Villages and places

Hjelmeland municipality

Hjelmeland municipality is situated along Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. The municipality is known, among other things, for its fruit production, fish farming and having the world's largest Jærstol chair.

In terms of area, Hjelmeland is the second largest municipality in Rogaland, with a population of around 2,600. The largest villages are Hjelmelandsvågen and Årdal.

Aquaculture, agriculture, sand and stone quarrying, and tourism are the most important industries in the municipality. Sand from Årdal was used to build the bridge that connects Sweden to Denmark over the Øresund strait. The world's largest halibut fish farm is in Tytlandsvik bay, along the Jøsenfjord, and the Ulla-Førre hydropower plant, one of the largest in Europe, is in the east of the municipality.

There are several places to eat and stay in the municipality.

Fruit and traditional products

The mild climate and rich soil in Hjelmeland provide the perfect growing conditions for fruit and berries. Local producers focus on quality, and several have won prestigious awards for their produce.

The municipality is also known for its traditional products, such as the Jærstolen chair and woven baskets. The world's largest Jærstol chair can be found at Hjelmelandsvågen.

Nature and history

Hjelmeland, situated in the heart of Ryfylke, has diverse and spectacular scenery. Skomakarnibbå (The Shoemaker's Crag) towers 700 metres above the Jøsenfjord and is a popular hiking destination. So too is the Eventyrskogen fairy-tale forest, home to well-known fairy-tale characters made of wood, as well as the Ritland crater, the site of a meteorite collision 500 million years ago.

The cluster-farm museum Vigatunet, run by Ryfylke Museum, is situated between Hjelmeland and Fister. A wonderful and unique farm complex and cultural-heritage garden.

Ferry and mountain pass

Hjelmeland municipality is situated along Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. The ferry services between Hjelmeland, Nesvik and Skipavik (Ombo) link the municipality together.

For a unique driving experience, drive from Nes in Årdal municipality over Lyngsheia to Songesand and the Lysefjord.

Travel inspiration

Activities in Hjelmeland municipality

Fem unger som ser på figurene til eventyret om De tre bukkene Bruse.

Outdoor activities and nature

Family-friendly hike to The Fairytale Forest in Årdal

Hjelmeland municipality

Awaken your senses in the Fairytale Forest in Årdal, Ryfylke. During the child-friendly hike, you'll meet gnomes and trolls in the mysterious forest.

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To personer som plukker røder epler.

Shopping

Cider tasting and farm shop at Apal Sideri at Hjelmeland

Hjelmeland municipality

Apal Sideri near Hjelmelandsvågen, Ryfylke, produces apple juice and apple cider. You can join a guided tour of the apple orchard, taste the products and visit the farm shop.

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Dining and accommodation in Hjelmeland municipality

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    Årdal is located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke in Hjelmeland municipality. The old Årdal church and the Fairytale Forest are popular attractions in the village.

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    Hjelmelandsvågen

    Hjelmelandsvågen is located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke in Hjelmeland municipality. You can visit the worlds largest traditional chair, the spinning mill and fruit farms producing apple cider.

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How to get here

Ryfylke is best known for the iconic mountains Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag, which are both on the spectacular Lysefjorden. But when you drive along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, between Lysefjorden in the south and Hårå in Røldal in the north, you will experience lots of contrasts among majestic mountains and deep fjords.

Getting to and around Ryfylke