Explore Islets and Reefs
By boat or kayak, you get close to the hidden gems that are not accessible from land, offering a unique experience of the rich marine life and coastal landscape.
Visit Feøy
Car-free Feøy offers peaceful surroundings and an authentic experience of island life. A wonderful place for hiking and relaxation.
Night at a lighthouse?
Karmøy is also home to several lighthouses that have guided seafarers for many years. Each lighthouse has its own story and character, from majestic Geitungen at the southern tip of the island to the hidden gem Høyevarde, inside the industrial area of Hydro. The lighthouses are not just vital for navigation; they are historical landmarks that offer fantastic photo opportunities and accommodation.
On a Cave Safari
Hidden inside Salamonshidleren, you will find caves to explore with a headlamp. Take the exit towards Lindøy and the first road to the left parallel with the Karmøy tunnel. From Fosen community house, cross over the stile by the football field on a tractor path to Steinsvatnet (on the right hand, construction site to the left). From here, follow the path between Øvre and Nedre Helgelandsvatnet. As you round Nedre Helgelandsvatnet, you will find the Salamonshidleren. Explore the southern end. 1.6 km across terrain. See map here.
is an exciting natural phenomenon. In the area, there are several caves and potholes. Marked round trip from Langåker along cultivated fields via Taravika. Use parking at Vestre Karmøyveg and walk Nordre Langåkerveg, then marked trail.
History Underneath the Ground
Pyramids of the North
Six large burial mounds in a row on the height Reheia are considered some of the finest from the Norwegian Bronze Age. From the largest burial mound, known as "Prinsehaug", a gold arm ring is preserved. The area is also called bloodheia after the huge battle between Håkon the Good and the sons of Eirik Bloodaxe.
Traces of Saint Olav
When pilgrims were on their way along the route to the grave of Holy Olav in Nidaros, the Olav church at Avaldsnes was a natural stopping point. Many also visited the Olav spring, believed to cure eye diseases. The Olav spring on Torvastad never runs dry…
Under the Karmsund bridge, you can see "The five foolish virgins," which are standing stones over a star-shaped burial site from around the year 300. Today, the monument is linked to a local legend about Saint Olav: Sailing up the Karmsund on the way to the royal farm at Avaldsnes, five young girls stood by the shore offering themselves. The king is said to have shouted back that there they could stand in their shame - and the girls turned into stone.
Here they still stand, looking out over the strait towards the Olav church at Avaldsnes…
Cultural Heritage
The recreational area behind the school at Stokkastrand is well worth a visit. Fun to play here and nice pebble beach. Here you find the idyllic millhouse in Melstokke stream. Only three standing millhouses remain in Karmøy today, but there are many ruins. Just in Melstokke, there were said to be seven millhouses.
Short way from here, on Sørstokke, they mined copper from 1890-1914. The steam boiler and a machine still stand at the mine site. This is an exciting stop on the way up to Søre Sålefjell. Gravel road then path, approx 1.5 h round trip.
Sandve Harbor
Before the harbor was built, boats had to be dragged 5km over land during storms! Today, you will surely meet both fishermen and the duck Dolly. Follow the coastal path to Sandvesanden.