Husnes is a village in Kvinnherad Municipality, a part of Vestland County in western Norway. The village is the largest within the municipality and is its commercial center. It is home not only to around 2.200 inhabitants but also the companies such as HMR Group and Hydro Husnes.
A Short History of Husnes
A continuous farming settlement has existed here since the 15th century. The inhabitants have lived on farming, fishing, and forestry. It would take until the end of the 19th century before other industries took a hold of Husnes. These first industries included a smaller boatyard and a sawmill.
New industrialization took place in the 1960s. This was when Sør-Norge Aluminum began its development of a production plant for aluminum. The factory is owned by Hydro Aluminium ASA. The plant has attracted more businesses and Husnes has been developing into a local center. This resulted in the village receiving the status of a “regional center” in 2014.
Things to Do and See
With its commercial center, Husnes offers the possibility of shopping as well as other activities. It is here that you find the public library and many other services. At the same time, nature is never far away. The fjord is just next door and Lake Onarheimsvatnet offers some calmer water. There are also mountains visible in the distance, attracting many dreams of hikes.
Husby Storsenter
Husby Storsenter is the largest shopping center within the traditional district of Sunnhordland. It re-opened in 2008. Here you will find several shops as well as other services.
Onarheimsvatnet
Onarheimsvatnet is the lake to the east of Husnes. Right next to the lake is the center of the village, with a park area at the lake shore. This is where it is possible to enjoy a picnic with a view of the lake. The lake also has the large aluminum plant of Hydro Husnes at its shore.
Hardangerfjorden
Husnes is on the shores Hardangerfjorden. Covering a distance of 180 kilometers, this is the second-longest fjord in Norway. Its depth is also impressive with the deepest point reaching 852 meters. Hardangerfjorden connects Husnes and many other localities with the Atlantic Ocean and for a long time, it was the main way to reach the area.
Husnes Church
The first Husnes Church is believed to have been built in the 13th century. It is known to have had its origins in the Middle Ages, but the exact age was unknown. The church was replaced by the current wooden church in 1874. The church is a part of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Norway.
How to Get to Husnes
- Flights: Bergen Airport (BGO) is 118 kilometers to the north. It offers both domestic and international flights.
- Car: Husnes is on road 48 a bit south of Rosendal.
The driving distance from 5 major Norwegian cities, according to Google Maps:
- Oslo – 420 kilometers (6 h 45 min)
- Bergen – 148 kilometers (2 h 56 min)
- Trondheim – 720 kilometers (11 h 10 min)
- Narvik – 1613 kilometers (25 h)
- Kirkenes – 2183 kilometers (30 h)
Find out more about other destinations in Norway by visiting our page Exploring Norway
