Karmøy

Karmøy municipality has approximately 38.930 inhabitants and covers a area of 229,5 km2. Karmøy is one of the largest islands in the archipelago off south-western Norway. It is forty kilometres long and is linked to the mainland by a bridge in the north and a ferry in the south. To the east you have Karmsundet and to the north runs Kongeveien where, for hundreds of years, seafarers have found a secure and sheltered haven. Inland, the island offers wild, hilly terrain forming foothills of the imposing mountains and breathtaking fjords of the mainland beyond.

NEW YORK

Did you know that the copper of the Statue of Liberty in New York came from Karmøy? Information about this and about the history of the mining community, which consisted of about 3000 inhabitants in the 1800s, can be obtained at the Mining Museum in Visnes. The Visnes Natural history Collection contains birds and animal species native to Karmøy. You can also study the fauna and flora of tbe area. Karmøy Heather Gardening Centre provides evidence of the significance of heather for the coastal population throughout history. It has a very wide range of uses and you can purchase trinkets, heather honey, or even the plant itself for your garden.

THE KARMØY NATURE

The name itself has an interesting meaning: "an island which acts as a screen against the sea". The blend of sea-atmosphere, charming fishing villages and long history give Karmøy a unique character. Modern history has also found its place here and has heen built up in close harmony with the more traditional activities of fishing and agriculture.

Make the most of a stormy day and feel for yourself the power of nature out near the quay. Up in the hills, the heather beckons with rosy - red blooms. The south of Karmøy offers mile after mile of beautiful heathland and white, sandy beaches - ideal countryside for a relaxing walk where you can appreciate the magnificent fauna and flora.

THE SAGA ISLANDS

Avaldsnes bas been called Norway's oldest capital as this was the seat of Harald the Fair-haired after his conquest at tbe battle of Hafrsfjord. Today, Olav's Church whose construction commenced in 1250, is the main monument relating to this great period of Norway's history. The church is also a symbol of the unification of Norway completed during the reign of Håkon Håkonssen. But the history of Avaldsnes dates back thousands of years before the unification. Many stones and sagas are related to the bronze-age barrows and the stone monuments of the iron-age.

Future plans for Avaldsnes are that as many as possible shall become acquainted with our history. On Bukkøy near Aualdsnes a Viking Long-house bas been reconstructed and which is used as a camp for school children. You may visit it during the summer. The Viking Festival is an annual gala commencing the first complete week in June.

SKUDENESHAVN

A pearl in the West Located at the southernmost tip of Karmøy, where the lighthouses peer out ouer Skudefjord and the North Sea, lies the charming harbour and fishing village of Skudeneshavn. In the early nineteenth century, herring fishing led to rapid prosperity and the growth of the historically fascinating district called "gamlebyen" - the old town. Here, nearly an the 125 cottages and 100 wharf warehouses are carefully preserved, reflecting in every detail the attractive Empire style of the day.

In 1990, Skudeneshavn won second place in NORTRA's competition to find Norway´s "Best preserved village". One of the jurors said "Skudeneshavn is an extraordinary well-preserved village whose location and charming design has created a beautiful cultural landscape". It epitomises life in our coastal communities.

MÆLANDSGÅRDEN MUSEUM

Well equipped urban museum depicting the atmosphere of the merchant's reeidence, the general store, seahouse, old workshops and other artifacts of the period. Closed Seturdays. Sundays open until end Sept.

ROGALAND FISHERY MUSEUM

At Åkrehamn a perserved Herring works with a collection of artifacts and equipment associeted with the fishing and shipping industries. Open: 20.05 - 20.08. Additional opening every Sunday in September.

KARMØY FISHERY MUSEUM

In a scenic location by the sea at Vedavågen, the exhibition covers the fishing industry from 1950 to the present day. The museum has a salt water aquarium containing the best known fish from the sea. Open 20.05 - 20.08.

OLAV´S CHURCH

At Avaldsnes Hakon Hakonssen built around 1250 as part of a National Council that comprised four such churches. Today it is the only one remaining. Open 01.06 - 31.08. Guided tours every hour.

VINSNES MINING MUSEUM

The copper mines at Visnes were in operation until as recently as 1972. The copper for the Statue of Liberty in New York was extractad here. Guided tours in Norwegian, English and German.

BOAT HOUSE AT HOP

At Ferkingstad remains of the large boat houses erected by King Ferkings, dating from the Iron Age. Information board. A marked heritage traiI and nature path goes from Hop to Åkrehamn.

THE FIVE WAYWARD VIRGINS

Five stons monuments under Karmsund bridge. It is thought that the stones originally functioned as a calender system. Information board.

BURIAL MOUNDS AT REHAUGANE

At Bø, six large Bronze Age buriel mounds in a row on the drumlins at Reheia. Information board.

OLD KOPERVIK

Kopervik is the "capital" of Karmøy, the largest town of the island. The charming mixture of old and new buildings sids by side hold many surprises. A guidebook describings walk through the town can be purchased.

THE OLD TOWN, SKUDENESHAVN

Guided tour of the quaint historic districts in Skudeneshavn starting from the Tourist Information Office.

THE "PARLIAMENT" STONES

The Three stone monuments now located at the Cultural Centre in Åkrehamn were previously located in the old Åkra farm and are believed to have marked the meeting site of the elders.

KARMSUND FOLK MUSEUM

Fishing settlement at Solhålå, Vedavagen. A group of old seahouses and a boat house dipicting the environment of the herring fisheries in the 19th century. The buildings are open to the public. No guided tours.

ÅKRA NATURE and HERITAGE TRAIL

A marked nature and heritage trail from Ferkingstad to Åkrasanden. A small guidebook may be purchased at the Tourist Information Office.

VIKING FARM

At Avaldsnes you can visit the reconstructed Viking house and learn about the Vikings fascinating way of life. Experience what life was like in Viking times.

GEITUNGEN LIGHTHOUSE

Geitungen Lighthouse stands regally like a proud beacon on the summit of South Geitungen island, due west from Skudeneshavn. It is possible to take an evening trip to the island with the MS Skudeholm. Every monday between 13 June 18 August.

SWIMMING

Facing the North Sea Karmøy boasts a wealth of fine, sandy beaches as well as coves and creeks hewn out by the perpetual motion of the thunderous rollers. On a sunny day nothing is perhaps quite so enjoyable as a day on one of our louely beaches. Sandvesanden near Skudeneshaun and Åkrasanden further west offer white sands and crystal clean water.

WINDSURFING

lf you are interested in windsurfing then Åkrasanden is the place to be. Enthusiasts gather here to test their skills against the white-crested waves all year round. Equipment is readily available for hire. You can take an exhilarating dive to look for old shipwrecks or haue a close encounter with our own variant of the dolphin, Flipper, one of our year-round residents. It is possibly not as cold here as you might think!

FISHING

Enjoy the rugged coastline, the invigorating sea air and the secluded coves. On Karmøy you're never far from the sea. 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 - a bite is virtually guaranteed. Should the sea be too tempestuous then one of the many lakes on Karmøy will offer trout, eel and pike.

Karmøy has 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. A large fishing fleet with state of the art equipment participated in the hunt for the silver of the seas. The fishery museums on the island cover the history and growth of the industry.

GOLF

Karmøy Golfclub is a golf course with 9 holes and a variation of difficulties.