The Millstone Park in Hyllestad lets you discover one of Norway’s first major industries. Here, at the mouth of Sognefjorden, we find the special garnet shimmer-slate rock, which was perfect for making millstones. Rock was extracted here as early as the 700s.
These life-giving stones were carved from the Hyllestad mountains and shipped as far as Sweden and Germany. Without a millstone, it was impossible to grind the grain needed to put food on the table. Hyllestad therefore played a major part in trade and exports throughout the Viking Age and Middle Ages.
The park itself is open year-round. Here you can follow the stone mason path through our quarry. You can discover traces of the millstone industry, learn more about life as a stone mason, and about Hyllestad’s place in the world.
The park is staffed throughout the summer season, from mid-June to mid-August. We offer tours and a number of enjoyable activities for the whole family. How about trying a hand-grinder and making your own millstone bread? Or making your own soapstone jewellery? Or perhaps you’d like to try hunting with a bow and arrow? You can also relax and enjoy some coffee and snacks in historical surroundings.