Island adventures

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.