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Villages and places

Åkrasanden and Åkrehamn

Åkrasanden is an area of beaches on the west coast of Karmøy, just off Haugesund. It has been voted the most beautiful beach in Norway several times.

Panoramabilde over Åkrasanden
Åkrasanden panorama|© Visit Haugesund

Blue-flag beach

There are several areas of beautiful white sandy beaches on the west coast of Karmøy. Åkrasanden is the biggest of them with more than 1 km of beach, which actually comprises seven white beaches that are linked like a string of pearls. The area has Blue Flag environmental certification, and is a popular destination throughout the year.

Learn about Viking history

There is a great culture and nature trail along the whole beach, with traces of history dating from the Viking Age and up to the present.

Hot dog with cult status

The beach is situated in the centre of Åkrehamn, which is one of three settlements on Karmøy with town status. It has shops and cafés, and a well-stocked fish shop. Kanutta, a locally-produced sausage sold in a small shop in Åkrehamn, has attained cult status, and is highly recommended.

Mediterranean atmosphere

The beaches that make up Åkrasanden have a Mediterranean vibe, with white sand and crystal clear turquoise sea. The temperatures, on the other hand, are worthy of the Vikings.

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See more attractions near Åkrasanden beach

Dueglåp

Karmøy

Karmøy is a municipality and an island in Rogaland county. The island is home to three small towns: Kopervik, Åkrehamn and Skudeneshavn.

See all attractions in Haugesund
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Travel inspiration for Åkrehamn and Åkrasanden

Find inspiration here to help you plan your visit to Åkrasanden. We have gathered some articles together here written by people who know Åkrehamn and Åkrasanden well.

Sandvesanden på Karmøy

Beaches? Fjord Norway? Yes!

Summer vacation often means the beach — and never fear: Fjord Norway’s got you covered!

Kyststien i solnedgang

Magnificent scenery and urban trails

Put on your walking shoes, pack something tasty in your rucksack and take advantage of all the wonderful hiking opportunities in the Haugesund region.

Read more articles about Haugesund

Activities near Åkrasanden

You can find a range of the activities on offer in and around Åkrehamn and Åkrasanden here

Åkra beach - Blue Beach

Åkra beach - Blue Beach

Åkrasanden, with an eco-labelled blue flag, is an elongated and child-friendly beach. In addition to swimming, it is also a popular spot for kiting and hiking.

The “Time Travel” app - Åkrasanden

The “Time Travel” app - Åkrasanden

Download The "Time Travel" app in the Appstore or Google Play and experience Karmøy!

Hike from Åkrasanden beach to Ferkingstad

Hike from Åkrasanden beach to Ferkingstad

Åkrasanden at Karmøy have been voted the most beautiful beach in Norway. The hiking trip along the beach is an exciting walk in the coastal landscape between Åkra and Ferkingstad. Experience the culture and nature in perfect harmony.

Guided tour and events at Mortholmen Sildesalteri in Åkrehamn

Guided tour and events at Mortholmen Sildesalteri in Åkrehamn

Captain Sig Hansen, known from Deadliest Catch, has restored Mortholmen. Offers guided tours and catering for groups, conferences and private events.

Søre Sålefjell (Karmøy)

Søre Sålefjell (Karmøy)

Søre Sålefjell (132 m.o.h.) is a popular hiking destination in the Kopervik area with a great panoramic view.

Aksnes beach

Aksnes beach

Aksnes beach is located in Karmøy municipality.

Tuabua, day-trip cabin on Karmøy

Tuabua, day-trip cabin on Karmøy

Tuabua in Karmøy is located by Tuastadvatnet lake. The trail is universally designed, and there are also good swimming opportunities if you want to take a dip.

Fishing on Karmøy

Fishing on Karmøy

If you want to try your luck at fishing, there are plenty of opportunities on Karmøy. You can fish in saltwater and freshwater.

Bjørgene

Bjørgene

Bjørgene is located at Torvestad on northern Karmøy. This is a family-friendly recreation area with tracks amid rolling landscape that features five mounds. There are many tracks allowing for walks of varying lengths.

Surf at Karmøy beaches

Surf at Karmøy beaches

The ever-present ocean makes Karmøy a wonderful place for body surfers, kite-surfers and wind-surfers.

Åkrehamn Coast Museum

Åkrehamn Coast Museum

The museum is worth a visit because of the many artefacts and photographs that show Karmøy's past as an important fishing centre. You can also see one of the few herring salting houses that has been kept.

All activities related to Åkrasanden and Åkrehamn

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

How to get to HaugesundSee the map

Plan your visit to Åkrasanden

You can find an overview of restaurants, cafés and accommodation near Åkrasanden here.

Høyevarde Fyrhotell on Karmøy

Høyevarde Fyrhotell on Karmøy

When you rent Høyevarde Fyrhotell lighthouse hotel, you get the whole place to yourself – either for a day, or with an overnight stay in the lighthouse.

Panoramahyttene - Karmøy

Panoramahyttene - Karmøy

The Panoramahyttene cabins at Sandhåland offer accommodation with spectacular views of the sky, sea and elements. They can sleep up to four adults.

All accommodations related to Åkrasanden and Åkrehamn

Upcoming events

You can find more great beaches to visit in Fjord Norway here.

Along the entire coast of Fjord Norway you will find beautiful sandy beaches

Sandve

Sandve

The village of Sandve is located just north of Skudeneshavn on Karmøy in Rogaland. There are many wonderful hiking areas and beautiful beaches at Sandve, which are popular among surfers.

The Jæren beaches

The Jæren beaches

The beaches at Jæren (Jærstrendene) are prominent landmarks and popular recreational areas. They are ideal for hiking all year round, and in summer, the beaches are popular for all sorts of water activities such as SUP, surfing, kiting or swimming.

Sola

Sola

Sola is located near the ocean and it's home to the international airport, as well as one of the most historic fjords in the region, namely the Hafrsfjord. Discover the swords in rock - a large stone monument commemorating the large Viking battle that once took place here led by Viking king Harald Fairhair.

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