Den idylliske øya Geitanger ligger sør i Øygarden kommune. Kobbavågen helt sør på øyen er hovedhavnen på den lille fredfulle øyen som er helt uten biler.
History and landscape
Kobbavågen is an old trading post and herring receiving station. Conditions are good for fishing and diving. The number of inhabitants on the island was under ten in 2006, and now in 2025 there are only 2 permanent residents left on the island.
In recent years there has been a flock of wild sheep on Geitanger that helps preserve parts of the island's cultural landscape. The island, which previously consisted of larger heathlands, has today seen a growth of spruce and pine that has mainly been planted under municipal management.
The heathlands on Geitanger have proven favourable for honey production. Around the island there are a number of stone walls that are still clearly visible in the terrain.
Life and work in the old days
In earlier times the inhabitants of Geitanger, which lies at the head of Hjeltefjorden, made their living from fishing and simple farming. The fish and farm produce were mainly sold at the Fish Market in Bergen. The goods were transported by Oselver boats from the island to Bergen harbour.
Health sanatorium
There was also a health sanatorium on Geitanger island in earlier times, where people from the city could come to the island by one of the steamboats and get some fresh air and a break from the city's hectic and noisy existence.
Hjeltefjorden fjord centre and inn
In Kobbavågen you will also find Hjeltefjorden fjord centre and inn, run by Ole Nilsen. Ole is one of the last permanent residents on the island and he has run Hjeltefjorden fjord centre and inn since 1990.
There is plenty of life and atmosphere here during the summer months when the boating crowd flocks to Hjeltefjorden fjord centre for a day trip or an overnight stay in the sheltered guest harbour.
Ole hosts and serves burger plates to guests, both boaters and others. You can also buy alcohol, soft drinks and ice cream to enjoy inside the charming inn or outside on one of the many benches when the weather cooperates.
During the winter season the inn is closed, but if you are a larger group and arrange it in advance, there is a possibility that Ole can open up the pub and serve a burger plate and drinks.
Telephone: 920 88 649
Explore the island on foot
From Kobbavågen you can easily explore the rest of the island via the small road that takes you north on the island. You can also take a longer round trip on the island.
- Round trip approx. 75 minutes: See the route here →
- Short walk along the road, 30 to 40 minutes: See the route here →
