Kvitsøy - Fjord Norway

Kvitsøy is an island and also a municipality in Rogaland county. In size, Kvitsøy is actually Norway's smallest municipality. The islands have just over 500 inhabitants or "Kvitsøybuer" as the locals are also called. Kvitsøy consists of as many as 167 islands, islets and larger reefs, where six of these are inhabited: the islands of Kvitsøy, Langøy, Kviting (Krossøy), Hellesøy, Krågøy and Grøningen.

The islands are made up of transformed volcanic rocks that provide a small rocky archipelago landscape. Most people from Kvitsøy live on the main island of Kvitsøy, and most of these live in the village of Ydstebøhavn. The islanders are known as jovial and friendly, and when you walk or cycle across the island in summer you will see how much work they put into their fertile gardens. A joy to watch!

Getting to the island of Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy is a small community with narrow roads and limited parking. If you can, leave your car on the mainland while visiting Kvitsøy. At the parking at the ferry terminal at Mekjarvik, there is plenty of capacity.

The island landscapes are fairly flat and therefore well suited for biking. There are also nice hiking opportunities on the islands. During the summer season, you can rent bikes at the ferry terminal at Kvitsøy. There is furthermore a bus that can take you all over the island.

Car ferry: Boreal Sjø operates a car ferry from Mekjarvik north of Stavanger to Kvitsøy. At Mekjarvik, leave your car if you do not need it at Kvitsøy. The boat trip takes 35 minutes.
Speed boat: If you arrive without a car, take a speed boat from Stavanger city centre. The boat ride takes 35 minutes.
With your own boat: At the Grøningen guest harbour it is possible to arrive by boat and stay the night.

Maritime history

The island is dominated by the construction and transport industry, sea transport in particular, with the Kvitsøy traffic centre. Agriculture is furthermore important, with the main emphasis on cattle and sheep. Fishing is additionally an important industry; shellfish and mackerel are the majority of the seafood fished here. The farming of salmon, lobster and scallops is also significant. In earlier days, lobster fishing was dominant, nowadays, crab and shrimp are some of the most sought-after seafood. Visit the lobster museum for more information on Kvitsøy's lobster history.

Explore Edge of Norway™ with urban Stavanger, countless surrounding islands, Sandnes with the famous mountain top Kjerag, long-stretched beaches along the Norwegian Scenic route Jæren, mountains and fjords, lunar landscapes in Magma UNESCO Global Geopark or the winter paradise Sirdal.

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Randaberg

Did you know that 80% of Norway's parsley production takes place in Randaberg? Norway's smallest mainland municipality (in acreage) is also known as "the green village", with long traditions in agriculture.

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Inspiration on things to do

Get holiday ideas and explore the island.

Island adventures

In and around the islands of Stavanger, you can frolic in history, culture and nature. You could also jump on a ferry to the island of Kvitsøy - a gem in the middle of the ocean!

three kids sitting on the rocks in front of Eigerøy lighthouse

From lighthouse to lighthouse

Are you fond of the sea and waves? Drive along the coast in the Stavanger region and discover the lighthouses with their exciting history. You can even spend the night in some of them?

Go exploring!

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Kvitsøy hummermuseum (lobster museum)

Idyllic island of Kvitsøy lies far out on the fjord between Haugesund and Stavanger. It is the smallest of Ryfylke's municipalities. The island is home to one of Ryfylkemuseets finest museum sites, Kvitsøy Hummermuseet.

Paddling at Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy is an eldorado for paddlers.

The hiking area west at Kvitsøy

Hiking trail along reefs and old bunkers from Håland to Kvitsøy lighthouse. At the lighthouse you get a good view of the sea, Skudenes, Karmøy and Bokn.

Vistevika bay and Vistestranden beach

Beautiful sandy beach at Viste Strandhotell, approximately two kilometres from Randaberg centre.

Swimming at Kvitsøy

Island life and swimming goes hand in hand, at least in the summer. On this gem in the ocean gap, you can actually swim where you want, but there are some swimming areas that are more suitable and especially well facilitated for swimming.

Sandalen Gård, Randaberg

Sandalen gård is Randaberg's first fruit farm. The farm has over 5,500 apple trees, as well as some opal plum trees and gooseberry bushes.

The Stone cross and St. Clemens church ruin

The hiking area on the far east of the island of Kvitsøy gives you insight into exciting cultural history. You will witness the contours of the ruins of St. Clemens Church. In addition, a stone cross, Steinkorset, stands here, four meters above the ground.

Varen Randaberg kulturscene

Varen Randaberg kulturscene is located right by the famous landmark Varen, a small hill in the centre of Randaberg, hence the name.

Kvitsøy kirke

Kvitsøy church is a cruciform church. Internally, it is decorated with "rosemåling", a style of Norwegian decorative painting on wood, rediscovered during a major restoration, and it is this decoration, along with the altarpiece, that makes the church as special as it is.

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How to get there

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

Getting to and around the Stavanger region See the map

Welcome to Kvitsøy!

Getting to Kvitsøy happens by boat.

Ferry Mekjarvik - Kvitsøy

Ferry to Kvitsøy from Mekjarvik. Beautiful fjord landscape, a harsh island community with southern bliss. Bring your bike for extra enjoyment!

Grøningen gjestehavn

If you have a boat and travel along the west coast, the chances are high that you have been to Kvitsøy. Kvitsøy has many options if you want to dock at a quay, and several sheltered bays to anchor up. Grøningen Guest Harbour is an excellent alternative to add to your plans. Fuel is available at the ferry quay.

Ydstebøhavn guest harbour

Are you a boat tourist? Are you looking for an idyllic place to dock along the southwest? Kvitsøy is a pearl in the ocean. Ydstebøhavn guest harbour is a great place to anchor on the island.

Ventilene Viste Strandhotell

Do you need premises for meetings / conferences, parties, weddings, events or accommodation? Ventilene Viste Strandhotell offers all this in fantastic surroundings. The hotel is one of three unique beach hotels in Norway - a stone's throw from the sea, and only a ten minute drive from Stavanger city centre.

Lauritz Lodge

A unique place to create great memories.

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