Overlooking the Hardangerfjord, Leirvik is a small town and administrative hub on the island of Stord. Its name translates as “Clay Bay” due to the high concentration of clay that is present in the soil, although most locals affectionately refer to it as “Vikjo”.
Things to do in Leirvik
Soak up the views across Leirvik’s yacht-dotted harbour from Onarheimsparken or follow one of the hiking trails that connect to the sands of Gullbergstranda. North of Leirvik is Vidsteenparken, which is home to a children’s playground and the Sunnhordlandstunet Museum, where you’ll find beautifully restored buildings from across the region.
Located just off the coast of Leirvik is the island of Midtøya, which is home to the squat red-and-white Leirvik Lighthouse. Constructed in 1878, the lighthouse stands alongside a 1930-built boathouse and a machine house, as well as a former keeper’s house that is now used as holiday accommodation. Follow the short walking trail that leads between the boat landing site and the lighthouse, which offers magnificent views across Leirvik Bay.
A short drive west of Leirvik is the Mining Museum at Litlabø, which occupies a historic sulphur ore mine that was in operation between 1865 and 1968. Follow in the miner’s footsteps on a guided tour of the mine and browse the industrial artefacts on display, then gaze up at the whitewashed shaft tower that dates back to 1910. A colourful mining train offers trips throughout the site.
Getting around Leirvik
Leirvik is around 15 minutes’ drive from Stord Airport, which has regular flights to Oslo, while Bergen is around 2.5 hours away. Ferries connect from nearby Skjersholmane to the surrounding islands and local buses travel south to Stavanger. The centre of Leirvik is compact enough to explore on foot.