Cultural heritage

Utstein monastery

Cultural heritage

Norway’s only preserved medieval monastery

Located in beautiful surroundings on Mosterøy, Harald Fairhair had his royal estate here. In the Middle Ages, it was a monastery for Augustinian monks and later a bailiff’s residence in the 1700s. Today, Utstein Monastery is operated as a museum, conference venue, banquet hall, and concert arena. The monastery is located on Klosterøy in the Rennesøy municipality. It is a 10-minute drive from Sokn Camping.

Utstein appears in historical sources as early as the 1000s, and then as a royal estate for Harald Fairhair after the Battle of Hafrsfjord in the year 872. The monastery was built from the 1260s, but it is possible that some building parts are older and date back to an earlier royal estate. The church is unique in Norway, with the tower located in the middle between the choir and nave.

Utstein is Norways only preserved medieval monastery complex, with both the church and the lower floors of the east and south wings still standing and in use. The monastery is prominently located as a closed complex around a square cloister courtyard in an open landscape, with wide views.

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Fjøløy fortress

Activities, Cultural heritage

For over 70 years, the 270-acre area of Fjøløy has been closed to the public. The fortress was established by the Germans in 1941 and taken over by the Norwegian military in 1945. The area served as a coastal fortress until 1999 and as a training ground until 2009. In 2011, it was converted into an outdoor recreational area.

Fjøløy holds many memories from the days of the war. While hiking in the area, you can experience old cannons, barracks, and bunkers in a beautiful landscape with a great view. The hike from the parking lot to the cannon positions takes only 10 minutes, and for someone who has not experienced the horrors of war, it makes a strong impression to see these installations.

Another great experience is the trip out to the Fjøløy lighthouse. The lighthouse was established in 1849 as a fishing lighthouse and was automated in 1977. In 1983, the lighthouse was replaced by a light beacon. Both the lighthouse and the surrounding buildings are well-preserved, and it’s like a small museum out here in the open sea. You can almost see how rough the weather can be on stormy days.

Trail: Hiking trails of varying lengths. Worth seeing: Fjøløy Fortress and Fjøløy Lighthouse.

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Sokn viking grave

Cultural heritage /

Within walking distance from Sokn Camping there’s an old viking grave located in a green lush environment following Soknasundet. The path is mostly gravel/farm road. It is clearly marked and is around 1,8 km long round trip. From Sokn Camping it is around 1,5 km to the start point. Parking is available.

Well suited for children

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