The idyllic island of Geitanger lies in the south of Øygarden municipality. Kobbavågen, at the island's southern tip, is the main harbour of this small, peaceful and completely car-free island.

History and landscape

Kobbavågen is an old trading post and herring station. Conditions are good for fishing and diving. The island had fewer than ten inhabitants in 2006, and now, in 2025, only 2 permanent residents remain. In recent years Geitanger has been home to a flock of wild sheep, which helps to preserve parts of the island's cultural landscape.

The island, once largely covered by heathland, is now home to spruce and pine, mostly planted by the municipality. The heathland on Geitanger has proved well suited to honey production. All around the island there are numerous dry-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

Kobbavågen is also home to the Hjeltefjorden fjord centre and inn, run by Ole Nilsen. Ole is one of the last permanent residents on the island and has run the Hjeltefjorden fjord centre and inn since 1990. There is plenty of life and atmosphere here in the summer months, when boaters flock to the Hjeltefjorden fjord centre for a day trip or an overnight stay in the sheltered guest harbour.

Ole plays host and serves burger plates to boaters and other guests. You can also buy alcohol, soft drinks and ice cream to enjoy inside Ole's charming inn or outside on one of the many benches when the weather plays along.

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.