Here, you’ll find authentic coastal culture: traditional boathouses, some restored wooden boats, and a vibrant atmosphere kept alive by the Jæren Coastal Association. Every mid-summer, the community gathers for Jonsok celebrations with bonfires, music, and life by the sea.
As the oldest harbour of its kind on Jæren, Obrestad is a protected heritage site. The boathouses and sheds – some relocated and restored – create a living, working museum. At the harbour entrance, the art installation Konvoi by Elisabeth Jarstø (1999) features 24 concrete boat prows standing on stone, marking the passage of seafaring history.
A short walk along the historic Kongevegen leads to Obrestad Lighthouse and Hå gamle prestegard culture centre, where coast, culture, and nature meet.
A long coastal legacy
Obrestad likely served as a trading harbour in Viking times. Nearby, now hidden from view, lie traces of Norway’s largest known boathouse from the Migration Period – a rare archaeological find.
The harbour was expanded between 1874 and 1896, and had its first rescue station as early as 1854.
Surprisingly, Obrestad even hosted ski jumping between 1938 and 1940! Snow was transported in from the mountains, and in 1939, Petter Hugsted set a record jump of 53.5 metres before thousands of spectators.
Other harbours in Hå
Hå municipality is home to several historic harbours: Sirevåg, now a modern industrial port; and Kvassheim and Madland, known for nature, history, and scenic charm.
