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.
- Car ferry: Boreal Sjø operates a car ferry from Mekjarvik north of Stavanger to Kvitsøy. At Mekjarvik, leave your car if you do not need it at Kvitsøy. The boat trip takes 35 minutes.
- Speed boat: If you arrive without a car, take a speed boat from Stavanger city centre. The boat ride takes 35 minutes.
- With your own boat: At the Grøningen guest harbour it is possible to arrive by boat and stay the night.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 regionWelcome to Kvitsøy!
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!
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.
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.