Utsira
Utsira is Norway’s smallest local authority with a population of approximately 240 inhabitants. The island community is situated in the North Sea, 18 km. west of Haugesund, and is home to a protected coastal landscape and the most elevated lighthouse in the country. A very special island!
As a tourist, you can follow hiking trails through the fields, experience the rich coastal heritage at the local museum or go bird-watching in this ornithologist’s paradise, where it is possible to observe many rare species of birds. To date, 310 different species have been observed on Utsira, and ornithologists from all over Europe travel to the island in the migratory seasons of spring and autumn.
The tiny island of Utsira, west of Haugesund, has received at lot of international attention this last year. A large international press corps paid close attention to the fact that the Norwegian company, Hydro, has opened a pioneering pilot project here.
The demonstration project demonstrates how wind power and hydrogen can provide all the energy needed in a small community, making it fully independent of fossilised fuels. Today, 10 households on the island obtain their electric power from a combination of wind power and hydrogen. The energy will come from the wind turbines when there is sufficient wind. When there is no wind, or too much wind to obtain optimal energy production, the hydrogen plant will take over the job of supplying energy.
Utsira is a genuine “Green” Island.
Coastline: 18 km Area: 6 sq.km Highest point: 68 meters above sea level.
Utsira has an active diving culture with plenty of possibilities for the diving enthusiast. A new ferry between the island and Haugesund started up in March this year. The sailing time is about 1 hour.
Â
How to get there?
If you have hired a car, it is a 20-minute drive from the airport to the ferry quayside on the northern part of Risøy - a small island just west of the city centre of Haugesund.
From the airport, follow the sign to Haugesund. In the car you will find the route from the airport to the city centre and to the ferry point on Risøy.
If you choose to take the bus (”Kystbussen”) from the airport to the city centre, you can take a taxi (2 min) from the terminal in the city or walk, if you find it convenient and if you don’t have too much luggage (appr. 20 min. from the terminal).
The car ferry takes approximately 1 hour.
Ferry times: Note - it is best to take the ferry arriving on the southern part of the island, since it then is only 10 minutes to walk to the Utsira Cottages. If you arrive on the northern part, it will take around 20 minutes to walk. The ferry costs NOK 103 return (Euro12)
To get a detailed overview of our location, we recommend you to check out our map-service by choosing the “Map-button” on the right-hand side of this site. You can also ask our travel consultants for info/map at the Ryanair Service desk.
Things to do on the Utsira Island?
- Scenic walks around the island
- Boat hire, diving, bird-watching etc.
- Swimming pool near the cottages etc.
Things to do in Haugesund?
- Visit the City of Haugesund - shopping area, museums, cafe´s etc.
- Visit the Nordvegen Viking Centre, Avaldsnes
- See the spectacular film about Haugesund and the region of Haugalandet at the hotel’s multi-screen theater.
- Fjord trips - take the recommended routes in the region and experience the unique landscape and nature, including fjords, waterfalls, glaciers, mountains, panoramic views etc.
- Take a walk in the hills around the city - there are many trails in the city and the surrounding areas.
- Enjoy a day-trip on the ferry to the beautiful, small island of Utsira.
- Visit the charming fishing village of Skudeneshavn with its characteristic and quaint houses - voted as no. 1 Summer-Village in Norway in 2004.
