Hiking to Ytstebrød

Ytstebrød is situated at the very tip of Eigerøy, in an open and weather-beaten coastal landscape close to the North Sea. Here you’ll find Hagavatn, a small lake surrounded by the distinctive ‘lunar landscape’ for which the Magma Geopark is famous. The dominant rock type is anorthosite – the same rock found in the light-coloured areas of the moon.

A unique coastal and cultural landscape

A gravel track along Hagavatn takes you through the distinctive coastal and cultural landscape of Ytstebrød, where sheep graze all year round. Along the way, you can see evidence of how ice and the forces of nature have shaped the landscape over millions of years, including erratic boulders, scour marks and traces in the rocky outcrops.

Moon Walk

If you’d like to get even closer to this unique landscape, you can follow one of the two side trails marked ‘Walk on the Moon’. Here, you can walk across bare rocky outcrops right out towards the sea, with the North Sea as your nearest neighbour.

Hagavatn and traces of the war

If you follow the path further round Hagavatn and along the coast, you’ll also come across traces of the Second World War, including the remains of buildings, a conveyor belt and a large searchlight that was used to keep watch over the sea. The walk can continue to Rausvåg, a small, bustling harbour where traditional fishing and hunting are still practised.

Ytstebrød and Hagavatn offer an exciting combination of coastal nature, geology and local history – and a walk through a landscape you won’t find in many other places in Norway.

Stay safe along the coast

The coastal weather on Eigerøy can change rapidly. Wet rocky outcrops become slippery, and wind and waves can make the sea unpredictable. Keep a safe distance from the water and exposed edges, and do not walk out onto rocky outcrops in bad weather. Show consideration for birdlife and grazing animals, keep your dog under control and close any gates.

Read our article on what to bear in mind when travelling along the coast in our region and the fjord pledge – how to look after nature.