Why live in Karmøy?

Karmøy is a municipality that blends rich cultural heritage with modern opportunities. Known as the "birthplace of Norway’s Viking kings," Karmøy offers a unique combination of scenic beauty, historical significance, and forward-looking industries. With its stunning coastline, charming towns, and thriving local economy, Karmøy provides a high quality of life for families, professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Home to approximately 43,000 residents, Karmøy is an ideal place for those seeking a balance between work and leisure. The municipality features robust industries such as renewable energy, fisheries, and aquaculture, while its picturesque villages and beaches create a welcoming environment for exploration and relaxation.

Living in Karmøy

Life in Karmøy is shaped by its vibrant communities and connection to nature. The municipality offers a variety of housing options, from family homes in suburban neighbourhoods to charming properties in historic towns like Skudeneshavn. Excellent schools, recreational facilities, and active community groups create a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for families and individuals alike.

Karmøy’s natural beauty is a major draw, with sandy beaches like Åkrasanden, scenic hiking trails, and coastal landmarks that encourage an active lifestyle. Cultural experiences are equally abundant, with museums, festivals, and historic sites such as the Viking settlement at Avaldsnes adding depth to daily life.

With a central location near Haugesund and efficient transport links, including Haugesund Airport, Karmøy is well-connected while maintaining a sense of tranquillity and community.

Places to live in Karmøy

Activities in Karmøy

Karmøy offers a wealth of activities that cater to diverse interests, from outdoor adventures and water sports to rich cultural experiences and family-friendly fun. Whether you want to explore the municipality's stunning coastline, delve into Viking history, or enjoy some retail therapy, Karmøy has something for everyone.

Outdoor activities

The natural beauty of Karmøy makes it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Coastal hiking trails, such as the path from Åkrasanden to Ferkingstad, provide breathtaking views of the rugged coastline, blending nature and history with ancient cultural sites along the way. For a more elevated perspective, hike to Søre Sålefjell, Karmøy’s highest point, offering panoramic views of the region.

Karmøy’s beaches are among the best in Norway. Åkrasanden, a Blue Flag beach, is a haven for swimming, sunbathing, and kite flying. Sandvesanden and Aksnesstranda are also popular for family outings and surfing. Water sports enthusiasts can rent stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) and kayaks from local providers like Raw Ocean Lodge or Saltråk in Skudeneshavn, offering opportunities to explore the sea up close.

Fishing is another beloved activity in Karmøy, with ample opportunities for both saltwater and freshwater angling. Visitors can rent fishing equipment at Raw Ocean Lodge or try their luck at various fishing spots across the municipality.

Cultural experiences

Karmøy is steeped in history, and its cultural heritage is celebrated in towns like Skudeneshavn and Avaldsnes. Known as the "white town of Skudeneshavn," this historic area features well-preserved wooden houses from the sailing ship era, charming narrow streets, and cultural landmarks such as the Skudeneshavn Museum at Mælandsgården. Guided tours and the "Back in Time" digital app let visitors explore the town’s fascinating past.

Avaldsnes is a must-visit for history enthusiasts. This Viking settlement is home to St. Olav's Church and the Nordvegen History Centre, which tell the story of Norway's early rulers. Visitors can also learn about Viking traditions at local festivals and events.

For art lovers, Karmøy offers experiences like the Saltråk gallery in Skudeneshavn, featuring locally crafted art, accessories, and surf gear. Additionally, event venues like the Raw Ocean Lodge provide creative spaces for team-building and social gatherings.

Family-friendly fun

Karmøy is a great destination for families. The Eventyrjakt (Adventure Hunts) in Skudeneshavn, Kopervik, and Åkrehamn offer engaging treasure hunts that teach local history in a fun, interactive way. At Lindøy, a family-friendly outdoor area, you’ll find sandy beaches, walking trails, and canoe rentals for a day of fun and relaxation.

The municipality also hosts seasonal activities such as guided tours, cultural festivals, and workshops that bring families together in meaningful ways. Libraries and local cultural schools regularly organise events for children and youth, ensuring there's always something to do.

Shopping

Shopping in Karmøy is an experience in itself, blending modern retail centres with unique local offerings. Oasen Storsenter, located in Norheim, features 65 stores, including cafes and restaurants, making it a central hub for retail and leisure. In Åkrehamn, Amfi Åkrehamn provides additional shopping opportunities with a mix of local and national brands.

In historic Skudeneshavn, visitors can enjoy browsing boutique shops like Saltråk, which sells surf gear and accessories, or explore local crafts and artisanal goods at smaller establishments. These shopping areas combine practicality with charm, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy.

Find activities and events in Karmøy

Explore Active in Karmøy to stay informed about activities, events, and opportunities in the area. Whether you're interested in outdoor recreation, cultural events, or community activities, the site provides an overview of what’s happening across the municipality.

