Brattvåg village at sunset with fjord and mountains

Haram · Sunnmøre · Møre og Romsdal

Brattvåg

FromLocalCrafttoGlobalImpact

A village driven by ambition, with its eyes set on the future. The maritime industry has shaped Brattvåg – and, in turn, Brattvåg has shaped the industry. With steep, majestic mountains as its backdrop and the sea at its doorstep, Brattvåg is a place where people from many nations come together. To build ships, advance global technology, and create innovative maritime solutions.

Village Snapshot

Residents ~2,500

Landscape Fjord & Mountains

Region Sunnmøre

Municipality Haram

Nearest city Ålesund — 40 min

Airport Vigra — 45 min

Major employer VARD / Kongsberg Maritime

School Primary · Lower secondary · High school

An Authentic Industrial Village with a Global Spirit

Bronze statue of an industrial worker on a pedestal in Brattvåg, with modern buildings behind — The industrial worker is ever present in Brattvåg. Photo: Haram municipality

With its around 2 500 residents on the western side of Samfjorden, Brattvåg is the administrative center of Haram municipality. And an important industrial hub in the region. The village owes its very existence to the determination and ambitions of industrial leaders several generations ago.

«Brattvåg is actually quite a young place,» says Mayor Vebjørn Krogsæter of Haram municipality.

It all began with the construction of a power plant, and the entire village grew up around it. The hydropower plant was the spark that started it all. November 11, 1911, is considered Brattvåg’s birthday. That’s a day the whole village celebrates!

Over the years, Brattvåg has developed into a key industrial center in northern Sunnmøre. The shipbuilding industry forms the backbone of a maritime cluster that also includes a range of specialized suppliers and related industries.

The village is home to one of VARD’s shipyards; the global corporation is an international leader in the design and construction of advanced specialized vessels. In Brattvåg you’ll also find Kongsberg Maritime Brattvåg. Kongsberg Maritime’s Deck Machinery and Steering Gear division in Brattvåg is among the world’s largest manufacturers of winches and steering systems. To name a few.

Industrial harbor in Brattvåg with a large red offshore vessel and tall cranes at sunset

Industry forms the very backbone of Brattvåg. Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

«Industry is deeply rooted in the identity of Brattvåg.»
Mayor Vebjørn Krogsæter

Industry and Diversity

«We have the big players, of course, and around them thrives a diverse and exciting mix of smaller companies and job opportunities. It makes for a vibrant and varied business community,» the mayor adds with a smile.

That diversity extends beyond the workplace. Around 20% of Brattvåg’s inhabitants have an international background, making the village a genuine melting pot where people are used to cultural exchange and global connections. Many residents have come from Poland and Eastern European countries, finding their new home in Brattvåg.

Of course, a vibrant community requires more than just industrial workers. There are also job opportunities for healthcare professionals, teachers, shop staff, service workers, cultural workers – and perhaps some energetic entrepreneurs with fresh ideas. In short, Brattvåg needs a diverse mix of people and professions to continue being a strong and forward-looking place to live and work.

But Brattvåg isn’t only about industry — it’s also a place where music, culture, and community thrive.

Brattvåg shoreline lights reflected on the calm Samfjorden at night

Brattvåg lights across the fjord Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

Football, Culture, Sauna – and the Love of Music

Football is huge throughout the region, and Brattvåg is no exception. Children have plenty of opportunities to play, and so do teenagers and adults. The football pitches are of great quality, and the sport brings people together across generations.

Brattvåg also boasts a vibrant cultural house –the Ingebrigt Davik House– featuring a movie theater, concerts, theatre productions, dance performances, stand-up shows, and much, much more. There’s always something happening here, making it the perfect place for an enjoyable evening with your partner, friends, or family.

Marching band and majorettes parading through central Brattvåg, surrounded by a crowd of spectators

Music brings people together! Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

For those who play in a band, love to sing, or want to learn how to record their own music, the cultural house is pure gold. You can borrow the studio, record your music, mix and master tracks, and even get guidance on how to publish your songs on Spotify and other platforms. Bands can also use the studio as an affordable rehearsal space. Let the music flow!

You’ll also find an abundance of musical joy in Brattvåg School Band. This is a marching band that welcomes everyone. The ensemble includes both musicians and majorettes, and the sense of community and enthusiasm among the kids is awesome.

Sea Life and Mountain Peaks – Hand in Hand

Sunset over the fjord at Brattvåg marina — Outdoor bliss. Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

The sea is an essential part of life in Brattvåg. Salt water and crisp, clean air are simply part of everyday living here. The Samfjorden stretches right outside your doorstep, and whether you’re watching the sunset from the pier or heading out on the water, the fjord is always close.

«The entire area has been built around the sea – whether it’s harvesting from it or building the equipment needed to do so,» says Mayor Vebjørn Krogsæter.

«And of course, we have a marina here too for all those who love boating life,» says mayor Vebjørn.

Brattvåg småbåtforening, in charge of the marina, has just recently set up a sauna for the community to enjoy. Get hot, dive straight into the cool Samfjorden and get that adrenaline flowing!

Cross-country skier on a winter trail near Brattvåg — Cross-country skiing is popular and completely free. Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

The nature surrounding Brattvåg is wonderfully diverse. From casting a fishing line by the shore to hiking up mountain peaks, everything is just a short distance away. With plenty of stunning scenery in between.

