Askøy is the large green island just across the bridge from Bergen. Locals treat it like their backyard for quick hikes, shoreline swims, and slow evenings by the water. Visitors usually breeze past on their way to fjords farther north. That is a shame. Askøy has quiet trails, historic hamlets, and a wild bird sanctuary at Herdla that feels a world away from the cruise crowds in Bryggen.
If you are wondering whether Askøy is worth your time, the short answer is yes. It is the easiest island escape from Bergen because it is connected by the Askøy Bridge. No ferry is needed. You can visit for a few hours or stay several days and use it as a calmer base for exploring the region. Nature is the main draw. Think short hikes with big views, sheltered coves for kayaking, and beaches that are genuinely good on warm summer days.
Let’s take a deeper dive into Askøy and how to make the most of your visit.
Where Is Askøy and How To Get There
Askøy sits immediately northwest of Bergen on Norway’s west coast. The island is linked to the mainland by the Askøy Bridge. Driving from central Bergen to the first villages on Askøy typically takes 15 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. There is no toll today, but always check your rental agreement because Norwegian road tolls are often billed automatically.
Buses run frequently from Bergen’s downtown and bus station to different parts of the island. Look for services toward Kleppestø, Florvåg, and Herdla. If you plan to travel by bus, download the local public transport app for tickets and real time departures. Taxis are easy to book but cost more than many visitors expect.
You do not need a ferry to reach Askøy. The only time you might consider a boat is if you join a kayak tour, a local island cruise, or a fishing charter.
When To Visit Askøy
Askøy is a year round destination with a very different feel in each season.
- May to September brings long days, milder temperatures, and the best chance for clear views. Early summer is perfect for hiking. July and August are best for swimming and beach days.
- October to April is quieter and wetter. Trails are open, but pack waterproof gear. Winter sunsets can be gorgeous over Byfjorden and the mountains around Bergen. If you like peaceful places and prices that are a bit softer, this is your window.
Weather shifts fast on the west coast. Always carry a light rain jacket and shoes with some grip for trails.
Understanding the Island’s Layout
Askøy has a handful of distinct areas.
- Kleppestø and Florvåg form the southern gateway closest to the bridge. This is where you find supermarkets, cafés, and the bus hub.
- Strusshamn sits a little west. It is a protected wooden waterfront area with boathouses, wharf buildings, and calm inner channels.
- Mid-Askøy is laced with small lakes and easy hiking terrain. Popular trailheads are never far from a bus stop.
- Herdla is the northern tip. It is almost flat, ringed by beaches and wetlands, and known for the old coastal fort and excellent birdlife.
Having a car is convenient if you want to hop between beaches and trailheads in one day. You can also see a lot by combining buses with short walks.
Top Things To Do On Askøy
Hike to Kolbeinsvarden for a Big View
The high point of Askøy is Kolbeinsvarden at 231 meters. It is not a huge climb, which is exactly why locals love it. The most straightforward route starts near Tveit or Kleppestø and takes about 45 to 75 minutes up, depending on your pace. On a clear day you look straight across to Bergen’s Seven Mountains and south along Byfjorden. Trails are well trodden but can be muddy after rain. Wear proper footwear and bring a wind layer for the ridge.
Wander Strusshamn’s Historic Waterfront
Strusshamn is the island’s prettiest historic cluster, with traditional wooden houses, boathouses, and a sheltered harbor that feels like a film set when the light is soft. It is an easy place to stroll, take photos, and grab coffee. Give yourself time to sit on a pier, watch the small boats slide past, and listen to the gulls. In summer there are often small cultural events and art exhibitions.
Explore Herdla Nature Reserve and Herdla Fort
If you only have one half day and want something unique, head to Herdla. The road north twists through low hills and inlets before the landscape opens into flat wetlands and long shallow beaches. Birdlife is rich here. You may spot eider, oystercatchers, and sea eagles if you are lucky. Keep dogs on a leash and stick to marked paths because parts of Herdla are protected.
Right next to the reserve sits Herdla Fort, a coastal battery from World War II that later served as a Cold War installation. The museum is small but thoughtfully curated, with tunnels, bunkers, and exhibits that bring the site’s layered history to life. Even if you are not a military history person, the location on headlands above the sea is worth the trip.
Swim and Beach Hop On a Warm Day
Askøy has several sheltered spots for a summer swim.
- Herdla Beach has long sands and shallow water. Families like it for the easy wading.
- Hanevik on the west side is another good swim area with a small sandy pocket and smooth rocks for sunning.
- Florvågvatnet and other small lakes inland often warm up faster than the sea. These can be lovely for an evening dip.
Water is cold by most standards. Expect 57 to 66 degrees Fahrenheit in high summer. Norwegians bring a thermos and settle in.
