Solund is the westernmost island municipality in Norway, and the only municipality made up only of islands in the region of Sogn og Fjordane. The population today is around 880 and a area of 228,5 km2, with most living on the main islands of Sula and Ytre Sula. Fishing is the most important industry here, while Solund Verft is the largest industrial business with 21 employees working on slipping, maintenance, reconstruction and repair of ships. Solund is popular with boaters, with its exciting myriad of island, and also attracts numerous tourists looking for outdoor pursuits and fishing. The municipality also includes the westernmost island in Norway, Utvær, a popular destination for daytrips during the summer.

GÅSVÆR

Gåsvær is among the outermost islands of North Solund, far west out at sea between the Lågøy fjord and the Gåsværosen river outlet. The fishing banks are just off the island’s coastline, and Gåsvær most probably has a long history of trade. In 1767, the island had both its own guesthouse and pub. Over the past century, the islanders have made their living from fishing and agriculture, and in more modern times, taking passengers over the waters and tourism. The oldest section of the characteristic main house dates back to the 18th century, while another section was built using timber from a shipwrecked sailing ship.

UTVÆR

You cannot travel any further west in Norway and still be on solid ground. There are no longer any permanent residents on the island of Utvær, but there are always two people on duty at the lighthouse. To visit Utvær you have to travel by boat. There is a service available on request from Kolgrov all year round. In the summer season there is a scheduled service with departures from Hardbakke, Eivindvik and Korssund.

The County Governor of Sogn & Fjordane has decided to define Utvær as a nature reserve. This decision applies to the Utvær island group and surrounding sea. An exception is made for the island of Utvær itself and the sea immediately around it. The Norwegian Riksantikvar (preservation of Norwegian heritage) has made a proposal to preserve the lighthouse itself.

In the Middle Ages there was a chapel to the south of the existing settlement. It is somewhat uncertain when the chapel was built. The first written references to if appear in the work of Bjørgynar Kalveskinn from 1320. The chapel had an income from gifts and fishing tithes. In the 17th century the chapel owned 15 cows and 27 sheep that were rented out. Later on in the 17th century the chapel of Utvær was robbed by Scottish pirates.

The chapel was made of timber and was approximately 7.5 meters long and 6.3 meters wide, and it could seat a congregation of about 120. The chapel bell from 1641 is currently exhibited at the Heibergske Samlingar exhibition in Kaupanger. Four sermons a year were held in the chapel and the priest had to come by boat from Eivindvik. He was often stranded on the islands nearer the mainland as a result of bad weather. In 1718 the chapel was moved in to the island of Husøy. It was pulled down at the end of the 19th century when Straumen church was inaugurated.

The lighthouse burned down in February 1945 during an allied air attack. The lighthouse was reconstructed from 1948 – 1952. The lighthouse itself took on a different form from previously and the “balcony” on the top was one storey lower.

LIGHTHOUSE-SAFARI

For those who would like a more prolonged trip to Solund, we can now offer a twoday tour with an overnight stay in the old schoolhouse on the island of Utvær! The standard is simple but it is an exotic experience! A lighthouse safari to Utvær on Wednesday is followed by a day of island hopping in Mid Solund on Thursday. Your programme will include being able to experience the multitude of beautiful small islands, getting a taste of the traditional coastal culture, meeting the local population, visiting caves, travelling to the most western island in Norway and being able to sample traditional food.

ARBORETUM

The Coastal Arboretum in Hardbakke is a collection of trees and plants of largely indigenous species. There are 60 different species planted out hewre and there throughout the area. The rhododendron collection is a sight to behold in early summer. Integrated into the arboretum, there is a 5 km. footpath over a variety of terrain with a wonderful view over the outer Sognefjord. Also a marked foot-path up to the top of the Ravnenipa.

SOGNEFJORDEN

Sognefjorden is the largest and most well known fjord in Norway and the third longest in the world (behind the Scoresby Sund and Greely Fiord). Because the other two fjords are often ice-covered, the Sognefjorden is the longest open (ice-free) fjord in the world. Located in Sogn & Fjordane, it stretches 205 kilometres inland from the ocean to the small village of Skjolden, width 4.5 kilometres and depth 1,308 metres. The fjord takes its name from the traditional district of Sogn, which covers the southern part of the county.

WALKING

Nordsjøløypa in Solund is a path through outlying areas from Bjørnefjord to Stokkevåg. It climbs gradually along the base of the mountain through terrain consisting of mountain and heath land. The walk takes 1 – 1,5 hour and is an ideal family outing. The trip continues by rowing boat inland past Litle Færøy, Gullholmen, Råkeneset and on to Strand. For more information about the trip by rowing boat, please contact Stiftinga Jensbua.

DIVING

The coastline offers exellent facilities for sports diving all year round. Clear water and a multi-tude of wrecks. Compressor at several locations. Guided dives.

LITLE FÆRØY

We invites you to join a trip in a traditional Norwegian boat, powered by sail and oars only. Crisscrossing the Solund archipelago with our local guide. Try your luck at fishing, and join in preparing the fresh catch among rocks and seaweeds on the shore. Just the thing if you want to get to know coastal Norway and its culture! Join the local poastboat to Litle Færøy.

KAYAKING

You can hire a Kayak through Solund Padleklubb. Contact Solund Tourist Information, Hardbakke.

FISHING

There is great variation here between fjord fishing, fishing in among the islands and skerries and deep-sea fishing. You can catch most kinds of fish in this area. The currents and the nutritional content of the seawater make for unusually rich fishing. The most common species of fish are cod, haddock, saithe, pollack and mackerel. A certain amount of deepwater fish such as tusk and ling are also caught in the area.

GOLF

Golfclubs in Sogn & Fjordane.