Villages and places

Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy is an island and also a municipality in Rogaland county. In size, Kvitsøy is actually Norway's smallest municipality. The islands have just over 500 inhabitants or "Kvitsøybuer" as the locals are also called. Kvitsøy consists of as many as 167 islands, islets and larger reefs, where six of these are inhabited: the islands of Kvitsøy, Langøy, Kviting (Krossøy), Hellesøy, Krågøy and Grøningen.

The islands are made up of transformed volcanic rocks that provide a small rocky archipelago landscape. Most people from Kvitsøy live on the main island of Kvitsøy, and most of these live in the village of Ydstebøhavn. The islanders are known as jovial and friendly, and when you walk or cycle across the island in summer you will see how much work they put into their fertile gardens. A joy to watch!

Getting to the island of Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy is a small community with narrow roads and limited parking. If you can, leave your car on the mainland while visiting Kvitsøy. At the parking at the ferry terminal at Mekjarvik, there is plenty of capacity.

The island landscapes are fairly flat and therefore well suited for biking. There are also nice hiking opportunities on the islands. During the summer season, you can rent bikes at the ferry terminal at Kvitsøy. There is furthermore a bus that can take you all over the island.

Maritime history

The island is dominated by the construction and transport industry, sea transport in particular, with the Kvitsøy traffic centre. Agriculture is furthermore important, with the main emphasis on cattle and sheep. Fishing is additionally an important industry; shellfish and mackerel are the majority of the seafood fished here. The farming of salmon, lobster and scallops is also significant. In earlier days, lobster fishing was dominant, nowadays, crab and shrimp are some of the most sought-after seafood. Visit the lobster museum for more information on Kvitsøy's lobster history.

Inspiration on things to do

Go exploring!

Kvitsøy Hummermuseum

Culture

Kvitsøy hummermuseum (lobster museum)

Kvitsøy

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.

people in kayaks on the water

Outdoor activities and nature

Paddling at Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy is an eldorado for paddlers.

Turstien vest ut mot havet

Outdoor activities and nature

The hiking area west at Kvitsøy

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

Culture

Kvitsøy hummermuseum (lobster museum)

Kvitsøy

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.

Sandrenna badestrand

Adventure parks and animals

Swimming at Kvitsøy

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.

people in kayaks on the water

Outdoor activities and nature

Paddling at Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy is an eldorado for paddlers.

Turstien vest ut mot havet

Outdoor activities and nature

The hiking area west at Kvitsøy

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.

Steinkorset på Kvitsøy

Culture

The Stone cross and St. Clemens church ruin

Kvitsøy

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 kirke

Culture

Kvitsøy kirke

Kvitsøy

Kvitsøy church is a cruciform church. Internally, it is decorated with "rosemåling", a style of Norwegian decorative painting on wood, rediscovered during a major restoration, and it is this decoration, along with the altarpiece, that makes the church as special as it is.

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

Outdoor activities and nature

Biking at Kvitsøy

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.

Kvitsøy fyr

Culture

Kvitsøy lighthouse

Kvitsøy

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.

How to get here

How do you travel to Stavanger and the surrounding region? It doesn't matter how you get here, as long as you get here. We are not that far away, whether you’re travelling by plane, bus, ferry, car or train.

Getting to and around the Stavanger region

Welcome to Kvitsøy!

  • Group of people on a ferry. Standing on deck with the wind in their hair

    Transport

    Ferry Mekjarvik - Kvitsøy

    Randaberg

    Ferry to Kvitsøy from Mekjarvik. Beautiful fjord landscape, a harsh island community with southern bliss. Bring your bike for extra enjoyment!

  • Fra gjestehavnet ser du trafikksentralen på Kvitsøy.

    Accommodation

    Grøningen gjestehavn

    Kvitsøy

    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.

  • Ydstebøhavn

    Accommodation

    Ydstebøhavn guest harbour

    Kvitsøy

    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.