Top ten things to do in Hyllestad

1. Hike the spectacular Lihesten

Lihesten is a famous landmark along the coast and is most likely one of the most photographed mountains in our region. The mountain offers many different trails, and you can easily spend several days exploring the area. A circular hike up to the popular Gygrekjeften takes approximately 6–8 hours round trip.

If you enjoy a bit of climbing, you can follow the Nipestien trail up to Gygrekjeften; otherwise, the Sherpa steps leading up to the 3-L mountain farms are a popular alternative. The highest point on Lihesten is Risnesnipa, at 777 metres above sea level.

The trails can be demanding, but the views from the summit are well worth the effort. There are many small, idyllic spots along the way where you can truly experience peace and tranquillity. Fjord views are guaranteed!

2. Family Day at the Millstone Park

Take a step back in time and experience the Millstone Park, a unique open-air museum located in the largest millstone quarries from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages in Scandinavia. Here, stonecutters worked for generations, extracting millstone after millstone. Millstones were essential to everyday life, without them, there would be no flour and no food.

The Millstone Park offers experiences for the whole family, with a wide range of activities. Try grinding grain using an authentic millstone, and use the flour you make to prepare dough that can be baked over an open fire, just as people did in the past.

3. Farm Experiences at Indrefjord Gard

Bring your family or friends to Indrefjord Gard, a charming family-run farm idyllically located by the Lifjord, with views of the majestic Lihesten. Here, you can experience an authentic farm environment with dairy cows, horses, ponies, rabbits, the farm cat, and the dog Mira.

Indrefjord Gard offers authentic experiences and is an ideal destination for groups seeking a close encounter with Norwegian farming and rural life.

One of the most popular experiences is taking the horses down to the shoreline, where you can wade along the water’s edge, gather around the fire pit with your own food, and simply enjoy the moment at your own pace.

Many people dream of the cowboy life portrayed in TV series like Yellowstone. At Indrefjord Gard, you can experience it for real. Ride through open landscapes, gather cattle from horseback, and feel the freedom of being close to nature. With the sunset as your backdrop, it’s an experience that takes you far away from everyday life.

4. Visit Hjertebladhagen

Hjertebladhagen is a garden and interior shop out of the ordinary, located in a rural setting in Skifjord, Hyllestad. People of all ages come here, whether they are gardening enthusiasts or not, as Hjertebladhagen is just as much an experience as it is a shop.

At Hjertebladhagen, you can wander through the garden and explore products for sale in a natural and lush garden environment. If you sit down at one of the many seating areas in the garden, you can enjoy the beautiful view of the fjord, along with the delightful scents and sights of flowers, herbs, and vegetable plants.

5. Be a Norwegian - go hiking

For many Norwegians, exploring the mountains and nature is a natural part of everyday life. When spring arrives and the snow melts, Norwegians lace up their hiking boots and head outdoors.

If you would also like to explore the mountains like a true Norwegian, Hyllestad offers a wide range of hiking experiences for everyone, from demanding mountain hikes to gentle walks along the fjord and coastline.

Hyllestad also features idyllic roads with little traffic, well suited for walking. Sørefjordhytta, Hyllestad’s day-use cabin, has become a popular hiking destination. It is located just off the trail to Hesjetinden and offers beautiful views towards Lihesten and out over the Åfjord.

6. Go cycling in Hyllestad

Planning a cycling holiday? Then Hyllestad is the place for you. Cycle along scenic country roads through idyllic and beautiful landscapes rich in cultural history. Why not combine your bike ride with exciting cultural experiences?

In the article Cycling in Hyllestad, you will find great tips on what to experience as you cycle your way through Hyllestad.

7. Fossfossen

Right by County Road 57, near the distinctive stone bridge on the historic Trondhjem Post Road, you will find Fossfossen. Here the water cascades down through lush surroundings, creating a beautiful and atmospheric feature in the landscape.

Take the opportunity to experience Fossfossen up close. A gravel road and parking are located close to the waterfall.

8. Explore Hyllestad from a kayak

Paddle your way between small islands and skerries along the coast and fjord, or on beautiful lakes throughout the municipality. Kayaking is suitable for most people, young and old alike, and allows you to experience nature up close in a way you might not otherwise do.

9. Cultural Walk in Hyllestad

Join a cultural walk through Hyllestad together with Martha. Martha grew up in Hyllestad shortly after the Second World War and has lived here for most of her life. She shows you her Hyllestad and shares stories from her childhood – about exciting outdoor games, tough fights between boys and girls, and a dangerous trip up to Lihesten.

It was a world without television, with few cars and telephones, and with the war still fresh in people’s memories. It was a life where children had a great deal of freedom and managed on their own, while also helping the adults who worked hard to make ends meet. Martha emphasises that what she shares is her personal version of what life was like in Hyllestad at that time. Others may have experienced it very differently.

The route is a circular walk with eight stops and is 2.7 km long. The path is easy to walk, with no major inclines.

Experience historic sites and fascinating stories brought to life through video and audio storytelling on easy cultural walking routes along the FjordKysten. Using your mobile phone, you download the stories as you go along the route.

10. Hyllestad – an angler’s and boater’s paradise

If you enjoy fishing, you have come to the right place. Here, you can fish in classic coastal areas as well as in more sheltered valleys and heathlands, surrounded by a rich diversity of geology and vegetation. Hyllestad is a true paradise for fishing enthusiasts from all over the world. You can choose to join a guided fishing trip or rent a boat and explore on your own.

Hyllestad boasts a magnificent coastline, where the Sognefjord and Åfjord meet the open sea. With thousands of islands, islets, and skerries, the coastline has been the lifeline of Hyllestad for centuries. Head out to sea and sail along the routes of generations past, experiencing a glimpse of the wealth and stories shaped in these unique waters. Rent a boat and set out on your own – or even better, join a local guide.