Kayak, SUP, or Join a Fishing Trip
The island’s inner bays are perfect for kayaking and stand up paddleboarding when the wind is calm. If you are new to paddling, book a guided tour. You will get better gear, a safe route, and local stories along the way. Fishing charters run seasonally. Cod and pollock are common catches in the fjord. Always follow local rules about minimum sizes and protected areas.
Evening Drive Across the Askøy Bridge
It is simple but satisfying. Drive or ride the bus back toward Bergen right before sunset. If the sky plays nice, the Askøy Bridge frames the city and mountains in a way that stays with you. There are parking lay-bys on the island side where you can pause for photos.
Food and Drink: Where To Eat On Askøy
You will not find a restaurant on every corner like in downtown Bergen, but you have options.
- Cafés and bakeries cluster around Kleppestø and Florvåg. Look for cinnamon buns, skolebrød, and fresh loaves if you want a quick picnic.
- Casual restaurants and pizzerias serve the basics. Fish soup, burgers, and simple seafood plates are common. Portions are generous.
- Farm shops and seasonal stands pop up in summer with strawberries, new potatoes, and eggs. Bring cash or a card and buy what looks good.
- For a special meal, many visitors head back to Bergen in the evening. The ride is short, and the city’s dining scene is deeper.
Tip: Grocery stores are excellent in Norway. If you are staying in a cabin or apartment, stock up and cook. Quality is high and it saves real money.
Where To Stay
Askøy is mostly residential, so the accommodation mix is smaller and more personal.
- Cabins and holiday homes suit families and small groups. Many have water views and outdoor space for grilling.
- Guesthouses and small hotels are scattered near population centers. You get easy access to buses and shops.
- Camping and motorhome spots are seasonal and popular with Norwegians. Facilities are usually clean and straightforward.
If you cannot find the exact style you want on Askøy, widen your search to Bergen and use the island for day trips.
Suggested 1 to 2 Day Itineraries
One Day Without a Car
Morning bus from Bergen to Strusshamn for a waterfront stroll and coffee. Continue by bus to a trailhead for Kolbeinsvarden and hike for the view. Afternoon bus to Kleppestø for groceries and a lakeside swim if weather allows. Return to Bergen for dinner.
One Day With a Car
Start early and drive to Herdla. Walk the coastal paths and visit the fort museum. Picnic on the beach. In the afternoon, stop in Strusshamn for a slow wander before heading to a short hike or a swim at Hanevik.
Two Days
Day one for Herdla and beach time. Day two for Kolbeinsvarden, café hopping, and a paddle session or easy fishing trip.
Practical Tips From A Local
- Footwear matters. Trails are not technical, but roots and rocks stay slick after rain. Light hiking shoes are better than city sneakers.
- Respect private land. Norway’s right to roam is generous, but gardens and boathouse areas are often private. If you are unsure, do not trespass.
- Pack layers. Even in July a sea breeze can make you reach for a fleece. In shoulder seasons bring hat and gloves for evening walks.
- Check bus times before you start a hike if you are relying on public transport. Frequencies drop at night and on Sundays.
- Swim smart. Enter slowly, watch for jellyfish in late summer, and keep an eye on children. There are often ladders and floating docks at popular places.
Easy Day Trips From Askøy
One perk of staying on Askøy is how quickly you can reach other highlights.
- Bergen for museums, restaurants, and Mount Fløyen or Ulriken. The contrast with Askøy’s quiet is part of the charm.
- Fjord cruises to Mostraumen or Osterfjorden leave from central Bergen and fit well with an Askøy base.
- Nordhordland and the island chain toward Radøy offer more rural drives, small bridges, and low-tide smells that feel very west coast Norway.
What To Pack
Aim for flexible, outdoor-friendly basics.
- Waterproof jacket. Light insulated layer. Quick dry pants or jeans you do not mind getting damp.
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip. Sandals or water shoes for rocky beaches.
- Small daypack. Reusable bottle. Thermos for coffee or cocoa. A picnic blanket for the grass by the water.
- Swimwear if you are visiting in summer. A compact towel helps at lakes and beaches.
Responsible Travel On Askøy
Askøy’s appeal lies in how lived-in and local it feels. Leave places as you found them. Use bins or carry your trash out. Keep noise down late at night in residential areas. On Herdla, respect seasonal restrictions on certain paths to protect nesting birds. If you light a grill, do it in designated areas and check for any fire bans during dry spells.
Final Nudge
Askøy is not flashy. That is its strength. You get fjord views without the rush, small harbors with history, and space to breathe between adventures in Bergen and the fjords beyond. With a little planning and the right shoes, you will see why people who live here keep it as their go-to escape.