«We have a lot of well-prepared outdoor experiences around Brattvåg,» the mayor explains. «For example, the walk around Synnalandsvatnet is lovely. It’s even lit in the evenings. And although we’re a coastal village, the surrounding mountains are high enough that we get snow in winter, so we can go skiing too.»

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Schools and Local Amenities

As the administrative centre of the municipality, Brattvåg has a range of public and private services gathered in one place. You’ll find both primary and lower secondary schools here, as well as Haram High School. Naturally, there are kindergartens here as well.

The town also offers everything you need for everyday life. The public library, the medical centre. Hairdressers and Vinmonopolet (state liquor store). Burgers and bowling alley. And a variety of shops, including the little shopping centre Samfjordkvartalet, which houses 11 stores with a good selection of products. And you know, for those with even bigger shopping needs, the city of Ålesund is only 40 minutes away by car.

Haram service building in Brattvåg. Photo: Haram municipality

«People in Brattvåg are friendly and down-to-earth.»
Jorunn Fjørtoft, culture café manager

Every Thursday, the café serves the Norwegian specialty raspeball – a traditional potato dumpling often enjoyed with salted meat and sausage. The line is long, but the vibe is cheerful.

«You know, it’s just so popular,» she laughs. «Even though the line is long, people chat and enjoy themselves while they wait. And they’re all looking forward to their raspeball,» Jorunn smiles.

At Brattvåg Fjordhotell, you can drop by for a drink or a meal in the restaurant. As the name suggests, the view over the fjord and surrounding mountains is simply stunning.

From Industrial Pioneer to Gourmet Dining

SkjeltOle-tunet restored Swiss-style villa in Brattvåg

SkjeltOle-tunet is restored to its former glory. Photo: Trond Skjelten

The house that now hosts SkjeltOle-tunet carries a long and remarkable history in Brattvåg. It was once the home of Ole Skjelten, born in 1878, who became a central figure in the industrial development of the area. Together with his wife Josefine, Ole built the house and settled in Brattvåg in 1915. They were among the very first families to make the village their home.

After Ole’s passing in 1956 and Josefine’s in 1977, the property gradually fell into disrepair. It was neglected for many years, nearly condemned to demolition. When the current owners purchased the property in 2020, the roof leaked, the interiors were ruined, and the structure itself was in danger of collapse.

What followed was an extraordinary restoration effort spanning thousands of work hours. Every part of the house had to be rebuilt or fixed. From the roof and supporting beams to the floors, cellar, and surrounding grounds. What was once a stunning villa slowly regained its former beauty.

Originally intended as a rental property, the project took a new direction as the couple decided instead to breathe life into the house as a restaurant and guesthouse. The vision became clear: to create a place that honors the story of Ole Skjelten and the heritage of Brattvåg.

On November 11th, 2021 –the anniversary of Brattvåg itself– SkjeltOle-tunet opened its doors. Today, the beautifully restored Swiss-style villa welcomes guests to a warm and elegant setting. Visitors come from across the region to enjoy gourmet food, local hospitality, and a taste of history in this village with an industrial backbone.

Large firework lighting up the night sky above the coastal village of Brattvåg, with a lit Christmas tree and lights along the fjord

Quite the view at New Year’s Eve! Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

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360° presentation by Mann av Huse

Village Stories

Articles from Brattvåg

Local stories and traditions that give Brattvåg its distinct character.

Public Services

IN THE VILLAGE

Vinmonopolet
Dentist
Library
Church
Bus connections
Swimming pool
Doctor's office
Junior high school
Primary school
Kindergarten

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Private Services

IN THE VILLAGE

Pharmacy
Fitness center
Movie theater
Hotel / guesthouse
Shopping center
Pub
Restaurant / café
EV charging
Gas station
Grocery store

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Leisure

IN THE VILLAGE

Volleyball
Small boat harbour
Sea fishing
Handball
Soccer club
Choir

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Within 45 min

REGIONAL ACCESS

Mosque
Airport
Hospital
Ski center
Surfing
Game hunting
Frisbee golf
Golf
Lake / river fishing
Aerial sports
Shooting range

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Brattvåg

Municipality Haram

Region Sunnmøre

County Møre og Romsdal

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Sources & Credits

Photography

Main photo by Hilde Ellingsæter. Other photos by Hilde Ellingsæter, Haram municipality, and Trond Skjelten.

Text

Text by Marion Solheim, journalist and co-founder of Freysta.

Brattvåg

An Authentic Industrial Village with a Global Spirit

Industry and Diversity

A Journey at VARD

Career Opportunities

Football, Culture, Sauna – and the Love of Music

Sea Life and Mountain Peaks – Hand in Hand

Schools and Local Amenities

From Industrial Pioneer to Gourmet Dining

Brattvåg Through the Seasons

See Brattvåg from Above

Articles from Brattvåg

What’s Here

Public Services

Private Services

Leisure

Within 45 min

Where is Brattvåg?

Brattvåg

Curious which Norwegian village could be your best match?

Your next career move starts with a place

People are different — and Norwegian villages are too.

Start a conversation — when it makes sense

Questions about Brattvåg

Sources & Credits

Photography

Text

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