The island of Utsira represents unique qualities as a small, coastal society, far away from urban
life. At Utsira Ocean Cottages we offer you silence and recreation with the sea as your nearest
neighbour.

Combine sea fishing with long walks around the island. There are several trails, each
of which offer their own particular experience. Swimming in the indoor swimming pool
on the island can be arranged by Utsira Cottages.

Utsira is Norway's smallest commune and has a population of approximately 240 inhabitants.
The island community is situated in the North Sea, 18 km. west of Haugesund, and
is home to a protected coastal landscape and the most elevated lighthouse in the
country. As a tourist, you can follow hiking trails through the fields, experience the
rich coastal heritage at the local museum or go bird-watching in this ornithologist's
paradise, where it is possible to observe many rare species of birds. To date, 310
different species have been observed on Utsira, and ornithologists from all over
Europe travel to the island in the migratory seasons to make observation.

Utsira has an active diving environment with plenty of possibilities for the diving enthusiast.
A new ferry between the island and Haugesund commenced operations in March this year. The
sailing time is about 1 hour.

The island of Utsira, west of Haugesund, has received at lot of international attention
this last year. A large international press corps paid close attention to the fact that the
Norwegian company, Hydro, has opened a pioneering pilot energy project here. The
project demonstrates how wind power and hydrogen can provide all the energy needed in a
small community, making it fully independent of fossilised fuels. Today, 10 households on
the island obtain their electric power from a combination of wind-power and hydrogen. The
energy is harnessed from the wind turbines when there is sufficient wind. When there is no wind,
or too much wind to obtain optimal energy production, the hydrogen plant
takes over the job of supplying the necessary energy.

Utsira is a genuine ‘green’ island.

Coastline: 18 km Area: 6 m² km. Highest point: 68 metres above sea level.

Accommodation Services:
Restaurant
Boat Hire
Diving - diving equipment
SPA - aroma therapy, massage etc.
Guided Tours - bird-watching (groups)
Bar - fully licensed
Cycle Rental

One shop on the island plus one other restaurant.

Location: 1 hour by ferry west from Haugesund.

Car Rental:
Isn't necessary, there are very few cars on the island!

Other information:

How to get there?
If you have hired a car, it is a 20-minute drive from the airport to the ferry terminal on the
northern part of Risøy - a small island just west of the centre of Haugesund.

From the airport, follow the sign to Haugesund. You will find the route clearly marked 
to the centre of Haugesund and to the ferry terminal on Risøy.

You can also take the bus ("Kystbussen") from the airport to the centre of Haugesund from where
you can take a taxi (2 min) to the ferry terminal. Alternatively, you can walk if you find it
convenient and if you don't have too much luggage (appr. 20 min. from the bus terminus).
The car ferry takes appr. 1 hour.

Utsira Ocean Cottages are located on the south-eastern part of Utsira.
You can follow the road signs from the southern or northern ferry harbours.

Ferry times: Note - it is best to take the ferry arriving on the southern part of the island, since
it then is only 10 minutes to walk to Utsira Cottages. If you
Arrive on the northern part, it will take approximately 20 minutes to walk.

The ferry costs NOK 103 return (€12)
To get a detailed overview of our location, we recommend that you check out our
map service by activating the "map button" on the right-hand side of this site.
You can also ask our travel consultants for info/map at the Ryanair Service Desk.

Things to do?
On the island: Scenic walks around the island
Boat hire, diving, bird-watching.
Swimming pool near the cottages.

In the vicinity:
Visit the town of Haugesund - shopping area, museums, cafés etc.
Visit the Nordvegen Viking Centre, Avaldsnes.
See the spectacular film about Haugesund and the region of Haugalandet at
the hotel's multi-screen theatre.
Fjord trips - take the recommended routes in the region and
experience the unique landscape and nature, including fjords, waterfalls,
glaciers, mountains, panoramic views etc.
Take a walk in the hills around the town – there are many trails in the town and the surrounding areas.
Visit the charming fishing village of Skudeneshavn with its characteristic, quaint houses -
voted as No. 1 Summer Town in Norway in 2004.

Click here to send a booking request>>

Airport Information
Fly to Haugesund Airport from London Stansted with Ryanair (1h. 25 min)
From the airport to the hotel it takes 20 minutes by car or taxi to get to
the ferry terminal in Haugesund.

More info about the destination:
www.visithaugalandet.no
www.utsira.kommune.no
www.haugalandet.no www.uh.no