The coat of arms for Fusa municipality in Norway represents three potholes. And if you take a trip to the Koldal river in Eikelandsosen, the centre of Fusa municipality, you can peer down into several magnificent, deep potholes. Fusa has around 4,000 inhabitans and is quite a large municipality, covering 379,0 km2 with a coastline stretching over 137 km. Within its boundaries, you will meet idyllic valleys bordered by precipitous mountainsides, small, green farms and tumbling rivers and lakes rich in fish.
For many of Fusa’s inhabitants, farming still provides a way of life, whether full or part time. Others work in fish-farming, wood-processing, ship-building and services. Fusa has a rich store of important historical monuments. You will find rock carvings dating back to to both Stone and Bronze Ages. Vinnes and Samnøy both have “historical trails” wich lead you to the most important historical sites, and back in time.
Visit Holdhus in the valley of Hålandsdalen, and Engevik, to travel back to more recent historical times. Holdhus Church is a unique wooden church, dating back to the days of the stave churches. Engevik Manor is situated on the banks of the Sævareidfjord. This proud 18th century manor has nine buildings and vast, beautiful gardens. Both the church and the manor are open to the public during the summer.
EIKELANDSOSEN
Eikelandsosen is the administrative center of the municipality of Fusa. It is located at the end of the Eikelandsfjorden, a small arm off the main Fusafjorden. The village sits to the southeast of the village of Holmefjord, west of the village of Holdhus, and northeast of the village of Fusa. There are several deep potholes along the Koldal river near Eikelandsosen, some whole and others half. Eide Fjordbruk AS a family owned company for farming of salmon and trout has their head office in Eikelandsosen.
ENGEVIK MANOR
An officer’s manor from the 18th century with various buildings and large gardens. Exhibition of art and handcrafts in the old, traditional storehouse. Open to groups with advance booking all year round.
HOLDHUS CHURCH
Holdhus Church is an iteresting post – Reformation church where you can also see the ruins of the stave church wich occupied this site pre 1350. Guided tour every day from June.
SCHOOL MUSEUM at HOLDHUS
School house built in 1875. Exhibition of teaching tools used “in the old school”. Nearby Holhus Church. Open every day.
DRAGEID CANAL
Canal with towpath, built in 1887. Partly follows road no.48 between Holhus and Kilen.
EIDEGREND HAMLET
Hamlet on the banks of Gjøna lake, where the traditional farming enviroment has been preserved. Here you can see the different types of buildings which made up a farming hamlet: the farmer’s living quarters and those for his parents, the storehouse on pillars, the building where they built fires to bake and wash clothes, and the little Swiss style building. The storehouse now contains an exhibition of traditional farming tools. Refreshments, accomodation, boat hire and fishing. Special activity days are arraanged.
There is a wide and varied range of walking in Fusa. Many of the paths are well signposted. Follow the signposts from Fusa, Vinnes, Samnøy and Gjøen in Hålandsdalen.
SWIMMING
Pleasant bathing areas around the Sævareidfjord.
FISHING
Fusa’s rivers and lakes are rich in trout and salmon. Sævareid watercourse/Hålandsdalen (Rod and net fishing), Vengsvatn, Trout and char. Separate prices for net fishing.
GOLF
Golf Clubs in Hordaland.