Gulen municipality in Norway has approximately 2.500 inhabitants and covers a area of 597,1 km2 including about 1500 small islands, islets, and skerries. The mainland is characterized by small valleys and large mountains crossing the landscape. The lake Dingevatn is one of Norway´s deepest lakes. The administrative center of the municipality is the village of Eivindvik. Other villages in Gulen include Brekke, Byrknes, Dalsøyra, and Dingja. Gulen surrounds the Gulafjorden, which is considered to be the place where Norway´s west-coastal Vikings met at the Gulating, a governing body. The area in Gulafjorden called Flolid (just east of the village of Eivindvik) is now a national historic place, where an open air theater and annual summer play commemorates the Vikings who gathered there 1000 years ago to accept Christianity.

Gulen is bounded on the north by the Sognefjord and to the south by the Fensfjord with the North Sea to the west of then municipality. Gulen is bordered by the municipalities of Solund and Hyllestad to the north, by Høyanger to the east, and by Austrheim, Lindås, and Masfjorden to the south.

Gulen´s economy has been centered around farming and fishing. Firda Sjøfarmer and Lakseslakteri Martin E Birknes Eftf is owned by Ola Braanaas which also own Skjerjehamn. More recently, Gulen has become important because of its close proximity to the Mongstad industrial area which includes many oil refineries operated by Statoil, Shell Oil, and other oil companies. There are many other small businesses located in Gulen today.

Visit the charming fishing village of Kalvåg or take the boat out Utvær, Norway´s westernmost island. During the summer season you may be guided at The Millennium site of Gulatinget, or visit attractions such as the Mill at Takle (Vassburksmiljøet), The wooden shoe factory (Treskofabrikken) at Sellevåg, visit the Fishermanfarmer museum (Fiskarbondemuseumet) at Byrknes etc. As a daytrip we reccommend a visit to the Wilderness museum (Villmarksmuseet) at Massnes, the Bjørn West museum in Matre, or join a daytrip visiting several islands (Øyhopping), among others Bulandet and Værlandet, or Utvær, a lighthouse at the westernmost point of Norway. This is where Norway´s first organised naval defence.

The Leidang gathered when summoned by the King in the Viking era. You may also visit the Quarry at Hyllestad (Kvernsteinsparken), a trip over the Sognefjord from Rutledal. The region has several North Sea Trails for visitors who seak an active holiday with an opportunity to learn more about the history and the attractions of this region while travelling the countryside.

SKJERJEHAMN

Skjerjehamn an old Trading center is restored. You get to see the giant statue of King Olav V made by Knut Steen, or experience the Utkantfestival a three day music festival.

UTVÆR

There are no longer any permanent residents on the island of Utvær, but there are always some people on duty at the lighthouse. To visit Utvær you have to travel by boat – either your own boat or with one of the local boat services. There is a boat service available on request from Kolgrov all year round. In the summer season there is a scheduled service with departures from Hardbakke, Eivindvik and Korssund.

KVERNSTEINPARKEN

The production of millstones in Hyllestad started over 1,000 years ago, and used to be a major industry employing up to 1,000 people. Millstones were exported to Danish and Baltic areas and the western islands. The park offers nature trails that visualise the history of the industry, with debris and broken product as well as half-carved stones still not separated from the rock surface. Guided tours in the summer and a stone masonry camp, including activities.

THE GULATING

A sculpture park is currently being erected in Flolid in Gulen in order to commemorate the fact that the Gulating legislative assembly met regularly on the shores of the Gula Fjord for a period of five hundred years. From the year 1300 the assembly was moved to Bergen. This was where important political issues were discussed and decisions were made. The members of the assembly represented the farmers of Western Norway, and the Gulating is thus related to the representative institutions of today such as the municipal council and the Norwegian Parliament, Storting.

The old assembly was also used as a law court for both civil and criminal cases. The Norwegian sculptor Bård Breivik is responsible for the artistic elements. The park is a work of art in its own right that will be used as the setting for outdoor dance and musical performances in beautiful and unique natural surroundings. On the weekend of 26-28 August 2005 Gulating will open with a series of events to celebrate the thousand-year anniversary of Sogn & Fjordane.

SELLEVÅG WOODEN SHOE FACTORY

Wooden shoes were produced in Sellevåg from 1899 –1975, powered from the Sellevåg Lake. The wooden shoe factory is still there with all its production equipment in tact. A guided tour with demonstration can be arranged on request.

FISHERMAN´S CROFT

Fisherman/farmer´s croft from the 19th century. Authentic buildings in their original setting and historical objects collected in the local community. Guided tours: Juni – August. By arrangement.

THE TRONDHEIM POST-ROAD

The historic mail route from Bergen and Trondheim, The post-road goes through Fjaler, Hyllestad and Gulen districts. Built between 1801 and 1806, it passes over many beautiful stone bridges. An experience for the walker or off-road cyclist. On the postroad lies a beautiful cluster of five authentic, newly renovated grist mills.

CYCLING

The multitude of peaceful and idyllic islands in Outer Sognefjord and Dalsfjord are ideal for cycling, with lightly undulating terrain and very few cars. The express boat, ferries and local scheduled boat services link the groups of islands together, from Mjømna in Gulen to Nåra and Krakhella in Solund, and Værlandet and Bulandet in Askvoll. A good idea is to combine a bicycle trip with beautiful walks in places such as Nordsjøløypa in Solund, Lihesten in Hyllestad or Alden in Askvoll. Stiftinga Jensbua will help you plan a more detailed route!

HUNTING

For an individual hunter or a hunting team, deer hunting can provide both a challenge and a close-to-nature experience. There are several licensed hunting areas for various types of hunt (still, stalking etc.). If you want to, you can join in the preparation of the meat or engage in other activities such as fishing, diving, bird hunting, mountain treks or the hunt for a perfect photograph.

DIVING

The coastline offers exellent facilities for sports diving all year round. Clear water and a multi-tude of wrecks. Compressor at several locations. Gulen Diving-club and Gulen Diving-centre.

FISHING

Fishing has been the major industry for the greatest parts of Outer Sognefjord and Dalsfjord for generations. Most types of fish like pollack, cod, mackrel, herring, bream, halibut, lump-fish, eel and many moore, can be caught lokally. Crabs are also in abundance. Your best change to catch a real &laqno;whopper» is out in the open sea, but if it´s windy, you will still be able to fish safely between the many islands or in the fjords. No matter what you are guaranteed the experience of a lifetime. this magnificent nature and close encounter to the elements, will please both mind and soul.

Outer Sognefjord og Dalsfjord with it´s thousands of islands and long fjords is a paradise for sea fishers. Sheltered fjords, islands, islets and the open sea are within reach in any direction. People as well as fish thrive here with the fresh air and the clear sea. Your hosts will be happy to give you tips about good fishing spots. All accommodation have their own boat with outboard. Deep-sea and coastal fishingtrips on larger boat with skipper are arranged. fishing is at it´s best in the spring and autumn, but there is an abundance of fish all year round.

Lakes and rivers throughout the area provide good chances of catching trout. In the salmon rivers you can catch larger fish as well. We therefore recommend that you ask your host, tourist info.office or local landowner before you go fishing. Angling is restricted in certain lakes and rivers. Fishing also requies payment of the national fishing fee. Forms available at the post offices.