Ølen

Ølen municipality has approximately 3.450 inhabitants and covers a area of 184,0 km2. The muncipality is the regional centre of Inner Haugalandet of which Ølensjøen is the largest town with approximately 1.450 inhabitants. The administrative center in the muncipality is Ølensjøen. Another villages is Ølensvåg with approximately 760, Vikebygd with approximately 530 and Bjoa (Innbjoa-Utbjoa) with approximately 520 inhabitants. Ølen is home to a diverse cultural heritage, much of it derived from its long tradition of agricultural and coastal activities. Much of Ølen is bound by the sea, which allows for good fishing and bathing possibilities.

Take a ferry and sail between forseted islands, watching the deep fjords changing from turquoise to dark blue with the shifting sunlight. From the several scenic view points around Ølen, the landscape ranges from forested hillsides, to the snow-capped peaks of the glacier, Folgefonna which stands regally in the distance.

NERHEIMSTUNET

Traditional west coast farming hamlet, art exhibition and museum.

SCHOOL MUSEUM

At Årvik, Vikebygd its a School Museum. Visits by arrangement with Lars A. Skartland.

ØLEN CHURCH

A road church. Open: 09 - 27 July. Mon - Fri 13:00 - 16:00. Guided tours.

BJOA VILLAGE MILL

Milling museum at Garkroken, Innbjoa. Visits by arrangement with Ølen Tourist.

ARQUEBUS MEMORIAL

Erected 8. May 1995 in memory of the resistance at Eikås during the 2nd world war. Memorial guide and porcelain plaque on sale.

RESTORED SAWMILL

Sawmill with water-wheel from the end of the 1700s, operating until 1965 Fine walking country close by with plenty of opportunities for freshwater fishing. Overnighting and boat hire at Bjordalstunet farmstead close by.

DREGANES WAR MEMORIAL

War memorial with bunkers. Scenic viewpoint overlooking Etnafjord with good fishing and bathing areas.

OLD TRADING CENTRE

General Store on Innbjoa quay. Pleasant atmosphere. Open daily except Sunday. Lounge with exhibition and sale of arts and crafts.

FISHING

Much of Ølen is bound by the sea, which allows for good fishing and bathing possibilities. In the mountains, the scope for hunting and freshwater fishing is exellent.