Kvernsteinsparken

About the museum

Kvernsteinsparken in Hyllestad tells of one of Norway's first major industries. The garnet-mica schist found here at the outermost edge of Sognefjord was particularly well suited to millstones, and millstones were hewn in Hyllestad as far back as the 8th century. The stones, which were called the stones of life because they put food on the table, were sent by ship over great distances, and Hyllestad played a central role in trade and export through the Viking Age and the Middle Ages. The quarries are regarded as the largest in Northern Europe from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages.

The work to bring the millstone history to light began as local commitment in the early 1990s. The Kvernsteinslaget (millstone society), with volunteer enthusiasts, worked together with the municipality, the school and the local population, and gained the support of the university environment, Riksantikvaren (the Directorate for Cultural Heritage) and the Geological Survey of Norway (Norges geologiske undersøkelse). Kvernsteinsparken was opened by Queen Sonja in 2002, and since 2013 it has been a branch of Musea i Sogn og Fjordane.

Today visitors can follow the stonemason's trail (steinhoggarløypa) through the display quarry (visningsbrotet), see traces of the millstone industry and learn about life as a stonemason. The exhibitions are housed in traditional grindehus buildings. In the summer season the park is staffed, and then guided tours, family-friendly activities, the chance to turn a hand quern (håndkvern) and simple refreshments at the reception by the river are offered. The park is also a visitor and display centre for Fjordkysten regional and geopark, which became a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2025.

Highlights

• The stonemason's trail (steinhoggarløypa) through the display quarry
• The largest millstone quarries in Northern Europe from the Viking Age and the Middle Ages
• Exhibitions in traditional grindehus buildings
• Turning a hand quern and guided tours in summer
• Visitor and display centre in the UNESCO Global Geopark Fjordkysten

Permanent exhibitions

• Steinhoggarløypa og visningsbrotet – Trail through the old millstone quarries with traces of the millstone industry and an insight into life as a stonemason.
• Utstillinger i grindehusene – Exhibitions on the history of millstones in traditional grindehus buildings with different functions.

Founded

2002

Operated by

Musea i Sogn og Fjordane

Admission & discounts

Prices apply for 2026. Visitors with a companion card (følgekort), MAF membership or ICOM card have free admission. Separate terms apply to groups of 15 or more; contact the museum for prices. The museum shop and café are open to everyone without a ticket.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: not available
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The lower parts of the park, with the car park and buildings, are on relatively flat ground and are linked by gravel paths. Parts of the stonemason's trail and Storehuset are accessible to people with reduced mobility. The walking paths through the display quarry are of simple standard and are not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. There is no universally designed toilet in the park.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops

Family-friendly activities in the summer season, including turning a hand quern and the Trollstien. Children and young people under 18 have free admission.

Getting there & parking

The park is centrally located in Hyllestad, a stone's throw from the town centre. Spar Hyllestad is within walking distance.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Simple refreshments at the reception by the river in the summer season (including sveler and pepperkaker, i.e. gingerbread biscuits). Museum shop with local products, including souvenirs made of garnet-mica schist, ceramics and plant-dyed yarn. Barbecuing is possible during opening hours; food brought from home can be eaten on the grounds for a ticket.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events

Storehuset with long tables and a grue (open hearth) can be rented for birthdays, company parties and other celebrations. The building is not insulated. Toilet in the reception by the river.

Plan your visit