Rennesøy municipality in Norway consists of six inhabited islands, three of them Sokn, Mosterøy and Bru are connected by bridges. The total area is approximately 65,3 km2. Population is approximately 4.500, with approximately 1.500 living on Rennesøy, approximately 680 on Mosterøy, approximately 230 on Bru/Sokn, approximately 190 on Vestre Åmøy and approximately 20 on Brimse.

Rennesøy has been settled for a long time. Its archaeology is one of the richest in the country. The North Sea Road now continues by ferry from Mekjarvik to Skudeneshavn. Rerouting the ferry link means that you can go directly to Skudeneshavn on Karmøy from Mekjarvik. It is a typical agricultural community; livestock and tomato cultivation are the most important. Many of the small greenhouses have now been replaced by large, automatised ones. Milk production is above the national average. Pig and sheep farming also contribute to the economy.

Connection between Rennesøy and the mainland is by an undersea tunnel. Recent residential developments (on Askje, Vestre Åmøy, Bru, Vikevåg and Østhusvik) have contributed to making Rennesøy a commuter´s municipality. A boat trip on the Ryfylke fjords by express boat or ferry is a wonderful experience.

RENNESØY

Rennesøy Village museum (Bygdemuseum) has collections from Rennesøy and Mosterøy, the “Bakken” croft, and old school house at Bru, and a recently restored windmill next to the Rennesøy junior high school. Previously, it continued via the “Rennfast” tunnels to Rennesøy, and on the ferry from there. We recommend that you take a detour to Rennesøy and Finnøy.

ULSTEIN KLOSTER

On the journey to Rennesøy, you will have to stick your head above water at Mosterøy. You should stop here, because this is where Norway’s only preserved medieval monastery is to be found. Magnus Lagabøter founded Utstein Monastery around 1200 AD. The monks disappeared long ago, but the sacred atmosphere lingers on. Surviving from the middle ages are the buildings of the Utstein Abbey (“Utstein Kloster”) which was restored in 1969.

THE BYFJORD TUNNEL

A world record under the sea “Rennfast” is the stretch of road which links Nord- and Sør-Rogaland. You drive through the world’s longest and deepest under sea car tunnel: The Byfjord tunnel is 5,830 meters long and descends 223 meters under the surface of the sea. It may be comforting to know that at least 45 meters of rock separates you from the water.

SØRBØ CHURCH

Sørbø church on Rennesøy is a beautiful stone church dating from the 1140s, and was once one of Norway’s thirteen royal chapels. During the summer, a number of concerts are held in the nave of the magnificent church. The islands have more religious history to offer.

FISHING

Enjoy the rugged coastline, the invigorating sea air and the secluded coves. Sea-fishing is unrivalled here. Try your luck casting the line from the rocky foreshore. A day at sea is an unforgettable experience, fishing either from a smack or a cutter.