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Experience Bergen
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Discover a hidden seaside treasure with Fjærå Sjøhus at Osterøy 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. By Celina Tran |
Photos: Fjærå Sjøhus
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 52 | Issue 182 |
September 2025
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. 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