Leirvik On Foot

Take a leisurely and enlightening walk through the heart of Leirvik, a compact maritime town toward the southern end of Stord Island. Along the way, the guide will describe the points of interest and how Leirvik has evolved from its Viking roots and economy that focused solely on herring fishing. On one of the low hills behind town, you will find Sunnhordland, an open-air museum with a collection of meticulously restored buildings from different time periods. You might browse a smokehouse from the 1500s, a timber home from the 1700s, a historical church and numerous commercial buildings, including a mill store and a blacksmith shop. Each one will present a window into the past. For an interactive experience, you can try band weaving and wool carding in the textile exhibition. Back in town, you will pause outside of Stord Kyrkje, a white-washed 19th-century parish church overlooking the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through downtown Lervik at a leisurely pace with an entertaining local guide.
• Hear commentary about the Vikings that settled Stord Island in the 9th century.
• Browse an open-air museum with historical buildings from different centuries.
• Pause to snap photos of a seaside church from the 19th century.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.