Study in Karmøy

Karmøy provides a wide range of educational opportunities, from primary schools to adult learning programmes, ensuring access to quality education for all residents. The municipality’s schools and nearby institutions support diverse academic, vocational, and lifelong learning needs.

Primary and lower secondary education

Karmøy is home to several primary and lower secondary schools, serving children aged 6–16 across the municipality.

Haugesund International School

Located in Torvastad, Karmøy, Haugesund International School offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP). 

Upper secondary education

Karmøy has two public upper secondary schools: Kopervik Upper Secondary School and Åkrehamn Upper Secondary School. These schools offer vocational and academic programmes, including studies in healthcare, industrial technology, electrical and computer technology, and building and construction. Together with schools in neighbouring municipalities, they provide a wide range of opportunities for students.

For example, Vardafjell Upper Secondary School in Haugesund offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.

Karmøy also hosts the private Hauge Videregående Skole, which offers a specialised learning environment designed for students who benefit from a smaller, more supportive setting. The school provides vocational education based on standard curricula, tailored for individuals who, for various reasons, have been outside traditional education or employment. Located in the rural surroundings of Torvastad in Karmøy municipality, Hauge videregående skole serves students from across the country.

Higher education and vocational training

For higher education, Karmøy residents are close to the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (Høgskulen på Vestlandet) in Haugesund. The university provides bachelor’s and master’s degrees in key fields such as engineering, maritime studies, health sciences, and business administration. Strong collaborations with local industries ensure practical training through internships and industry-related projects.

Karmøy Voksenopplæringssenter
The Karmøy Adult Education Centre (Karmøy Voksenopplæringssenter) is a vital resource for adult learners, offering Norwegian language courses for immigrants as well as vocational and skills-based programmes. These courses are designed to support integration and enhance career opportunities.

Red Cross Norwegian training, language café, and homework help
The Karmøy Red Cross hosts regular Norwegian training sessions, language cafés, and homework assistance at their centre in Kopervik. These gatherings provide a welcoming environment for practising Norwegian, enjoying a warm meal, and receiving support with schoolwork. Open to non-native speakers of all ages, the sessions are inclusive and free of charge, catering to diverse needs and abilities.

For the latest information on schedules and participation, visit Karmøy Red Cross.

Work in Karmøy

Karmøy’s economy is both diverse and dynamic, offering career opportunities across a wide range of industries. With its rich maritime heritage, strong industrial base, and thriving local businesses, the municipality is a hub for innovation and traditional crafts alike. Key sectors include manufacturing, maritime and offshore services, agriculture, public services, and hospitality. Whether you’re seeking a career in cutting-edge technology, hands-on trades, or customer-focused roles, Karmøy provides an ideal environment for professionals and newcomers alike.

Manufacturing and industrial production

The manufacturing sector plays a central role in Karmøy’s economy. Companies like Hydro Aluminium, which operates one of Norway’s largest aluminum smelters, are significant employers in the municipality. This sector also includes machinery and equipment manufacturing companies such as Marine Aluminium and ReMek, which provide innovative solutions for the maritime and offshore industries.

Maritime and offshore services

Karmøy’s coastal location has made it a hub for maritime and offshore industries. Companies like KTM Shipping, HK Shipping Group and Solstad Offshore operate in shipping logistics, offshore services, and vessel management. Supporting these industries are firms like Karmøy Winch, Åkrehamn Trålbøteri, and Viking Life-Saving Equipment, which specialise in essential equipment production. Additionally, service providers such as Norwegian Offshore Rental and Rental & Technology Services contribute to the smooth operation of these sectors.

Agriculture and fisheries

Agriculture and fisheries are vital industries in Karmøy, supporting traditional practices and modern innovation. Companies like Cetus AS and VEA Fiskeri AS focus on fishing and seafood logistics, while Skudes Fryseri and BioMar specialise in processing and aquaculture feed. Sildakongen, Alginor AS, and IFF (Norway Seaweed) highlight the region’s sustainable use of marine resources, offering diverse employment opportunities.

Public services

Karmøy Municipality is a significant employer, offering roles in education, healthcare, urban planning, and cultural management. With a focus on inclusivity and sustainability, the municipality provides meaningful employment opportunities that support the region's development and well-being.

Hospitality, retail, and catering

Karmøy’s vibrant hospitality and retail sector provides a mix of seasonal and year-round employment opportunities. Historic towns like Skudeneshavn and Åkrehamn attract tourists, supporting jobs in hotels, restaurants, and event management. Retail hubs such as Oasen Storsenter and Amfi Åkrehamn employ workers in sales, customer service, and management, contributing to the municipality’s thriving commercial activity.