets, canals and embayments. To the north stretches Øygarden like a chain of smaller islands. The total area is a 100 km long paddling paradise that can be explored on the weekend or in the form of day trips from Bergen.
You may plan great roundstrips, or paddle the entire archipelago from north to south (check the weather forecast and get the wind in your back!)
Despite the fact that it has been built a relatively large number of houses and cabins in what has almost become a suburb of Bergen, you still have the feeling of paddling in a pristine area. Hellesøy and Turøy are good starting points in Øygarden, while Møvik and Glesvær are great starting points on Sotra. If you do a Sunday trip around Glesvær you may end up with a seafood buffet and a cortado on the ancient trading centre.
At the end of May each year there is a kayak symposium on Sotra with courses, lectures and guided tours. Note that you can combine kayaking and climbing! Sotra is one of the most well-developed climbing areas in Norway. For good sport climbing all the way from the far north of Øygarden to the south of Sotra. Check www.bergen-klatreklubb.no for more imformation on the last part.
HOW TO GET THERE
The area is located just west of Bergen. Take highway 555 from Bergen. By Trengereid tunnel take north if you want to get to Øygarden or south if you want to stay the night: There are several fishermen facilities and campsites in the area. Bergen and Omland Friluftsråd rents out two houses on Hitsøy and Lono - on the west side of Møvik. In particular, Løno, which is completely out to sea on an island which is partly protected as a bird sanctuary, is a great place for daytrips if the wind and weather conditions are good. Langøy culture center is public recreation area and a nice place to raise your tent. Langøy culture center serves coffee and buns every Sunday.
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