Important Information:
There is currently a risk of rockfall in the Kossdalssvingene hairpin bends. We advise guests not to stay in the bends for extended periods of time, and to avoid visiting the area during strong winds and heavy rain.
The small village of Hosanger in Osterøy is located about 50 minutes to drive from Bergen city center. The highlight on the this hike up Kossdalssvingane is the 17 hairpin bends. Perfect for those Facebook and Instagram posts!
The hike is approximately 6 kilometers in total (3 kilometers one way) and it is a relatively easy walk. The hike is also suitable for families with children. Estimated time is about 2 hours back and forth (1 hour each direction). Most of the walk is on a gravel road so you should be fine with ordinary sneakers.
How to get to Hosanger:
By train/bus:
From Bergen, take the local train from Bergen train station to Arna and change to bus 900 to Lonevåg. Here, transfer to bus 906, which will take you to Hosanger. Departures are limited, so check skyss.no for connecting routes. You can travel by local train and bus on the same Skyss ticket. The journey takes about 50 minutes. From the bus stop in Hosanger, it is a short walk to Kossdalsvegen, which leads you to Kossdalssvingane.
By car:
It takes about 50 minutes to drive from Bergen city centre to Hosanger. Follow the E39 north from the city centre, then the E16. After about 30 minutes, take the exit and drive across the Osterøy Bridge. Follow road 556 to Lonevåg and then road 557 to Hosanger.
Starting point and parking:
The starting point for the hike is Mjøsvågen in Hosanger. The designated public parking for the hike is located by Hosanger Church. Walking from the church to the starting point by Hosanger Montessori School takes about 15 minutes.
Alternative parking options:
It is possible to park at Hosanger Montessori School outside of school hours and during holidays, but the parking area is small. Alternatively, you can park at Mjøs Metall. Please note that this is a private parking lot for employees, but it is permitted to park there after 16:00 and on weekends. (Follow the signs and walk along the right side of the river.)
After the hike:
After the hike, we recommend a refreshing dip in the fjord at Mjøsvågen and a visit to the Flabellina sauna. Next to Flabellina, you’ll find Fjærå Sjøhus, which is open as a pub in the evenings on weekends and serves lunch during part of the summer season. Here, you can enjoy food and drinks right at the water’s edge.
At Mjøsvågen Landhandleri, you can pick up something tasty to bring along on your trip or enjoy a nice outdoor lunch after the hike, if the weather allows.
You can also go for a swim at Sperrneset beach, located by the church. This charming spot offers a small beach, two diving boards, a grassy area for relaxing, and toilet facilities.
Walking in the opposite direction from the church, it takes about six minutes to reach Norlender Knitwear. Here you can visit the production area and pick up beautiful Norwegian-made wool garments in the factory outlet.
About Osterøy:
Osterøy is only half an hour drive from Bergen. It is a beautiful inland island surrounded by fjords. To get to Osterøy you can drive from Bergen and across the bridge called Osterøybrua or you can use the ferry. Osterøy is a large island and it takes time to get around, but there are lots of things to do and you can quite easily fill an entire day here! Read more about Osterøy and tips on things to do.
More hiking tips:
If you love to go hiking there are several good options in Bergen and the 7 mountains that surrounds the city as well as in the beautiful region outside the city.