The Mosterhamn Cultural Trail – a walk through Norwegian history
The Mosterhamn Cultural Trail on Bømlo takes you through a place that has played a key role in Norwegian history. Along the way, you can discover Moster Old Church, Vetahaugen, Moster Amfi and traces of Moster’s long history of mining and limestone quarrying.
Viking heritage, the Christianisation of Norway, geology and cultural landscapes all come together here – in an area that is also part of Sunnhordland UNESCO Global Geopark.
Practical information
Location: Mosterhamn, Bømlo
Starting point: Moster Amfi
Difficulty: Easy
Highest point: Vetahaugen, 74 metres above sea level
Duration: From approximately 30 minutes, depending on how much of the area you wish to explore
Waymarking: Information signs and waymarking along the trail
Footwear: Good walking shoes are recommended. Some sections may be wet and slippery.
Parking
Parking is available near Moster Amfi and Moster Old Church. Coach parking is also available by Moster Old Church.
What can you experience along the Mosterhamn Cultural Trail?
Moster Old Church and the Moster Assembly
Moster holds a special place in the history of Christianity in Norway. The Moster Assembly was held by Moster Church during the 1020s and is traditionally dated to 1024. Here, King Olav Haraldsson and Bishop Grimkjell, together with representatives at the assembly, drew up Christian laws. These laws were later adopted by the regional assemblies and became important to the development of Christian Norway.
Moster Old Church is one of Norway’s oldest churches. Guided tours are available through Moster Amfi.
Vetahaugen
From Moster Amfi and the church, follow the Cultural Trail through Mostraparken and up to the large stone cross at Vetahaugen.
From the top, you can enjoy views across Mosterhamn, Moster Old Church and the surrounding landscape. Several historic memorials can also be seen from Vetahaugen, including the statue of Tora Mostrastong and the King's Stone.
For the 1,000th anniversary of the Christian Law in 2024, the trail to Vetahaugen was upgraded with lighting and seating around the stone cross.
Moster Amfi
Moster Amfi is a cultural and heritage centre built in a former limestone quarry. Through exhibitions and guided experiences, visitors can explore the history of Moster, the Christianisation of Norway and the social changes that marked the transition from the Viking Age to the Middle Ages.
Permanent exhibitions include From Paganism to Christianity, From Power to Justice – Who Holds the Power? and Steinriket Bømlo.
Steinriket Bømlo – geology and mining heritage
At Steinriket Bømlo, you can walk through Moster Amfi’s own mining tunnel and discover Bømlo’s fascinating geology and mining heritage, from the Stone Age to modern times.
Bømlo is part of Sunnhordland UNESCO Global Geopark. Its diverse geology and long history of using local stone and minerals are an important part of the story of both Bømlo and the wider Sunnhordland region.
How long does the Mosterhamn Cultural Trail take?
The short walk through Mostraparken and up to Vetahaugen takes around 30 minutes. Allow more time if you would also like to visit Moster Old Church, explore the exhibitions or walk through the mining tunnel at Moster Amfi.
Can I walk the Mosterhamn Cultural Trail on my own?
Yes. You can explore Mostraparken and Vetahaugen independently. If you would like to learn more about the fascinating history of Moster, Moster Amfi also offers guided experiences and guided tours of Moster Old Church.
