Lighthouse rental Austevoll - 1 lighthouse

Where the North Sea Meets Untouched Archipelago: Austevoll, Norway

Imagine waking up in a lighthouse on a windswept islet, surrounded by the raw power of the North Sea, with 667 islands stretching to the horizon. This is Austevoll, a hidden gem in Norway's Vestland county that offers a lighthouse experience unlike any other.

Austevoll is a municipality and archipelago located south of Bergen in Western Norway. The administrative centre is the village of Storebø on the island of Huftarøy. With a population of approximately 5,283 people and just around 1,588 living in Storebø, this destination offers the perfect balance between accessible services and pristine isolation. The distance from Austevoll to Oslo is roughly 307 kilometres, yet it feels a world away from urban life.

Marstein Lighthouse: Guardian of the Korsfjorden Since 1877

Standing on a small windswept islet at the entrance to the Korsfjorden, Marstein Lighthouse has guided seafarers safely to Bergen and the Hardangerfjorden for nearly 150 years. The lighthouse is located on the small island of Store Marstein, just west of Stora Kalsøy, and marks a crucial navigation point for ships approaching Western Norway's largest city.

A History Shaped by Storms and Wars

The story of Marstein begins in the early 19th century, when it was first proposed that the location should be daymarked. In 1838, a cairn with a cross was erected on the site. As steamships gradually replaced sailing vessels and maritime traffic increased, Bergen Skipperforening submitted a formal petition in 1868 requesting a proper lighthouse. Construction started in 1875, and on October 1, 1877, the lighthouse was lit for the very first time.

The original lighthouse was an octagonal prism-shaped tower. During World War II, the island and lighthouse were occupied by German forces, who recognized its strategic importance as the westernmost point around Bergen. The occupation left lasting marks, including bombing that damaged the original lighthouse tower and eventually required its demolition.

The current lighthouse structure consists of a 17-metre tall square, white, masonry tower with a red roof, and a single-storey service building attached. The light sits at an elevation of 37.5 metres above sea level and can be seen for approximately 11 nautical miles (20 kilometres).

What Makes Marstein Uniquely Special

Marstein stands on one of the most weather-prone locations along the Norwegian coast. The lighthouse keepers who lived here with their families had to be completely self-sufficient during winter months when storms made supply deliveries impossible. The islet is known for extreme weather conditions, with waves continuously beating against the eastern side of the island, even on calm days.

In January 2005, during Hurricane Inga, a severe storm (possibly a rogue wave) breached the bulkhead wall and destroyed the keeper's house. The lighthouse was automated in 1987 and fully unmanned since 2002. Following the storm damage, Austevoll Municipality purchased the lighthouse in 2005, and after restoration, the keeper's residence was opened for visitors in midsummer 2010.

The name Marstein is believed to derive from markstein, meaning boundary stone, a fitting name for this landmark that marks the boundary between the open ocean and the fjord.

Why Austevoll Should Be Your Next Lighthouse Escape

• Remote but reachable: Despite the feeling of isolation, Austevoll is easily accessible from Bergen. Ferries and express boats provide regular connections, and you can travel by boat from the Strandkai Terminal in Bergen to Bekkjarvik in just under an hour. By car, the journey takes about 1.5 hours including a 35-minute ferry crossing from Krokeide to Hufthammar.
• Archipelago paradise: Austevoll encompasses 667 islands, islets and skerries, of which 11 are inhabited year-round. Holiday homes can be found on more than 30 of them, and bridges connect many of the larger islands.
• World-class gastronomy: Bekkjarvik Gjestgiveri, dating from the 17th century, has been welcoming guests for over 300 years. The restaurant is run by twin brothers Ørjan and Arnt Johannessen. Ørjan won the prestigious Bocuse d'Or world championship in Lyon, France in 2015, while Arnt was named Chef of the Year in 2014 by the Norwegian Chefs Association.
• Sustainable destination: Austevoll is part of Sunnhordland, which carries the Sustainable destination quality mark for its commitment to responsible tourism that preserves local communities, natural areas, and cultural heritage.

