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Holiday ideas

New life and island adventures

Spring
Last updated: 24.04.2025
Steinkorset på Kvitsøy
Island hiking with the "natives"|© Moxey
Island hiking with the "natives"|© Moxey

Kayaking, hiking or swimming to explore the islands? You might catch a glimpse of newborn lambs on wobbly legs toddling about on the fields. A typical sign of spring!


These lovely bundles of joy can easily be spotted in the entire region, however, an island adventure just less than an hour from Stavanger can be a good place to start. And while you are there, explore some waterful experiences. Kayaking might tick your box, or for those who love to swim, a dip in the sea is the perfect challenge.

Steinkors og sau på Kvitsøy
© Moxey
Steinkorset på Kvitsøy

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.

Kvitsøy fyr

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.

Dyr på beite langs turstien vest

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.

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.

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.

Getting to Kvitsøy

Islands Mosterøy, Klosterøy and Rennesøy

Island life does not have to end there. Take the ferry back from Kvitsøy and simply make a turn into the Mastrafjord tunnel (Mastrafjordtunnelen), a subsea road tunnel in Stavanger taking you to the islands of Mosterøy and Rennesøy. The islands are also commonly known as the green islands because the grass is green almost year-round. Farmland with grazing animals, a former medieval monastery, fishing possibilities, stand-up paddling at Mosterøy and farm adventures at Klostergarden where there is a local farm outlet.

Natur- og kulturlandskapet på Utstein
© Trond Iversen/ Riksantikvaren

Island fun in springtime

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.

Guided tour of the protected cultural environment at Utstein

Guided tour of the protected cultural environment at Utstein

Guided tour of a unique and historical cultural landscape at Utstein, in the islands surrounding 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).

More island fun

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.

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.

Fjøløy fortress and Fjøløy lighthouse

Fjøløy fortress and Fjøløy lighthouse

Fjøløy is a former military ground that is now a recreational area for the public.

Hiking, steam and sleeping

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.

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!

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.

Explore the island culture

Åmøy Alpakkagård

Åmøy Alpakkagård

Åmøy alpaca farm is located on Vestre Åmøy, a 20-minute drive north from Stavanger city centre and just three kilometres from the E39.

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.

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.

Read more about the islands surrounding Stavanger

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