Herføl
The Saga Island of Herføl is the most southerly and next smallest of the eastern isles on the ferry route. The highest point is Linnekleppen, topped by its distinctive navigation marker facing the open sea. The name Herføl means a place for the army to shelter. As long as there have been seafaring people in the region, Herføl has had an important strategic position. Let’s take a closer look at some of the island’s attractions.
In the harbour
In addition to the guest harbour and marina, the quay has a repair yard, a shop with marine equipment, a summer grocery store and a café serving refreshments. Another café is to be found just behind the harbour in the old village store – PåPosten has not only coffee and wine, but also the best cinnamon buns in the world. In addition the owners specialise in a range of interior articles you are unlikely to find anywhere else.
We relax with a bun and coffee, or at the marina bar with a cool glass of beer. The gulls screech and children paddle on the small harbour beach. Sailboats, at a stately five knots, round the red and green buoys in the narrow Herføl Sound. All day long there is something going on here and the hours fly by.
The ‘obligatory’ round trip
A walk round the island is almost obligatory for visitors. We'll catch up on harbour happenings later on. We head inland on Henry A. Larsen Road, then follow the sign to Herfølsåta or Røsset. Both are names of a huge Bronze Age burial cairn, a highly valued ancient monument. High and free it lies, worthy of a great chieftain.
In the heart of the island we turn right towards Rognhavn. We come to Kaffebukta Bay, a popular bathing spot, as is Grønnbauen a little further south. From here there is an area of boulders before we come to Linnekleppen Hill with its marker rising proudly against the sea. Young men used to dare each to climb the tower – but we have other things to do. In the belt of trees behind the tower lies Langrøsset, which can also be reached by the northern path. One of Norway’s largest Bronze Age burial cairns, it has a distinct stone coffin at the north end.
Kjerka or Katedralen is an extraordinary pothole caused by the action of the sea. To get to it we cross the boulders towards the southeast. There are many potholes here but Katedralen is quite special. Also known as The Whale Jaw, it stands like a great Gothic arch, reflected in a pool in front of it.
We return by walking towards Andholmen in the northeast or via Linnekleppen and Langrøsset. Then follow Henry A. Larsen Road to the harbour.