Flemsøya/Skuløya

The ocean is a part of everyday life on Flemsøya/Skuløya (yes, the island goes by both names interchangeably). Many locals also simply call the island Longva.

Odd Einar Molnes is a father of three, and he lives on the island with his wife and children.

«Many teenagers and adults here have their own boats. There’s plenty of fish and lobster to catch – and there are so many sandy beaches here,» the teacher adds.

Covering just over 14 square kilometers, the island is part of Haram municipality on the coast of Møre og Romsdal. It is part of the Nordøyane region outside Harøyfjorden in Sunnmøre. Nordøyane is a string of small and large islands; most of them are connected by bridges or tunnels, while others can only be reached by boat.

Flemsøya/Skuløya plays a vital role in this coastal island community. Its closest neighbor, Haramsøya, is just a bridge away, and with one more tunnel and The Lapsøy Bridge, you’re on the mainland.

With a population of around 500, there’s plenty of space to breathe. The island offers flat stretches along its eastern and southern coasts, as well as forests, open fields, and the majestic Skulen mountain.

The neighboring islands –Haramsøya, Harøya/Finnøya, Lepsøya, and Fjørtofta– share close ties, working together in both big and small ways. The climate here is typical for the Norwegian west coast, shifting between sun, rain, and wind. Can’t deny it.

Winters are mild, with relatively few days of snow, while summers can bring warm, idyllic days by the smooth coastal rocks or sandy beaches. And let’s not forget, the rich wildlife!

A large part of the island is forested, as extensive tree planting has taken place since the 1950s. In fact, a local man named Anton Flem is known to be the one who “dressed the mountain”. He started a lot of projects in order to plant trees. This work is evident today in the green forests that now cover areas where there was once barren mountain terrain.

In other words, even though Flemsøya/Skuløya sits far out to sea, you’ll find plenty of scenic woodland trails to explore.

Flemsøya/Skuløya has a strong industrial presence, shaping the future of maritime. One of the key players here is Kongsberg Maritime Longva, a specialized site within Kongsberg Maritime. They provide advanced automation systems for maritime applications worldwide, supporting the global ocean industries from this coastal community.

Many people commute daily to and from the islands, either to neighboring islands or the mainland.

Growing up by the open sea seems to keep people in great shape! Nature plays a big role for many of the residents. There are endless possibilities for outdoor adventures on the island. Take a hike at one of the many marked trails through forests and mountains, and find one of the beautiful, sandy, white beaches – perfect for both relaxing and exploring. Wander along the shoreline to discover hidden treasures, or bring your fishing rod and catch a fresh, local dinner. Straight from the sea!

The ocean invites you to enjoy boat fishing, crab catching, sailing, kayaking, diving, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), among other activities. Many locals are passionate about boating, and in the villages of Flem and Longva, they have built several charming boathouses by the marina. Here, boat enthusiasts gather, sharing stories and good company on the docks.

But there is even more to do on the island! Seaside Custom is an awesome place to meet for car enthusiasts, for instance. And the quality of the theater performances of UL Fram on Flemsøy is top notch.