Utsira - Fjord Norway

Day trips to Utsira

If you have a few hours of spare time that you haven’t yet planned how to fill with wonderful experiences, check out our tips for daytrips to Utsira. Whether travelling alone, with children or with friends, and whether you enjoy active or more relaxing adventures, there is an amazing selection of tailor-made trips and experiences in Utsira. Use the filter to find experiences that are more suitable for you and your travelling companions, if any.

The bird watchers’ Utsira

Utsira is a 75-minute boat trip from the centre of Haugesund, west in the North Sea. Utsira is a favourite with birdwatchers for its rich birdlife, with more than 300 species of birds visiting the island during the migration season.

Norway’s smallest municipality

There is no village on Utsira, and the houses are spread across the island. The main thoroughfare is an axis between the two harbours in the north and south. Utsira has a permanent population of around 200, making it the smallest municipality in Norway in terms of population. Utsira lighthouse, which is a listed building and the lighthouse with the highest elevation in Norway, has a central location on the island. The lighthouse station originally comprised two lighthouses, known as a twin lighthouse, but only one is still in operation. The lighthouse keeper’s house and the buildings around the lighthouse are now rented out as accommodation.

Norway’s first female mayor

Sirabuen, as the people who live on Utsira call themselves are very proud of having Norway’s first female mayor: Aasa Helgesen (1926–1928).

Street art Utsira

Utsira has become a street art mecca in recent years. Well-known and unknown street artists from around the world have made their mark on sites dotted across the island, on buildings, silos, windmills and rock faces. Utsira has now become a popular destination for street art enthusiasts.

Travel inspiration for Utsira

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

Langfoss sett fra båt på Åkrafjorden, mann og dame på tur.

Nine good reasons to visit Haugesund & Haugalandet

Haugesund & Haugalandet is a region full of contrasts that extends from the ocean in the west to the Åkrafjord in the east! Here are nine good reasons to visit the region!

Flere stoler og bord omringet av fargerike blomster og havutsikt

Explore exotic places that satisfy your adventurous spirit

In Ryfylke and Haugesund, you can explore hidden gems along the deep fjords and rugged coastline, where you can try exciting activities that challenge both body and mind. We promise you holiday snaps brimming with moments you'll cherish forever!

Activities on Utsira

You can find a range of the activities on offer on Utsira here.

Utsira Lighthouse

Utsira lighthouse is the highest-placed lighthouse in Norway, and the most visited attraction at Utsira.

Birdwatching Utsira

Utsira has long traditions of birdwatching and is compared by some to Fair Isle (south of Shetland). Peak season is April - May, and September - November.

Mikal L. Klovning's boathouse on Utsira - Haugalandmuseet

Mikal L. Klovning's boathouse on Utsira was the main area for an extensive fishing activity. The business was primarily related to herring fishing, but also other fishing such as cod, mackerel, and lobster.

Street art at Utsira

On Utsira, you'll find small and large-scale artworks from recognised street artists from all over the world. Experience the street art on your own or with a local guide.

Utsira Church

The construction of this timbered church started in 1780. Utsira church was completed in 1785 and was officially opened the same year.

The island community of Utsira

West of Haugesund, right out in open ocean, is one of Norway's smallest municipalities in terms of population size: Utsira. The island may be small, but the hospitality is enormous and the experiences many: delicious seafood, street art and Utsira lighthouse are just some of the things you can experience on Utsira.

Vindbalhytta, day-trip cabin on Utsira

Vindballhytta is the day trip cabin on Utsira, and can be visited all year round. To travel to Utsira, you must take a ferry from Haugesund.

All activities related to Utsira

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 Haugesund See the map

Plan your visit to Utsira

You can find an overview of restaurants, cafés, accommodation and transport on Utsira here.

Lighthouse holiday on Utsira

Fancy a holiday out of the ordinary? Go on holiday to Utsira, where you can stay overnight in the old lighthouse keeper's house or the cosy cabin Nyperosa.

Dahmsgård Utsira

The small and intimate Dahmsgård restaurant is located on Utsira. With a focus on fresh seafood and local produce, they serve delicious dishes all year round.

Nordvikgården

Nordvikgården is an unmanned tourist cabin (DNT) on the island of Utsira, 70 minutes by boat from Haugesund. The cabin has 43 beds.

Bølgen apartments on Utsira

Bølgen Leiligheter is located in Nordrevågen on Utsira. There are several apartments available, and each apartment can accommodate up to 6 people.

Sildaloftet accommodation on Utsira

Sildaloftet on the island of Utsira has a total of 14 rooms with 28 beds. Perfect for families and small groups who want to experience island life!

All accommodations related to Utsira

Upcoming events

Would you like to visit more islands?

There are interesting island communities worth visiting along the entire coast of Fjord Norway.

Røvær

Røvær is a group of islands 25 minutes by boat from the centre of Haugesund. The island has no cars and a population of around 80.

Runde and the coast of Sunnmøre

Outer, southern Sunnmøre is Ålesund’s unpolished and outgoing neighbour. An archipelago of small villages, communities and fantastic experiences.

Kinn

Far out in the ocean gap, you can find the green, and grass covered island Kinn, and its church and characteristic mountain site Kinnaklova.

Solund

The 1,700 islands, islets and skerries that make up the Solund archipelago out in the west at the ocean’s edge are a popular destination for everyone looking for exciting experiences in nature.