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Nature and attractions

Island adventures

Winter, spring, summer, autumn
Last updated: 24.09.2024
Utstein-området
Klostergarden og Utstein|© Trond Iversen/ Riksantikvaren/ Klostergarden
Klostergarden og Utstein|© Trond Iversen/ Riksantikvaren/ Klostergarden

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!


Only half an hour away by car await the green islands offering history, culture, nature, peace and serenity, good food and days of exploring.

These are the green islands

The Rennesøy islands consist of a beautiful combination of nature typical of the North Sea coastline and stunning fjord landscapes. Rennesøy includes eight inhabited islands: Rennesøy, Mosterøy, Bru, Fjøløy, Klosterøy, Vestre Åmøy, Sokn and Brimse. The climate on the islands is maritime, mild and humid, making them green and lush most of the year.

Explore the islands on two wheels

A popular pastime on the islands is bike tours. Most areas are easily pedalled also for the youngest, making it ideal for families with children. The entire island of Finnøy for instance is only 20 kilometres, and you can see tomatoes in production, fjord lights and mesmerising cultural landscapes. If you throw in a stop at the Hesby church from medieval times, you can tick the history box off your list too. Here are two suggestions for bike tours on the islands.

Sykkeltur på Finnøy
Island cycling is an adventure!|© Monica Larsen/ Visit Region Stavanger

High and low island life

Hiking opportunities are many on the islands, with the prospects of exploring new views and places almost every day on your journey. Try the art and landscape trail at Bru, called Horizons and Fragments, it's an easy hike with artworks along the trail. Or learn more about Norwegian war history on the island of Fjøløy and appreciate the views from the signal station at the Storevarden cairn. On the small island of Talgje, there are several nice hikes, one of which is to the highest point on the island, called Klubben, although only 51 metres above sea level, you'll relish the most gorgeous views of the area.

Discover the archipelago by kayak

Finnesand on the island of Mosterøy is considered one of the district's best starting points for kayak trips. Kayak rental is possible at Mosterøy (Frilager.no). If you paddle through the Fjøløysund strait, you will pass the Utstein Monastery in an area with shallow water, rich birdlife and a beautiful cultural landscape. More paddling here - kayak trip in historical surroundings at Utstein.

Sleep and eat

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.

Handelsstedet Ramsvig - summer restaurant

Handelsstedet Ramsvig - summer restaurant

Enjoy the summer at Handelsstedet Ramsvig - a charming summer restaurant by the sea with local food, historic atmosphere and beautiful views in Ryfylke.

Water activities

Island life provides boating, fishing and various recreational activities at sea and in the water. Swimming and sunbathing are popular activities during the summer at sheltered ports, such as the port Kindingstadvågen, just at the entrance of the undersea road tunnel called Finnfast. The marina is ideal for families as it has both a sandy beach and rocks. The Skartveitvågen port at the Halsnøy island is moreover a popular area for swimming. You can also dock leisure boats here as well as explore different attractions. At the Utstein Kloster Hotell, you can try the sauna or go paddling.

Water activities

Kindingstadvågen bathing spot

Kindingstadvågen bathing spot

Kindingstadvågen is right next to the Finnfast tunnel.

Skartveitvågen guest harbour

Skartveitvågen guest harbour

Skartveitvågen on the island of Halsnøy is the centre of the island. There is a marina as well as different points of interest. For boat tourists, Skartveitvågen is a very popular destination.

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!

Mosterøy: More activities by and on the water

Kayak trip in historical surroundings at Utstein

Kayak trip in historical surroundings at Utstein

Klostergarden offers kayak rentals at Utstein. Paddle in serenity in a protected cultural environment and historical surroundings. You can also purchase a lunch basket with local food and drinks from the farm shop.

Kayak rental at Mosterøy

Kayak rental at Mosterøy

Finnesand is one of the best starting points for kayak trips, whether you wish a calm excursion in smooth waters or you would like to test your strength against the powers of the roaring ocean. Frilager has therefore chosen this destination as one of their bases for kayak rental. 

Island hopping at Utstein

Island hopping at Utstein

Klostergarden can take small groups on a trip by rowing boat or other small boat from island to island on Utstein.

The Kvitsøy island- an ocean gem

A taste of the good life among 365 islets and reefs. Perhaps is it in Norway's smallest municipality that you'll find the grandest adventures this summer? The island atmosphere is impeccable in all types of weather, sparkling and idyllic when the sun is out or wind and rough weather. You'd be amazed at the extent to which people actually appreciate the harsh weather.

The good and simple life

Kvitsøy is worth a visit if you're searching for a serene and quiet holiday. A day here could include swimming at the bay, Sandrenna, biking or strolling past well-kept and abundant gardens in the small community of Ydstebøhavn where most of the locals (kvitsøybuene) live. Boating, paddling, exploring volcanic rocks or grazing animals, a fishing trip or other low-key activities in the island landscapes on one of the inhabited islands; Kvitsøy, Langøy, Kviting, Hellesøy, Krågøy and Grøningen.

Explore island life

Swimming at Kvitsøy

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.

Ydstebøhavn guest harbour

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.

Paddling at Kvitsøy

Paddling at Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy is an eldorado for paddlers.

Kvitsøy lighthouse

Kvitsøy lighthouse is located near the marina at Ydstebøhavn. It's easily accessible and worth a visit when exploring island life. The hiking trail leading up to the lighthouse continues further to where it meets the ocean in the west. The lighthouse was built in 1829 and has been elevated several times. Today, the top of the lighthouse is 45 metres above sea level. A model of the original tipping lantern from the year 1700 has been built next to the existing lighthouse.

Food, nature and culture at Kvitsøy

Grøningen gjestehavn

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.

Kvitsøy lighthouse

Kvitsøy lighthouse

Kvitsøy lighthouse is located on the island of Kvitsøy south of Skudeneshavn and is a coastal lighthouse. In the same area, there are also several cultural monuments. The lighthouse is located near Ydstebøhavn harbour in a maritime environment.

The hiking area west at Kvitsøy

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.

Kvitsøy hummermuseum (lobster museum)

The lobster museum at Grøningen was opened in 2013. The sea has always been fundamental to life on the island of Kvitsøy, and at the museum, you'll find exhibitions related to lobster fishing and the fishing industry, however, it also portrays daily life as a fisherman. Next to the museum, is a green area with a barbecue hut with tables and benches. The spot is also nice for a bath.

Kvitsøy Hummermuseum

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.

How to get to Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy is easily accessible both with or without a car.

  • Car ferry: Boreal Sjø offers car ferries from Mekjarvik north of Stavanger. At Mekjarvik, you can also park the car if you do not want to bring it to the island. The boat trip of 35 minutes out into the ocean is a great start to the trip!
  • Speed boat: If you travel without a car, you can go by speedboat from Stavanger city centre. The trip to Kvitsøy takes about 35 minutes.
  • By boat: You can dock at the Grøningen guest harbour with your leisure boat.
Boat and ferry to Kvitsøy
Fra gjestehavnet ser du trafikksentralen på Kvitsøy.

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.

Sandrenna badestrand

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.

øyliv, en gutt og en mann på vei til å ta på sykkelhjelmer for å sykle

Biking at Kvitsøy

Take the ferry to Kvitsøy and bring your bike! The small, idyllic island invites you to a beautiful bike ride. Ideal for families with small children as it is easy to cycle around Kvitsøy. Interesting stops along the way.

Familie på tur til Kvitsøy
Family hiking at Kvitsøy | © Moxey

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