NORWAY
UNESCO Global Geopark Sunnhordland
The Geopark disseminates our geo-heritage for you as a guest and to us living here. Welcome!
About the geopark
The archipelago, the fjords, mountains and glaciers of Sunnhordland offers an exposed geology presenting both how continents are made and how resources from our island arc geology has been a fundament for building the our societies. The variety of landscapes and the boreonemoral climate also provides the foundation for a very rich biodiversity in the geopark.
History
Sunnhordland has been a preferred area for geology and archeology excursions since the 1860’s, and is the arena for a variety of mining stories through 10 000 years. Geopark Sunnhordland obtained the status as a UNESCO Global Geopark in May 2023, and is a regional marker meant to provide upcoming generations with insight into how continents and landscapes have formed and how the bedrock has influenced our culture. The commitments given by the UNESCO-status also strengthens the geopark as a tool for sustainable tourism.
Main attractions
Moster Amphi
The main visitor centre of Sunnhordland UNESCO Global Geopark, with exposed marble and karst, lime ovens, several exhibitions, restaurant and a outdoor amphi theatre in the abandoned marble mine. Moster Amphi is also the gate to the old Moster Church, built of local marble, lime and soapstone early 1100.
Sunnhordland Museum
Our regional museum preserving and presenting our cultural history, as the traditional architecture, tools and clothing. A variety of themes are disseminated through permanent or temporary exhibitions and presented by skilled guides.
The Folgefonn Centre
A modern exhibition centre disseminating and guiding on the círculation of water between the glacier and the fjord, the rich biodiversity and our culture developed in these spectaciular landscapes. The centre is also the gate to the Folgefonna National park, and has a cosy cafe.
The Giant’s kettles in Rullestad
20 to 30 big and spectacular glacial potholes 270-320 m a.s.l, incised in the steep ice-polished Precambrian granite surface by water from the melting Fennoscandic glacier during one summer season 11300 years ago. Calculate 3 hours for the medium/advanced hike.
The Hespri Islet
The source for the greenstone axes during 6000 years of Stone Age at Vestlandet. One of the oldest intact mines in the world. The islet is protected by law, but disembarkation is allowed. But beware, weather and waves could be rough, and here is no quay for mooring boats.
Royrvikeskaget
A spectacular landscape of granite veins and dykes penetrating schist, marble and quartzite, from an exploding magma chamber 474 Ma deep below a volcanic island arc colliding with an ancient continental crust (Laurentia). An easy walk of appr. 2 hours in a great open landscape facing the open sea.
Practical information
Moster amphi is open to the public all days exept Mondays during summer season from 25.06-18.08. Out of season visits is arranged on request.
Telephone: 90020636
[email protected]
The Folgefonn centre is open to the public all days 10.00-18.00 in from 23.03-06.10. The rest of the year it is open Monday-Friday.
Telephone+ 4753484280
[email protected]
The Sunnhordland Museum is open to the public all days exept Mondays from 15.juni-15.of august. The rest of the year it is open from 11-15 Tuesdays til Fridays. NB! The museum have several yards (also a monastery) in the region of Sunnhordland wich could have different opening hours.
Telephone: +47 53 41 38 99
[email protected]
Please see the geopark map for location of the attractions (external link)