Culture
Thriving Theater Scene of High Quality
Nothing is left to chance when children, teenagers, and adults from Nordøyane take the stage.
Nordøyane
Six islands. One community. Where the ocean meets the sky.
A long the dramatic west coast of Norway, where fjords meet the open ocean, lies Nordøyane. The region consists of a string of six islands: Lepsøya, Haramsøya, Flemsøya/Skuløya, Fjørtofta, Harøya, and Finnøya. This is life on the edge of the sea — with untouched nature, a thriving coastal culture, and real opportunities to live and work in rural Norway.
Here, you can get to know the islands, the businesses, the culture, and the people of Nordøyane.
One day, it might be you watching the sky being painted pink and gold as the sun sets slowly in the ocean. Welcome to Nordøyane.
Freysta Villages
The Islands of Nordøyane
Outdoor Life
Nature and Outdoor Activities
High waves, calm sunsets with ocean views, steep cliffs, towering mountains, and stunning white beaches. Nordøyane has a dramatic landscape that invites you to both grand and small adventures.
High waves, calm sunsets with ocean views, steep cliffs, towering mountains, and stunning white beaches. Nordøyane has a dramatic landscape that invites you to both grand and small adventures.
Hiking
Collect Mountain Peaks!
Nordøyane is home to many summits, offering the best views of this archipelago. This is the checklist you’ll want to know about!
See the peaks →
Lighthouse Hike
Ulla Fyr — Beautiful Lighthouse Hike
An old, grand lighthouse from 1874. The popular hike is rewarded with stunning views and a rich history as a bonus.
Read the story →
Water Sports
Water Sports to the Young
At Røsok Marina on Harøya, you’ll find Max Aktivitetssenter. Rent kayaks and enjoy water sports — and it’s all for free!
Visit on Facebook Gallery
The Wild Beauty of Nordøyane
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Community
Meet the Locals
Out here by the edge of the sea, life moves to its own rhythm. Get a glimpse into the hearts and lives of the people who call these rugged islands home.
“This is a place where generations come together to talk and take action.”
Audun Aakre
Haramsøya Meet the locals →
“The sea is never far away, and I love it. I will always be an islander at heart.”
Viktoria B. Bergtun
Lepsøya Meet the locals →
“What started as a chill idea on a summer night is now a full-blown music festival by the open sea.”
Vegard Halkjelsvik
Haramsøya Meet the locals →
“I love filling my time with as much culture, music, and creativity as possible.”
Linda Nogva
Flemsøya Meet the locals → Explore Nordøyane
See the Islands in 360°
Career
Employers at Nordøyane
Featured Employer 
Marine engineering · Harøya/Finnøya
IP Huse AS
Local construction company with experience from major housing projects and focus on quality craftsmanship.
View employer →
Featured Employer 
Marine engineering · Flemsøya/Skuløya
Kongsberg Maritime
Leading specialist in sophisticated propulsion systems for the maritime sector, powering vessels worldwide.
View employer →
Featured Employer 
Electrical engineering · Flemsøya/Skuløya
Northern Islands Technology
Advanced mooring and towing equipment for the shipping industry.
View employer → Articles
Get to Know Nordøyane
Local stories and traditions that give Nordøyane its distinct character.
History
Ulla Lighthouse: A Beacon of History
The history of Ulla Lighthouse is dramatic for sure. But the beautiful lighthouse from 1874 is still standing.
History
The Storegga Tsunami: the Disaster that Shaped Nordøyane
Over 8,000 years ago, a massive underwater landslide triggered one of the largest tsunamis in history.
Nature
Nordøyane’s Peaks: Your Hiking Checklist
The five islands offer many fantastic peaks to conquer. Here’s a good list for hiking enthusiasts!
Traditions
The Sunnmøre Bunad, Ørskog Version
While there are eight different embroidered bunads from Sunnmøre, the Ørskog version is the most widely used.
Traditions
The Romsdal Bunad, Bolsøy Version
The Bolsøy bunad is one of four women’s bunads from Romsdal — and perhaps the most well-known.
History
Haramsskatten — Gold Treasure from the Roman Empire
Haramsskatten is a remarkable gold treasure that goes all the way back to the Roman Iron Age (0–400 AD).
Viking
The Saga of Grettir: the Viking Antihero
The first written source about Haramsøy comes from the Icelandic saga Grettis saga Ásmundssonar.
Heritage & Identity
Cultural Heritage and Traditions
Learn more about one of the world’s oldest continuous coastal cultures and its deep connections to the sea and nature, handcraft, and Viking history.
Traditional Costume
The Bolsøy Bunad
One of four women’s bunads from Romsdal — and perhaps the most well-known and widely worn. Designed during World War II by Mali Furunes, it draws inspiration from garments dating back to the late 18th century.
The embroidered skirt is believed to originate from the island of Bolsøy itself. Each detail carries meaning. From the silver clasps to the woven belt, the bunad tells the story of a coastal community shaped by the sea.
Read the story →
Traditional Costume
The Bunad of Sunnmøre, Ørskog Version
The most widely worn of eight embroidered bunads from the Sunnmøre region. Also known as the Märtha bunad, named after Crown Princess Märtha, who received one as a wedding gift in 1929.
Its floral motifs trace back to an old apron from the Gjære farm in Ørskog, dating to around 1850. The bunad is worn with pride at national celebrations and family gatherings across the islands.
Read the story →
Music & Culture
Experience the Magic of Havgaprock!
Where music meets the wild beauty of Norway’s coastal landscape. A rock festival at the edge of the world.
Visit Havgaprock → Your New Beginning
Ready to Make Nordøyane Home?
We’ve put together practical tips and useful information — everything you need to explore and connect with your new community.
Welcome to Nordøyane! We are happy to meet you.