Future of the Fjords ferry by Brødrene Aa sailing through Hyefjorden
Gloppen · Nordfjord · Vestland

Hyen

WorldClassBoats

H yen is far -very far- away from the busy, international cities in Taiwan, Australia or China with huge shipyards. Therefore, it might be a tad surprising to find out that this is where we find the company Brødrene Aa; world leaders in the construction of fast ferries made of carbon fibre composites. With a keen eye for sustainability and sleek design, the award-winning boats are in demand all over. And this shipyard is located at a postcard pretty place. Hyen is also said to be the birthplace of Christopher Colombus!

Village Snapshot
Residents ~600
Landscape Fjord & Mountains
Region Nordfjord
Municipality Gloppen
County Vestland
Famous for Brødrene Aa shipyard
Signature Carbon fibre ferries

The Village

View from the breakfast table in Hyen – breathtaking fjord and mountains
This is actually the view from the breakfast table – breathtaking! Photo: Ola Lilloe-Olsen.

The village of Hyen has around 600 residents. The town centre is situated right by the inner part of the fjord Hyefjorden, with steep mountains surrounding a little “downtown”. Here you’ll find a grocery store, the kindergarten, the school, and the church – among other things.

From there, Hyen is divided into two valleys, Vestredalen (the west valley) and Austredalen (the east valley). There are several hamlets in both valleys. In the western valley you’ll find the hamlets Solheim, Hjorteset, Heimseta, Eimhjellen, and Røyrvik. Further down towards the town centre, you’ll find Hope. Take a drive through the east valley, and you’ll find the hamlets Mjellem, Ommedalen, Rognkleiva and Gjengedalen. They are all part of Hyen but have their own distinct qualities.

Downtown Hyen with mountains and the fjord

Downtown Hyen, so to speak. Photo: Brødrene Aa

The people of Hyen work with farming, the shipyard, fish farming, egg production, and many commute to the nearby towns and cities of Sandane, Førde or Florø.

Get Your Pulse Raising

Hyen is a great place to be if you like to exercise. There is an athletic track, a football field, loads of hiking possibilities and cross-country skiing facilities. The little village of Hyen has fostered many national and international athletes, especially in skiing, plus track and field.

But you don’t have to be a hard-core athlete to enjoy Hyen. Hiking, fishing in both the fjord, rivers and freshwater lakes, and deer hunting are popular activities.

The mountains in Hyen are great for hiking

The mountains in Hyen are great for hiking. Photo: Silje Pettersen

Nesholmen Campsite is also a wonderful place to immerse yourself in nature. Here, you'll find beautiful swimming spots, fishing areas, canoes available for rent, and scenery perfect for leisurely walks through forests, mountains, and cultural landscapes. The campsite hosts programs for children and youth, gatherings, and various events. A small café operates seasonally, serving plenty of ice cream during the summer months! You can also enjoy homemade dinners. Nesholmen can accommodate around 100 overnight guests.

Nesholmen Campsite by the fjord in Hyen
Nesholmen Camp Site Photo: Marion Solheim

Friluftshelga – Outdoorsy Fun and Flakedans

Every year there is an outdoor festival in Hyen, called Friluftshelga (the Outdoorsy Weekend). At Friluftshelga, which by the way is longer than your average weekend, the days are packed with things to do. Cultural walks, overnight hikes, long mountain treks, football match, folk dancing, quiz, sales exhibitions, a lovely summer concert, an outdoor church service, fishing competition, bouncy castle for the kids, canoeing, plenty of delicious food, and much, much more.

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Christopher Colombus – from Hyen?

In downtown Hyen, you’ll find the Colombus Park. A small monument has been erected by the sea to commemorate Columbus' birthplace. But why?

Portrait of Christopher Columbus by Sebastiano del Piombo

Sebastiano del Piombo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The author Thor Borch Sannes caused a bit of a stir when he published the book "Christopher Columbus, a European from Norway" in 1994. Borch Sannes claimed to have gathered sufficient evidence to confidently assert that Christopher Columbus was born in Hyen and first journeyed to Italy in his late teens. Not only that, but he was also related to the Bonde family, of noble lineage. With Nordic features, he spoke Latin, and gained access to royalty at a young age.

True or not, the myth of Christopher Colombus is definitely part of the Hyen history.

Mountain landscape near Hyen

Photo: Magnar Heimset

Village Services

What’s Here

Services, activities, and amenities available in Hyen and within a short drive.

Public Services

IN THE VILLAGE
  • Kindergarten
  • Primary school
  • Church
  • Grocery store
  • Bus connections

Leisure

IN THE VILLAGE
  • Football
  • Athletics
  • Hiking
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Fishing
  • Camping (Nesholmen)

Within 45 min

REGIONAL ACCESS
  • Sandane
  • Førde
  • High school
  • Hospital
Location

Where is Hyen?

Hyen lies in Gloppen municipality by the inner part of Hyefjorden in the Nordfjord region of Vestland county.

Hyen

Municipality Gloppen
Region Nordfjord
County Vestland
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Sources & Credits

Photography

Main photo by Eilev Instanes. Breakfast view photo by Ola Lilloe-Olsen. Downtown Hyen photo by Brødrene Aa. Hiking photo by Silje Pettersen. Nesholmen photo by Marion Solheim. Columbus portrait by Sebastiano del Piombo, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. Mountain photo by Magnar Heimset.

Text

Text by Marion Solheim, journalist and co-founder of Freysta.