Flora municipality has approximately 11.600 inhabitants and covers a area of 693,0 km2. The rural district of Flora, contains the westernmost town in Norway. Florø town centre has managed to preserve its special atmosphere and is today a busy and charming rural town. Florø offers a living and original small town environment. Attractive shopping street with a good choice of shops.
Florø encompasses the entire island of Florelandet and the western half of the island of Brandsøya. The nearby villages of Brandsøy and Grov lie several kilometers to the east of Florø. The islands of Reksta, Kinn, Skorpa lie several kilometers to the west of the town. Florø is also home to Florø Airport and Florø Church. Kinn Brewery is one of the leading hand crafted brewery in Norway lies in the middle of Florø.
The Eikefjord area, which is the second largest settlement in Flora. Other village areas in the municipality include Rognaldsvåg, Stavang, Grov, Norddalsfjord, Nyttingnes, Steinhovden, and Brandsøy. The municipality stretches from inner fjords where the mountains ascend to the Ålfotbreen glacier, to the outermost islands off the mainland coast. The town is today both a charming little community, and at the same time a town with busy industries that are developing continuously. Trade and industry in Flora is mainly fishing industry, shipyards, and supply for the oil and gas industry in the North Sea.
The district offers wild streams and rivers, beautiful mountains and quiet lakes, in short all you could desire within 5 miles of the town centre. The coastline is a chapter in itself, with its myriad small and large islands. The Coastal Steamer (Hurtigruten) has daily departures.
THE WORLDS LARGEST
Every year, third weekend in June, we arrange a 400 metres free herring table through the centre of Florø. Welcome to the feast of the year!
KINN
Right out in the sea lies the green, grass-covered island Kinn. The area around Kinn was the central herring area in Norway for the most part of the 19th century. At the height, there lived approximately 15.000 people on Kinn and the surrounding islands in the herring season. Today there are 15 inhabitants on Kinn.
On the island of Kinn, on the very edge of the ocean lies Kinna Church from the 12th century. The Church, built in Roman style, is the oldest in Sunnfjord. The Church has long been associated with the legend of St. Sunniva and the Selju men. The church choir is the oldest part of the church, and the lectern is th only preserved example of its kind in Scandinavia.
The church sits at the base of the steep mountain of Kinn, and the massive Kinnaklova (Kinn Cliff) is its nearest neighbour. The famous cleft cliff of Kinn is famous along the coast, as its charecteristic shape has always been a guide for sailors along our coast. Follow the path right up the cleft of the cliff for spectacular sea and island views.
Every year, third weekend in June. Kinnaspelet (Kinna Pageant) is an historical play about love, hate, fidelity and loyalty to The Church and humankind. 150 actors take part and audiences of several thousand visit the island to watch this beautiful play.
The main theme is the introduction of the Protestant Reformation by the Danish king in 1537. The King’s bailiff informs the congregation of Kinn that they have to accept the “New Faith”, that all church properties are taken possession of and that Norway has lost her independence and become a part of Denmark. Through “a pageant in the pageant”, a performance which the parishers themselves were going to present at the very moment of the bailiff’s arrival, we witness how, Sunniva, a Christian Irish Princess, flee from heathen Vikings.
The legend says that she was forced to marry a Viking king. She escaped by secretly leaving Ireland with her friends in three ships. When they were out at sea, they threw away all sails and oars and prayed to God to lead them to a safe place. All ships stranded on the Norwegian coast. Sunniva’s sister or chambermaid came to Kinn where she built the church in gratitude for being saved.
SVANØY
Svanøy is the southernmost and greenest island in the district of Flora. The island was the district’s most important trade centre last century, and exports and shipping were major activities. A stone cross memorial commemorating King Olav the Holy and a sacrificial site from the Viking era can be found here.
The island lies just to the west of the mainland, in the mouth of the Førdefjorden. The Brufjorden runs along the north and east sides of the island and the Stavfjorden runs along the south side of the island. The island of Askrova lies about 4 kilometres northwest of Svanøy. The island of Svanøya is heavily forested with lots of hills and small mountains. On Svanøya, there are plants and trees that usually are not found on the west coast of Norway, such as holly. The 235 metre tall mountain Vågsfjellet is the highest mountain on the island.
Svanøy Estate is an old seat of nobility from 1685, 62 acres of cultivated land and 30 acres of woodland. An impressive main building and an old garden full of beautiful trees.
Erikstad Farm the Saga says that the Viking King, Eirik Blodøks grew up here, hence the name. Contains a museum with old farming tools. The famous Fjord horses are bred and trained here.
Norwegian Deer Farm a competence centre within research on fallow buck and common deer. Breeding and development projects. Here you can watch the beautiful animals being fed. Guided tours in the summer season.
BATALDEN BOATHOUSE
Norway’s westernmost art gallery is housed in a restored fishing millieu. Regular painting & drawing coures are held. Guided tours in the summer season.
THE TROLL CAVE
On the island Askrova you may explore “Trollhola” – a prehistoric cave. The main cavern is the size of a cathedral, has several passages leading from it and it is a fascinating natural phenomenon. The highest point of the island, 233 metres above sealevel, provides a sweeping view of the archipelago.
ROCK CARVINGS
In Ausevika, 30 minutes drive from Florø, lies one of the largest rock carving sites in Norway. Here you can see 3000-year old carvings. The site boasts over 300 carvings depicting both animal and human figures.
COASTAL MUSEUM
The Coastal Museum in Sogn and Fjordane was established in 1980. The aim was to concentrate on coastal nature & culture both past and present. Old boat houses and domestic dwellings were moved from various places in the district and re-erected in Florø near the museum. Many beautiful boats. The 250 year old Holmedalsjekta (coastal freighter) is Norway´s oldest non-viking ship. A large exhibtion on North Sea oil, Snorreankeret, based on the Snorre platform is located in the museum.
COASTAL STEAMER (HURTIGRUTA)
The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before. A ticket for the Coastal Steamer is a ticket to the theatre, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you. See the pictures from the Coastal Steamer taken by one of our passengers.
LIGHT HOUSE SAFARI
The waters around Florø are dangerous and exposed. Three ligthhouses were built in the fairways to the town at an early date. Two, Stabben and Kvanhovden are now automated and unmanned. The 3rd and largest, Ytterøyane, is still manned. Take an exciting and exoctic trip to the lights. Guided tours in the summer season.
The coast around Florø is ideal for diving most of the year. There are many shallow waters west of Florø. An abundance of shipwrecks tempts divers to explore the clear waters. Excursions can be arranged. Contact the tourist office.
EXPRESS BOATS
Express boats depart daily for the local islands. Tourists always enjoy this experience. Routes and tickets can be obtained from the tourist office.
CYCLING
In Flora there are excellent roads for cycling, especially on the islands, where there are few cars. The information leaflet “Cycling in Flora” can be purchased at the tourist office.
The yachtsmen in western Norway sail most of the year round. Stabben lighthouse dating from 1867 is a much used rounding marker for yacht races.
SWIMMING
Havhesten swimming pool has activities for big and small, with lots of water fun. Havhesten offers a good choice of bathing articles/activities and it is possible to rent bathing equipment.
FISHING
There is ample opportunity for deep sea fishing off the Flora coast – cod, pollock, mackerel are plentiful in the fjords, and it is seldom anybody come home disappointed. Take part in an organised sea fishing trip with guaranteed catch! Flora is a haven for sports fishermen with numerous lakes and rivers. Fishing licenses and information leaflet “Fishing in Flora” can be purchased from the tourist office.