Top ten things to do in Solund

Island hopping with the local mail boat in Solund

Join the local mail boat on a unique island-hopping experience in Solund, Bulandet and Værlandet. This journey takes you all the way out to the westernmost islands of Norway, surrounded by a spectacular coastal landscape of thousands of islands, islets and skerries.

The mail boat plays an important role in everyday life in Solund, connecting the island communities by delivering mail and transporting residents between the islands. At the same time, the route offers a rare opportunity to experience coastal culture up close.

The final stop on the regular mail route is the idyllic fishing village of Gåsvær, where you have the chance to go ashore. Gåsvær is a former trading post, and here you can meet the local hosts and gain insight into life in this island community.

After the stop at Gåsvær, the boat continues north to Bulandet in Askvoll municipality. Here, you can explore the islands on your own before the mail boat returns to Hardbakke.

Sea kayaking in Solund – explore Norway’s westernmost archipelago

Solund is one of Norway’s most outstanding destinations for sea kayaking, offering exceptional paddling experiences along the west coast of Norway. With more than 1,700 islands, islets and skerries, surrounded by open sea and unspoilt nature, Solund provides a unique setting for kayaking in sheltered waters and dramatic coastal landscapes. From your kayak, you can explore charming fishing villages, discover the area’s distinctive geology and enjoy close encounters with rich birdlife. It is not uncommon to see white-tailed eagles soaring above the skerries as you paddle quietly through the archipelago.

For a safe and memorable experience, Sognefjord Active offers guided sea kayaking tours and courses in Solund. With experienced local guides and a strong focus on safety, you can explore this spectacular coastal environment at a relaxed pace, whether you are new to sea kayaking or looking for a truly immersive adventure in Norway’s outer archipelago.

Go on a Lighthouse safari to Utvær

You won’t get any farther west in Norway than Utvær – a unique island community on the very edge of the open sea, where history, culture and dramatic nature come together. The island offers a truly distinctive landscape, shaped by the ocean and the weather, and leaves a lasting impression on everyone who makes the journey here.

From Utvær Lighthouse, the views are spectacular, with the open sea to the west and a vast archipelago stretching eastwards. As you walk around the island, you’ll find traces of earlier settlement, including remains of the chapel that was moved in 1718, as well as marks from sword sharpening – testimony to a long and vibrant coastal history.

The lighthouse at Utvær rises 31 metres above the bedrock and casts its light beam 45 metres above sea level. The flash, which appears every 30 seconds, reaches as far as 35 kilometres into the North Sea. For decades, Utvær Lighthouse has been the first sight of land for sailors approaching the Norwegian coast in the dark.

Hiking and walking in Solund

Solund is a rewarding destination for hiking and walking on the west coast of Norway, where mountains rise directly from the fjord and open out towards the sea. The landscape is open and coastal, offering wide views over islands, skerries and the outer archipelago, with hiking experiences that feel both remote and accessible.

The hikes in Solund are generally short and easy to reach, making them ideal for day trips with great views and limited elevation gain. From many of the summits and viewpoints, you can enjoy panoramic scenery stretching from fjord to ocean, with ever-changing light and weather creating a unique atmosphere throughout the day.

Walking in Solund also means moving through open cultural landscapes, shaped by centuries of coastal life. Trails lead across heather-covered hills, rocky outcrops and former grazing land, offering a calm and immersive nature experience. With routes suitable for different levels, Solund is well suited to both leisurely walks and more active hikes, combining fjord, sea and mountains in one distinctive coastal landscape.

Hike to Pollatinden

Pollatinden is the second-highest mountain in Solund and is often referred to as the Queen of the Archipelago.

Rising 541 metres above sea level, the mountain offers magnificent views of Norway’s westernmost islands, with the open sea to the west and a vast archipelago stretching eastwards. The hike to Pollatinden is considered moderately challenging, with sections of steep ascent over rocky terrain.

The round trip takes approximately 2–3 hours and is a rewarding experience for those seeking a summit hike in Solund with outstanding views and powerful nature experiences.

Hike to Ramnenipa

At 232 metres above sea level, Ramnenipa offers great views over Hardbakke and the Solund archipelago. The trail is marked with green signs and is well suited for both children and adults, making this a popular and easily accessible hike right in the centre of the village.

The most commonly used starting point is by the football field in Hardbakke. From the shop, walk up Storehaugen and through the residential area until you reach a gravel road. Turn left and follow the road along the football field, where you’ll find a clear path leading all the way to the summit of Ramnenipa.

The hike takes about one hour round trip. A short and easy walk with great rewards in terms of views – perfect for a relaxed day hike in Solund.

Walk to Sognesjøhytta

A walk to Sognesjøhytta, located south of Hardbakke, is a lovely experience for both young and old hikers. From the day-use cabin, you can enjoy beautiful views over Sognesjøen, about 15 metres above sea level, in peaceful and nature-rich surroundings.

Sognesjøhytta is a low-threshold retreat for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts – a place to take a break, enjoy your packed lunch, warm up, and browse books while soaking in the tranquillity. Just next to the cabin, there is also a small, sheltered cove where kayaks can easily land, making the cabin a great stop for visitors arriving both on foot and from the sea.

Ytre Sula

Almost at the very edge of the municipality lies the island of Ytre Sula, the second-largest of the islands in Solund. Just offshore is the weather-exposed Straumsfjorden, and even farther out are the island communities of Husøy, Nautøy, Indrevær and Utvær. On Ytre Sula, you’ll find small, idyllic village communities: Kolgrov, Straumen, Hjønnevåg, Ytrøygrend, Kverhella, Trovåg and Nåra.

On Ytre Sula, you can stay at Kalgraff Ferie og Fritid or Solund Rorbuferie, and enjoy good food at Havkroa. There is also a grocery store in Nåra.

Wild Sheep Safari

Discover the fascinating story of the Old Norwegian sheep, also known as wild sheep – direct descendants of the sheep kept during the Viking Age. On this tour, you’ll get up close to the free-roaming wild sheep while learning about life on the islands, past and present.
Meet the hardy sheep that have lived alongside coastal communities for over 5,000 years, and hear how they have helped maintain the landscape and heathlands through generations.

Draumeparken Disc Golf Destination

Draumeparken Disc Golf Destination is a truly special place for anyone who loves disc golf – or wants to try it for the very first time. Here you’ll find two excellent courses: the Draumeparken 22-hole course, a professional-level course used for tournaments, and the Idrettsparken 9-hole course, a beginner-friendly and social course suitable for families, children and anyone looking for a relaxed round.

If you enjoy fishing, Solund is the place for you.

Surrounded by open sea and fjords in Norway’s most beautiful archipelago, the conditions are perfect for sea fishing all year round. Here, you can catch mackerel, saithe, cod, haddock, ling, crab, and lobster. Cast your line deep enough, and you might even hook a halibut or monkfish. There are several places where you can rent boats:

Cycling in Solund

Solund offers fantastic conditions for cycling adventures. Bring your bike along on island-hopping trips – the ferries and boats that take you between the islands are an experience in themselves. Cycle north along the idyllic Liasundet, pass charming villages, and watch the sun set over Lågøyfjorden. From Hardbakke, you can cycle west to Daløy and take the quaint ferry to Haldorsneset. From there, continue south to Nåra, and make a lunch stop at Havkroa café in Hjønnevåg, which is open during the summer.