"Vågarunden"

«Vågarunden» is a short walk close to Hjelmeland centre. In this walk you can learn a bit about the history of Hjelmeland. In this short hike you will find several cultural blue signs, in which historical events linked to the history of Hjelmeland are described. There are 11 signs in total.

Start by the quay in Hjelmelandsvågen and walk along the boat harbour to the first building, the bank. In this first building Hjelmeland Sparebank was founded in 1907.

Follow the “Gamleveg” (“Old road” in English) to the spinning mill, where you will find 3 cultural blue signs: one for the spinning mill, one for the smith found inside the mill and one about the Viking silver rings found in Sæbø.

From the spinning mill you can continue walking along the river all the way to the church, and afterwards to the bank.

After the bank, continue walking by the main road towards the restaurant Smaken av Ryfylke. Close to the restaurant you will find the old town hall, that also served as a school.

From there, you can walk down to the fjord, and continue to the town hall building. In the façade facing the river you will find two more blue signs, one describing the large flood that took place in 1940 and another sign which explains the history of the first prayer house in Norway, found in Hjelmeland.

At the entrance hall you will find the 9th blue sign which tells you about the construction of the town hall before the 60’s.

The last sign is posted in the wall of “Vågahuset”, in which more information about the copper work in Hjelmeland can be found.