Measuring just 6,3 km2 and home to approximately 210 inhabitants, Utsira has the title of Norway´s smallest township. None the less, this does not seem to have been a deterrent becouse the island has been inhabited since Neolitithic times. Utsira has a particular interesting history. The island was owned by a monastery from around 1300 till 1500 and after the Reformation became Crown property.

In 1745 Utsira was sold to an official of the royal court and was owned by his heirs until the mid 1800s when the farms were sold to the tennant farmers who worked the land. In 1924 Utsira was designated a township and in 1926 established its own council comprising 11 women and 1 man. This event also marked the inauguration of Norway´s first female lord mayor, Åsa Helgesen. The island has been inhabited since the Middle Ages and is rich in cultural artefacts.

UTSIRA LIGHTHOUSE

The lighthouse on Utsira was built in 1844, and is still operational. It is from here that Norway´s Meteorological Institute has had its longest consecutive run of weather forecasts. Erected in 1844. Guided tours in June – August. Otherwise by arrangement with the keeper. Please take into consideration the keeper´s working hours.

MIKAL L. KLOVNING´S SEAHOUSE

Seahouse with authentic equipment from 1900 – 1950. Boats and fishing equipment from the herring fisheries period. Genuine fisherman´s shack in the loft. Open by appointment.

SEAGULL HOUSE

Up to 1945 seagulls were hunted and captured from these seahouses. The gulls’ feathers were used in eiderdowns and in hard times the gulls provided a tasty dish !

THE INNER HARBOUR

The Inner harbour at this hamlet in Nordvikvågen developed after the jetty was completed in 1870 and is characterised by the rich fishing of earlier times. The unique buildings are preserved, not just for their individual quality but for the hamlet in its entirety.

UTSIRA CHURCH

One of the many historic monuments on the island, the church was completed in 1785. Opening times by arrangament with the verger.

BIRD WATCHING

317 different species of bird have been observed on Utsira, and ornithologists from all over Europe come here during the spring and autumn to study the bird-life.

FISHING

Enjoy the rugged coastline, the invigorating sea air and the secluded coves. Stavanger has a rich fishing traditions which are preserved to this day. The herring fisheries of the previous century provided the basis for many settlements on the island.