The pearl in the Hardangerfjord is a description the island rightly deserves.

A summer day on the island when it's all in bloom is a great experience. From the highest mountain on the island, Varden, 600 meters above sea level, you can enjoy the view of what may be Norway's most beautiful nature, especially Folgefonna and the mighty Kvinnherad mountains that rise in the southeast.

Hans E. Kinck said from the top of the island: "This is where Hardanger is at its most beautiful, both looking in and out the fjord."

Chalky rocks have given the island a unique and exciting flora, where rare plants not common so far to the north grow. For example, we find Liverleaf (Blue anemone). Here, you'll find the oldest and Northern Europe's oldest and biggest yew tree. There is a marked hiking trail to the yew tree.

Gjuvslandslia – landscape conservation area

It is a 199-acre area beautifully situated on the island's east side between Gjuvsland and Åkre. The landscape conservation area extends from the Hardangerfjord to 197 meters asl. The conserved area was created by royal resolution in 2000 because one of the country's most important areas for yew trees is here. Between 1,000 and 1,500 trees of this species, vulnerable on the Norwegian Red List, grow here. Large parts of the area are cultural land and were selected as the cultural landscape for Hordaland in 2008. Here are old fields with lots of beautiful and rare flowers and plants.

On the island, the geological diversity is significant. There is a marked hiking trail to the disused mines at Valaheiane; this is an easy and exciting trip for the whole family. Here, you will find walls and remnants of the old mining community.