Beyond the Lighthouse: Hidden Gems and Local Secrets

Top 5 Less Obvious Things to Do in Austevoll

1. Walk the North Sea Trail on Stolmen: This 3.6-kilometre trail follows the old road from Kvalvåg to Våge, with detours to Såto, the highest point on Stolmen. During World War II, the Germans built a radar station here, and remains of the facility still give a glimpse into wartime activities. Look for the illuminated Globe memorial, marking 60 degrees north latitude.
2. Explore Nothengja in Bekkjarvik: This is the largest preserved net-mending and storing shed along the Norwegian coast, historically used for the impregnation of ropes and sails with bark decoctions. A fascinating look into traditional maritime life.
3. Hike the Kongsen Sherpa Steps: The stone steps up Kongskleiva wind through heather and juniper terrain. At the summit, you will discover a Stone Age burial mound and panoramic views of the archipelago.
4. Visit Møkster Island for Sea Eagles: This smaller island offers beautiful beaches, lovely hikes, and the chance to spot majestic sea eagles soaring overhead.
5. Discover the Marine Research Station: Austevoll hosts the Institute of Marine Research station, reflecting the area's deep connection to aquaculture and sustainable fishing practices. Austevoll Seafood ASA, headquartered in Storebø, is one of the world's leading integrated pelagic fishery and seafood companies.

The Award-Winning Harbour of Bekkjarvik

The harbour in Bekkjarvik has been named Norway's best three times, making it a destination in its own right. This historic fishing village features beautiful old buildings and wharfs, and the guest harbour offers sheltered mooring for boaters. The park in Bekkjarvik features flower gardens, ponds, lawns and accessible walking paths, perfect for a peaceful afternoon.

Getting to Austevoll: Your Journey Begins

Bergen Airport Flesland is the nearest major airport, making Austevoll accessible for international travellers from the USA, UK, Germany, France, Belgium, Ireland, Australia and beyond. From Bergen city centre:

• By express boat: Depart from Strandkaiterminalen to Bekkjarvik, journey time approximately 50 minutes
• By car and ferry: Drive to Krokeide ferry terminal (30 minutes from Bergen), take the ferry to Hufthamar (35 minutes crossing), then drive to your destination

Bridges and well-maintained roads connect the main islands, and Austevoll municipality has become an ideal area for cycling now that the largest islands are interconnected by fantastic bridges.

The Perfect Season for Your Lighthouse Stay

Austevoll can be visited year-round, though spring, summer and autumn are best for outdoor activities. Each season offers something different:

• Summer: Long days with midnight sun glow, perfect for kayaking, swimming at Krossøy outdoor area, and hiking
• Autumn: Dramatic weather, fewer visitors, and the most authentic lighthouse experience with storms rolling across the North Sea
• Winter: True isolation and the Northern Lights dancing above
• Spring: Wildflowers bloom and migrating seabirds return

The landscape is gently undulating, with the highest point being Loddo at 243.5 metres. There are several hiking trails up Loddo, which features a lookout tower and the Adlesi day-trip cabin. Wild sheep roam freely near the coastline, adding to the pastoral charm of this seafaring community.

A Lighthouse Stay That Connects You to Norwegian Maritime Heritage

Norway was one of the first countries in the world to implement a national preservation plan for lighthouses in 1997. From 1656 to 1932, 209 lighthouses were built throughout Norway, and these structures represent an important component of national identity due to their close link to naval transportation. Today, around 60 lighthouses offer accommodation along the Norwegian coast.

The Norwegian coastline stretches over 100,915 kilometres when all islands and indentations are counted. Lighthouses like Marstein played a vital role in guiding ships through treacherous waters and ensuring the safety of seafarers for generations. A stay at a lighthouse in Austevoll connects you directly to this proud maritime heritage.

Book a lighthouse now and experience the soul of Western Norway, where the mighty power of the sea meets historical surroundings and memories that will last a lifetime.