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Villages and places

Rennesøy and the green islands

Welcome to the unique archipelago located between the North Sea and the fjord-rich inner Ryfylke! This location provides great range and variety in nature and landscape. Here it is green and lush almost all year round, with nice and easy walks and good bathing places.

Kulturlandskap tur på rennesøy
© Rennesøy kommune

Rennesøy is a former municipality, which consisted of eight inhabited islands, where Rennesøy itself was the largest. Today, Rennesøy, Mosterøy, Bru, Fjøløy, Klosterøy, Vestre Åmøy, Sokn and Brimse belong to Stavanger municipality.

The green islands

The islands in this area are green most of the year, due to the maritime, mild and humid climate. Numerous prehistoric signs tell the story of a long settlement history that have put a stam on the landscape.

In both the eastern and western part of the main island Rennesøy, there are mountain plateaus at an altitude of over 200 meters. The outer edge of the island has a wide edge of loose material where there are good agricultural conditions. There is some natural deciduous forest on the southwestern slopes. The ridges are covered with heather as a result of deforestation.

There are two nature reserves, Bjergavatn and Førsvollvatn, which have rich and varied bird life. Also in general the wildlife is rich, with both marine bird species and fish registered here.

Outdoor life

The eight islands offer great opportunities for boaters, nature lovers, culture and history enthusiasts. The long coastline can provide good fishing experiences from both boat and land and you will find guest harbors, bathing spots and recreation areas. If you want a good view and beautiful landscape, there are several beautiful hiking trails to recommend.

Historic Utstein

On the island of Klosterøy, the western part of Mosterøy, is Norway's only preserved monastery complex from the Middle Ages, with both the church and the basement of the east and south wings in use. Utstein Monastery lies as a closed complex around a square monastery courtyard in open countryside, which is managed by Klostergarden farm.

The entire area surrounding Utstein is considered a protected cultural area, and the monastery is a summer open museum. Klostergarden also runs a farm sale and offers accommodation, guided tours, kayaking and team building.

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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Holiday trips for Rennesøy and the green islands

Discover what Rennesøy and the green islands have to offer!

Eigra kjøkken

The culinary route - a round trip in the south of Fjord Norway

This round trip focuses on locally produced food and accommodation in hotels part of the Historic Hotels & Restaurants. You sleep in rooms where history would come to life if walls could talk, and you could eat at everything from MICHELIN star restaurants to high-quality traditional restaurants.

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?

Utstein-området

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!

Read more articles aboutThe Stavanger region

Go exploring!

Would you prefer a hike with a view, culture or coasteering? Or all of it?

Rennesøyhodnet

Rennesøyhodnet

A view such as this is rare! Rennesøyhodnet is in the middle of the Ryfylke islands and gives a tremendous view in all directions.

Utstein Monastery

Utstein Monastery

Utstein Monastery is Norway’s best-preserved medieval monastery, beautifully situated in a protected cultural landscape on the island of Mosterøy, about a 30-minute drive from Stavanger.

Farm outlet at Utstein

Farm outlet at Utstein

The farm sale at Utstein is located in a former sea house just below the Utstein Kloster (monastery).

Bandåsen

Bandåsen

Bandåsen is with its 513 m the highest mountain peak in the islands of Ryfylke. From Tjeltveit, the hike goes along the old road (sjoarveien) to Helgeland.

Sauna by the water's edge Utstein Kloster Hotell

Sauna by the water's edge Utstein Kloster Hotell

Are you dreaming of an exclusive and relaxing experience by the sea, at the island of Mosterøy? Get ready for a unique opportunity - book Utstein Kloster Hotell's sauna, right on the pier!

BookSauna Sven 'den avslappa' (the relaxed one)

BookSauna Sven 'den avslappa' (the relaxed one)

BookSauna Sven ‘the relaxed one’ is located at Sokn Camping, at the entrance to the beautiful archipelago outside Stavanger. Here, they invite you to an informal sauna session in beautiful surroundings.

Sørbø church

Sørbø church

Sørbø Church is a medieval stone church located near the E39 motorway, a few kilometres from the ferry quay at Mortavika on the island of Rennesøy.

Hike to Soknakrossen on the island of Sokn

Hike to Soknakrossen on the island of Sokn

A marked trail at Sokn island just outside of Stavanger. Sokn is part of the islands often referred to as the green islands.

All activities related to Rennesøy and the green islands

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 regionSee the map

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Welcome!

Utstein Kloster Hotell

Utstein Kloster Hotell

With saltwater and sea as its nearest neighbour, on the island of Mosterøy, 25 minutes from Stavanger city centre by car or bus, is Utstein Kloster Hotell.

Åmøy Fjordferie

Åmøy Fjordferie

Between the North Sea and the fjords! Experience the privately owned B&B situated 20 metres from the fjord with stunning views.

Charming house for rent at Utstein

Charming house for rent at Utstein

Utstein and the surrounding areas are distinctive in a Norwegian context. And the accommodation options are many. At Utstein, Klostergarden rents out a charming old house with a view of the bay Klostervågen.

Fjordbris Hotell

Fjordbris Hotell

Just 30 minutes from Stavanger, right on the shores of the Brismefjord, Fjordbris Hotell is an intimate and charismatic hotel surrounded by idyllic nature.

All accommodations related to Rennesøy and the green islands

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