Fjærå Sjøhus: Discover a hidden seaside treasure with Fjærå Sjøhus at Osterøy

By Celina Tran | Photos: Fjærå Sjøhus

Just an hour’s drive, or a scenic boat ride, from Bergen lies Hosanger, a charming harbour village on Osterøy. Down by the village harbour, in the inlet known as Mjøsvågen, you will find Fjærå Sjøhus, a beautifully restored house that has been transformed into an intimate pub, dining spot, and event venue.

Nestled in the picturesque hamlet of Hosanger on Osterøy, Fjærå Sjøhus is more than just a pub. It is a place where history, nature, and culinary culture meet, offering visitors not only delicious food and drink, but also the chance to step into a story that stretches back more than a century.

Originally, the house was home to a factory making traditional wooden chests, used for storing household goods and often given to women on special occasions, such as marriage. The chests were beautifully decorated with names and floral patterns inspired by Norwegian folk art. As emigration to America increased, production shifted to what became known as “America chests”, which many Norwegian emigrants brought when they set sail for a new life overseas.

Later, the house served as a hub for other local crafts before falling into disrepair. When the current owners took over in 2017, the once-proud structure was on the brink of collapse. “It took us three years of dedicated work to restore the house, but we felt it deserved a new life. There is so much history in these walls,” says Erlend Mjøs, who restored, owns, and runs the pub with his father, Terje Mjøs, whose great-great-grandfather, Jon Larsson, was the first to make chests for sale in Mjøsvågen.

Fjærå Sjøhus: Discover a hidden seaside treasure with Fjærå Sjøhus at Osterøy

The result is a beautifully restored venue that retains its 19th century character while offering modern comforts. During the restoration, the original walls from the 1800s were carefully retained, so that when guest sit down for lunch, coffee, or a drink, they do so against the very same walls that once witnessed the making of the America chests.

Today, it takes on a new life as a vibrant meeting point for locals and travellers alike. The space accommodates private dinners, small concerts, pop-up dining events, and celebrations of all kinds. In summer, the experience expands outdoors, with up to 40 guests seated along the waterfront – an unforgettable setting where mountains, fjord, and heritage all come together.

“On fine summer days, our outdoor seating is hard to beat. You sit right by the water’s edge, surrounded by the picturesque buildings of Mjøsvågen, and a stunning natural backdrop,” says Mjøs. “We feel an enormous pride in being able to invite people into Fjærå Sjøhus, and in seeing it become a gathering place for the local community, as well as a base for showcasing both the village and the surrounding nature to visitors from near and far.”

Fjærå Sjøhus: Discover a hidden seaside treasure with Fjærå Sjøhus at Osterøy

A taste of local life

Fjærå Sjøhus offers an experience that goes beyond food and drink. Guests may arrive by boat, gliding through the breathtaking Osterfjorden, or pair their visit with a guided cycling or hiking tour up the steep and winding Kossdalssvingane, a route that has earned international attention.

Inside the venue, visitors enjoy locally inspired meals in a setting rich with heritage, while outside, the summer terrace offers seating right by the water’s edge. Here, the idyllic harbour of Mjøsvågen and the lush backdrop of Osterøy frame every dining experience.

“A visit here is always about more than just food and drinks. Osterøy is a lush and beautiful island, and Mjøsvågen has an extraordinary charm that few other places can match. At Fjærå Sjøhus, history also lives within the very walls,” says Mjøs. “Our aim is that every guest should leave feeling that they’ve been part of something truly special. Yes, we serve food and drinks, but what we really want is to connect people with this place, its history, its people, and its incredible natural surroundings.”

The menu is kept simple yet flexible, tailored to each group’s wishes, and there is a carefully curated drinks selection, featuring beers from local Bergen Breweries, among others. With a focus on quality, it is the perfect spot to discover local flavours while soaking up the atmosphere of Mjøsvågen.

Despite its idyllic setting, Fjærå Sjøhus is remarkably accessible. By car, it takes less than an hour from Bergen, with parking available near Hosanger Church and a short stroll along the harbour to the venue. For those arriving by sea, the quay outside the house provides direct access, with travel times from Bergen ranging between one and two hours depending on the boat. Transport by car, bus, or boat can also be arranged on request.

So whether you are dropping in for a drink on a summer evening, want to book an intimate concert, a private celebration, or a tailored dining experience paired with a guided adventure on land or sea, Fjærå Sjøhus promises a taste of coastal Norway at its most authentic.

Fjærå Sjøhus: Discover a hidden seaside treasure with Fjærå Sjøhus at Osterøy