Villages and places
Utsira
Utsira is an island west of Haugesund, and it is Norway’s smallest municipality in terms of population. The island is known for its rich birdlife and world-class street art.
The bird watchers’ Utsira
Utsira is a 75-minute boat trip from the centre of Haugesund, west in the North Sea. Utsira is a favourite with birdwatchers for its rich birdlife, with more than 300 species of birds visiting the island during the migration season.
Norway’s smallest municipality
There is no village on Utsira, and the houses are spread across the island. The main thoroughfare is an axis between the two harbours in the north and south. Utsira has a permanent population of around 200, making it the smallest municipality in Norway in terms of population. Utsira lighthouse, which is a listed building and the lighthouse with the highest elevation in Norway, has a central location on the island. The lighthouse station originally comprised two lighthouses, known as a twin lighthouse, but only one is still in operation. The lighthouse keeper’s house and the buildings around the lighthouse are now rented out as accommodation.
Norway’s first female mayor
Sirabuen, as the people who live on Utsira call themselves are very proud of having Norway’s first female mayor: Aasa Helgesen (1926–1928).
Street art Utsira
Utsira has become a street art mecca in recent years. Well-known and unknown street artists from around the world have made their mark on sites dotted across the island, on buildings, silos, windmills and rock faces. Utsira has now become a popular destination for street art enthusiasts.
Travel inspiration for Utsira
Activities on Utsira
Culture
Utsira Lighthouse
Utsira
Utsira lighthouse is the highest-placed lighthouse in Norway, and the most visited attraction at Utsira.
Outdoor activities and nature
Birdwatching Utsira
Utsira
The island has a long birdwatching tradition and it is sometimes compared with Fair Isle (south of Shetland). Among other things, this is because the two islands have ornithological links.
Culture
Mikal L. Klovning's boathouse on Utsira - Haugalandmuseet
Utsira
Mikal L. Klovning's boathouse on Utsira was the main area for an extensive fishing activity. The business was primarily related to herring fishing, but also other fishing such as cod, mackerel, and lobster.
Culture
Utsira Lighthouse
Utsira
Utsira lighthouse is the highest-placed lighthouse in Norway, and the most visited attraction at Utsira.
Sightseeing
Street art at Utsira
Utsira
On Utsira, you'll find small and large-scale artworks from recognised street artists from all over the world. Experience the street art on your own or with a local guide.
Culture
Utsira Church
Utsira
The construction of this timbered church started in 1780. Utsira church was completed in 1785 and was officially opened the same year.
Outdoor activities and nature
Birdwatching Utsira
Utsira
The island has a long birdwatching tradition and it is sometimes compared with Fair Isle (south of Shetland). Among other things, this is because the two islands have ornithological links.
Culture
Mikal L. Klovning's boathouse on Utsira - Haugalandmuseet
Utsira
Mikal L. Klovning's boathouse on Utsira was the main area for an extensive fishing activity. The business was primarily related to herring fishing, but also other fishing such as cod, mackerel, and lobster.
Sightseeing
The island community of Utsira
Utsira
West of Haugesund, right out in open ocean, is one of Norway's smallest municipalities in terms of population size: Utsira. The island may be small, but the hospitality is enormous and the experiences many: delicious seafood, street art and Utsira lighthouse are just some of the things you can experience on Utsira.
Outdoor activities and nature
Vindbalhytta, day-trip cabin on Utsira
Utsira
Vindbalhytta is the day-trip cabin of Utsira, Norway’s smallest municipality in terms of population. To get to Utsira, you have to take the boat from Haugesund.
How to get here
Would you like advice or tips on how to get to Haugesund and Haugalandet, or see how easy it is to get around Haugalandet using public transport? Here we have gathered information about transport to and around Haugesund.
How to get to HaugesundPlan your visit to Utsira
Accommodation
Lighthouse holiday on Utsira
Utsira
Fancy a holiday out of the ordinary? Where the big sea comes alive, and you feel the forces of nature? You can with a lighthouse holiday on Utsira.
Food and drink
Dahmsgård Utsira
Utsira
The small and intimate Dahmsgård restaurant is located on Utsira. With a focus on fresh seafood and local produce, they serve delicious dishes all year round.
Accommodation
Nordvikgården
Utsira
Nordvikgården is an unattended tourist cabin on Utsira, accommodation in beautiful surroundings.
Would you like to visit more islands?
Runde and the coast of Sunnmøre
Outer, southern Sunnmøre is Ålesund’s unpolished and outgoing neighbour. An archipelago of small villages, communities and fantastic experiences.
