Karmoy immerses you in the wild and rugged natural beauty of Norway. Explore sandy beaches and rocky bays strung along the coast and learn about the region’s fierce Viking heritage at the excellent living history museum. The lively town of Kopervik is an ideal base for exploring Karmoy. Built around a boat-filled harbour, the town is filled with white wooden houses and storybook churches.
Things to do in Karmøy
Step back in time in the postcard-perfect village of Skudeneshavn. It’s a short drive from Haugesund and will charm you with its traditional wooden houses and flower-filled gardens. The cafes clustered around the quay are great for leisurely lunches.
Costumed interpreters and dozens of traditional buildings bring the Avaldsnes Viking Farm to life. Visit the living history museum in summer to take part in farming, woodwork, metalwork and handicraft demonstrations. Peer into the enormous longhouse to see how Vikings stored their warships.
Visit the Karmoy Fishery Museum to find out more about the region’s seafaring past. It’s located in the town of Vedavågen and occupies a striking contemporary building designed by an iconic Norwegian architecture group. The saltwater aquarium is filled with sea creatures.
The historic village of Avaldsnes was once home to legendary Norwegian king, Harald Fairhair. Visit the engaging Nordvegen Historiesenter museum to find out more about his legacy. St Olav's Church dates back to the 1200s and is one of the oldest and best-preserved in the region. Candlelit concerts at the church are an unforgettable experience.
Hiking is one of the best ways to explore Karmoy, with scenic trails winding along the coast and taking you to stunning white-sand beaches and turquoise coves. Other trails lead to historic fishing villages and Viking-era ruins.
Getting around Karmøy
Rental cars are a fast and flexible way to explore Karmoy at your own pace. All towns and villages in the region are pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. Kopervik is a two-hour drive from Stavanger and 3.5 hours from Bergen and Bergen Airport.