Cycling Route – Leirvik and Sagvåg

This scenic 18 km circular cycling route takes you from Leirvik town centre through peaceful countryside, past the historic mining village of Litlabø and along the waterfront in Sagvåg, before returning to Leirvik.

You can start your ride at the marina in Leirvik town centre. In the heart of town, you’ll find a large roundabout with a fountain in the middle. Take the exit that leads past Stord Folk High School, then turn right. Follow the signs for Cycle Route 1 past the Esso petrol station and out of the town centre. The route climbs gently past Knutsaåsen Care Centre until you reach the end of the road.

At the fork, take the road leading through an underpass. The surface now changes to gravel. After passing the last house, continue gently downhill along a farm track. Follow the signs for Cycle Route 1 until you rejoin Gruvevegen. Cycle past the old school at Stuva and continue through Litlabø, where you’ll pass charming farms and beautiful cultural landscapes.

After approximately 6.5 km, you’ll reach a turn-off on your right leading to the Litlabø Mining Museum. Pyrite was mined here from 1865 to 1968. Today, the site is home to a seasonal museum, with pleasant outdoor areas and walking trails to explore.

From the museum, continue along the shared-use path beside Lake Storavatnet. After approximately 3 km, you’ll reach a junction in Sagvåg, on the western side of Stord island. Follow the signs for Cycle Route 1 towards Haugesund, turning left onto Sagvågsvegen towards the centre of Sagvåg.

In Sagvåg, you’ll find a grocery shop and other local amenities. Just before the grocery shop, turn right and follow the road for around 100 metres to reach Sagvåg quay and Sagvåg Guest Harbour. This is a lovely spot to take a break, with benches, picnic tables and an information board.

Continue cycling from Sagvåg towards Leirvik, following the shared-use path. Along the way, you’ll pass a sign for Sætravik swimming area, which is a 2.1 km detour to the right.

After approximately 3.5 km, you’ll reach the E39. Keep left and follow the signs towards Leirvik, crossing the E39 via a pedestrian and cycle bridge. Continue behind Heiane Shopping Centre and follow the blue signs towards Leirvik, passing Langeland School.

When you reach Verftsvegen, you can take a short detour to Aker Solutions Stord, the largest industrial workplace in the Sunnhordland region. Alternatively, continue along the shared-use path towards Leirvik town centre, passing Andedammen pond before heading down to Stord Cultural Centre and returning to the marina where your ride began.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

18 km

Surface

Mostly asphalt, with some gravel sections.