Telavåg holds a special place in Norwegian history books. This small coastal village, where residents for centuries made their living from fishing and farming, became the victim of unprecedented German reprisals in 1942, a chapter unmatched in Norwegian wartime history.
Village Snapshot
Residents600
LandscapeCoast & Ocean
RegionMidthordaland
MunicipalityØygarden
CountyVestland
Nearest cityBergen — 45 min
SignatureNorth Sea Traffic Museum
Coastal Life on Sotra
With just over 600 inhabitants, Telavåg is located on the island of Sotra on the west coast. It boasts plenty of beautiful, untouched nature, yet it’s conveniently situated for those who crave occasional city life. A mere 45-minute drive will take you to Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city.
The rugged coastline near Telavåg. Photo: Marion Solheim
The Bekhilderen Cave by the sea is a popular destination for both locals and visitors alike. Its picturesque setting is perfect for Instagram-worthy photos, but caution is advised. The cave is only accessible at low tide, so it’s important to keep an eye on the tide tables. Make sure to exit the cave before the tide rises again. The rocks can be slippery, and during high waves, it’s not safe to enter the cave.
However, on days with ok weather, it’s trouble-free to visit Bekhilderen. For instance, every summer, an outdoor concert is held in the cave overlooking the open sea.
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In Telavåg, early during the Second World War, illegal transport operations to Great Britain was established from the village, due to its central geographical position and a local population eager to engage in resistance activities. For the occupying forces, it became crucial to halt the illegal crossings, and in September 1941, death penalty was imposed for those caught attempting to leave the country in this manner.
In a clash between German occupation forces and the Norwegian resistance unit Kompani Linge in Telavåg in 1942, two Gestapo men were killed. The punishment was unparalleled in Norwegian history. The village was razed to the ground; almost all buildings were blown up and burned, boats sunk, and the livestock slaughtered. All men between 16 and 60 in the village were sent to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, and nearly half died in captivity, many due to malnutrition and dysentery.
The North Sea Traffic Museum stands as a tribute to Telavåg’s wartime courage. Photo: Marion Solheim
The remaining inhabitants of the village, including women and children, were interned for two years. Many contracted scarlet fever and diphtheria.
In surrounding villages, posters were put up warning that it was illegal to settle in Telavåg, and that Norwegians found there would be shot.
Telavåg today — rebuilt and resilient. Photo: Marion Solheim
The occupation authorities’ handling of the Telavåg case was meant to have a deterrent effect on Norwegians organizing illegal communication with the Allies. The goal was for the village never to rise again, but this became a symbolic issue for Norwegians, and many supported the villagers with money and labor. The work to rebuild Telavåg was celebrated in 1949 with a grand festival.
In 1998, the North Sea Traffic Museum in Telavåg was opened in memory of what had happened in the village during the Second World War
The Phoenix
Present day Telavåg is a vibrant community with a lot going on. This village has proven to be a true phoenix!
Telavåg — a vibrant coastal community. Photo: Marion Solheim
Employers
Career Opportunities
Village Stories
Get to know the area
Local stories and traditions that give Telavåg its distinct character.
Village Services
What’s Here
Services, activities, and amenities available in Telavåg and within a short drive.
Public Services
IN THE VILLAGE
Church
Bus connections
Primary school
Leisure
IN THE VILLAGE
Bekhilderen sea cave
North Sea Traffic Museum
HavgapFestivalen
Sea fishing
Hiking trails
Within 45 min
REGIONAL ACCESS
Bergen city centre
Bergen Airport Flesland
Hospital
Shopping centres
University
Location
Where is Telavåg?
Telavåg is a coastal village in Øygarden municipality, Vestland county, on the island of Sotra on Norway’s west coast — just 45 minutes from Bergen.
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FAQ
Questions about Telavåg
Answers to common questions about everyday life in Telavåg.
