Tysnes is Vestland’s fjord-framed heritage basin — a municipality where Viking burial mounds rise from coastal meadows, chocolate shops nestle in trading posts, and three silver axes cross beneath a crown on the coat of arms. With around 2,900 residents and a landscape shaped by the Bjørnafjord, Langenuen Strait, and the villages of Uggdal, Våge, Onarheim, and Reksteren, Tysnes is the kind of place where you can hike past Iron Age monuments, explore marble mines, and still sip spruce tea beside a fjord that once bore Njord’s name. It’s got fjords, folklore, and a name that may stem from Týr — the Norse god of justice.
In the Middle Ages, Tysnes was known as Njardarlog — “Njord’s dominion” — named after the Norse god of hunting, fishing, and seafaring. With its abundant coastal resources and sacred landscapes like Vevatnet (the holy lake) and Årbakkavollen (burial mounds), the island was a spiritual and practical haven for early Norse settlers.
Discover Tysnes: Visitor Portal
- VisitTysnes.no – curated travel information about attractions, dining, lodging, events, outdoor activities, transportation, and cultural highlights.
Why might Tysnes be one of the best places on Earth to spend your summer? Because it’s a rare blend of tranquility and joy that doesn’t just impress — it settles into your soul. The days linger under that golden Nordic sun, fjords stretch out like polished mirrors, and the air smells of spruce and saltwater. You wake up to mountain hikes with sweeping views, paddle past marble cliffs that tell their own stories, and by nightfall, you’re dancing at Tysnesfest those couple of days in July when the event is taking place.
Begin with the romantic charm and cultural richness of Haaheim Gaard, a lovingly restored hillside retreat where gourmet meals are inspired by seasonal Norwegian ingredients and elevated with herbs gathered just outside the kitchen door. With interiors reminiscent of a bygone era, rose gardens boasting over 1,500 blooms, and an atmosphere shaped by storytelling, opera evenings, and intimate concerts, it’s a place where elegance and tradition meet in every detail.
Add in creamy local cheeses from Myrdal Gard — a hillside farm near Tysnessåta where both goat’s and cow’s milk are transformed into award-winning wheels infused with wild garlic, truffle, and honey clover — and round it out with handmade chocolates from EH Vaage Landhandleri, a lovingly restored 1902 trading post in Uggdal that now crafts artisanal sweets, macaroons, and ice cream using locally sourced ingredients.
And just when you think you’ve soaked it all in, you stumble into Mandelhuset Restaurant & Bar in Våge — a warm, easygoing place down by the harbor where the seafood is fresh, the dishes are comforting, and the fjord views gently remind you that real peace still exists.
Tysnesfest
Every July, Tysnes comes alive with Tysnesfest — a summer music festival that transforms the fjordside into a stage. International artists, local performers, and family-friendly events fill the island with energy. Concerts take place against a backdrop of mountains and sea, while food stalls, cultural programs, and children’s activities make it a celebration for all ages. It’s more than a festival — it’s a gathering of community and visitors under the Nordic sun.
Top Attractions
- Tysnessåta Mountain – panoramic summit hike with views of Hardangerfjord
- Årbakka Trading Post – 1898 general store with Iron Age burial site nearby
- Myrdal Farm – award-winning cheese, pizza terrace & fjordside café
- E.H. Vaage Landhandel – restored 1902 shop with handmade chocolates
- Seløya Marble Mine – sea-facing cavern with 17th-century quarry tunnels
- Read more on VisitTysnes: Attractions
Activities
Tysnes offers a wide range of activities — from cultural events and concerts to fishing trips, fitness centers, and guided hikes across its fjord‑framed landscape. Whether you’re looking for family‑friendly recreation, outdoor adventures, or local experiences, there’s something for everyone. Read more on VisitTysnes: Activities
Outdoor Activities
For those who love nature, Tysnes is a paradise of outdoor pursuits. Explore mountain trails, kayak along fjords, or discover hidden beaches and viewpoints. The island’s varied terrain makes it perfect for hiking, cycling, and water sports. Read more on VisitTysnes: Outdoor Activities
Unique Experiences
- Tysnesfest – summer music festival with fjordside concerts & family events
- Årbakkavollen – Iron Age site with 20 burial mounds & standing stones
- Haaheim Gaard – boutique hotel with gardens, concerts & gourmet dining
- Reksteren WWII Fort – preserved German fort with memorial & map board
- Breidablikk Anno – Viking clothing, dolls & textile crafts near Tysnes Church
Places to Stay
See accommodation options on VisitTysnes.no
Restaurants and local places to eat
In Tysnes you’re sure to find something to your taste — from fjordside restaurants and cozy cafés to hillside farms serving wood‑fired pizza and handmade cheeses. Whether it’s the refined atmosphere of Haaheim Gaard, the waterfront charm of Mandelhuset, or the artisan flavors of Myrdal Gard and EH Vaage Landhandleri, dining here is always tied to local tradition and fresh ingredients. Explore restaurants on VisitTysnes.no
Local food producers
Tysnes is home to passionate local producers who transform the island’s resources into edible treasures. From goat’s milk cheeses at Tveitakjerring to organic baked goods at Fru Aarvik, and sustainable farming at Dalland, you’ll discover authentic flavors rooted in nature and heritage. Discover local food producers on VisitTysnes.no
Fitness center
Stay active while visiting Tysnes with gyms and fitness centers offering squash, spinning, and group classes. See fitness and activity options on VisitTysnes.no
Guest harbours
Tysnes is great for boating — visit modern guest harbours in Våge, Uggdal, Lunde, and Onarheim. Explore guest harbours on VisitTysnes.no
Beaches and swim areas
From family-friendly sandy bays to secluded coves accessible only by boat, Tysnes offers diverse swimming spots. Discover beaches and swim areas on VisitTysnes.no
Getting There
Tysnes lies south of Bergen, with Uggdal as its administrative center and Våge as its harbor hub. Reach it by ferry from Halhjem or Jektevik, or drive across the Lukksund Bridge from Kvinnherad. The area is best explored by boots, boat, or bold curiosity — especially if you’re chasing axe echoes, fjord lore, or the hush of pine needles beside a marble mine. Read more practical information on VisitTysnes.no
