Oanes and forsand
Oanes and Forsand are two historically significant small places located on opposite sides of the Lysefjorden and are known for offering a unique combination of culture, history, and amazing natural experiences.
Oanes and Forsand are two historically significant small places located on opposite sides of Lysefjorden and are known for offering a unique combination of culture, history, and fantastic natural experiences. Oanes is a result of glacial retreat and is known for its large boulders, which, according to legend, were used as gathering places where people could await news from sailors on fine days. The ‘Såstein,’ a special stone, was the springtime sign for those on the Forsand side. In the restaurant Lysefjordsenteret, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the fjord.
Archaeological findings indicate that the first farms on the north side of Lysefjorden were located in Oanes, and the area has been inhabited since the Stone Age and Viking Age. Nearby Oanes is Levik, which in the 1500s was monastery property under Utstein Monastery. Today, Lysefjord Hyttegrend near Levik is the starting point for the hike to Sokkanuten, which offers spectacular views into Lysefjorden.
Forsand is located on the peninsula between Lysefjorden and Høgsfjorden and got its name from the sand, which has been an important resource for employment in the municipality. Bergevik has been a trading post since the mid-1800s and has been a vital hub for trade along Lysefjorden for several centuries. Forsand Church, situated one kilometer from Forsand quay, is a beautiful wooden building constructed in 1854 based on designs by the church builder Tollag Gudmestad from Nærbø. The church features an impressive timber frame, hand-carved with an axe.
The mountain Uburen is one of the most iconic rock formations in the area. It is claimed that the mountain has given rise to a notorious legend about unwanted children who were transported up the mountain and thrown ‘out of the cradle.’ Fossanhagen at the base of Uburen is an idyllic place with a lovely beach.
The transportation hubs of Oanes and Forsand have played a significant role in making the fjord accessible to visitors. One of the most impressive structures along the fjord is the Lysefjord Bridge, which opened in December 1997. This suspension bridge towers over the fjord and is 640 meters long. It was constructed at the narrowest point in the outer part of Lysefjorden and is an impressive sight for anyone traveling in the area.
