Why live in Sauda?

Sauda is a municipality in the innermost corner of Ryfylke, part of Rogaland County. With approximately 4,500 residents, it combines industrial opportunities, stunning natural surroundings, and a vibrant community. Sauda offers a high quality of life with modern amenities, diverse housing options, and year-round outdoor activities, making it an appealing place for families and professionals alike.

Living in Sauda

Living in Sauda offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences. The town centre provides all essential amenities, including shops, restaurants, schools, healthcare services, and cultural venues. Over 70 active volunteer organisations create opportunities for social engagement and a strong sense of community.

Housing options are varied, from modern apartments in the town centre to historic homes with character and cabins in scenic rural areas. Sauda’s safe environment and high-quality schools make it especially attractive for families. Professionals find opportunities in key industries such as hydropower, metal processing, renewable energy, and tourism, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the municipality’s proximity to fjords, mountains, and trails.

Places to live in Sauda

Activities in Sauda

Sauda is a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The Sauda Ski Centre is the largest in Southwest Norway, with facilities for skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country trails. In summer, the municipality’s fjords, valleys, and mountains are ideal for hiking, fishing, and kayaking.

Local recreational facilities include an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a minigolf course, boccia courts, and parks like Andedammen Familiepark, which features a playground, animals, and barbecue facilities. Cultural activities centre around Folkets Hus, hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and workshops. Events like Sauda Jazz Festival and Saudadagane bring vibrancy to the calendar.

Food, drink, and local produce

Sauda offers a delightful array of food, drink, and local produce that reflects the region's traditions and natural abundance.

Local producers like Åbø Gård craft traditional smoked lamb and sausages using age-old methods, providing a taste of Sauda's rich agricultural heritage. Seasonal farmers’ markets offer fresh berries, potatoes, and vegetables directly from local growers.

For dining out, Sauda boasts a variety of charming restaurants, cafés, and bakeries, where visitors and locals can enjoy delicious meals, freshly baked goods, and a warm atmosphere.

Study in Sauda

Kindergartens
Sauda provides several public and private kindergartens, ensuring accessible early childhood education across the municipality:

• Fløgstad Barnehage
• Toppens Barnehage
• Sauda FUS Barnehage

Primary and secondary schools
Sauda’s well-equipped schools support student success and community engagement:

• Fløgstad Skule (Primary)
• Austrheim Skule (Primary)
• Sauda Ungdomsskule (Lower Secondary)

Further education

• Sauda Videregående Skole
  Sauda videregående skole offers a broad range of academic and vocational programmes, preparing students for higher education and careers. Vocational tracks include industrial technology, healthcare, and specialised training in ambulance services and professional driving. The school works closely with local industries to provide apprenticeships and practical experience, ensuring a smooth transition to the workforce.
• Further education for adults
  Sauda Videregående Skole also offers educational opportunities for adults seeking to complete or enhance their qualifications. Programmes include vocational training, general education to achieve a diploma (generell studiekompetanse), and specific industry-focused courses tailored to meet the needs of local businesses. Adult learners benefit from flexible schedules and guidance to help balance education with work and family responsibilities.

Higher education

• Decentralised education in Ryfylke
  Ryfylke provides decentralised higher education opportunities through partnerships with regional and national educational institutions. These programmes are designed to make higher education more accessible to residents in the region. Courses offered range from professional certifications to university-level studies in fields such as teaching, healthcare, and business administration. Flexible and hybrid formats, including online and local sessions, allow students to pursue education while staying rooted in their communities.

Work in Sauda

Sauda’s economy is rooted in its industrial heritage, with a growing emphasis on green industries and sustainable development. Key employers span a range of sectors:

Eramet Norway
A global leader in manganese alloy production, employing skilled workers in technical and operational roles. Learn more

Saudefaldene
A hydroelectric power company producing 1.5% of Norway’s total hydropower. This employer plays a vital role in the local energy sector.

HY2GEN
Developing the Iverson eFuels project for large-scale green ammonia production in Sauda, with operations set to begin in 2029.

Statkraft
A major player in renewable energy, focusing on hydropower and sustainable energy solutions.

Sauda Skisenter
A seasonal employer in tourism, offering roles in hospitality, retail, and outdoor recreation.

Sauda Municipality
Providing opportunities across education, healthcare, administration, and social services, the municipality is one of the largest employers in the region.

Sauda Vekst
A chamber of commerce representing 87 member companies, facilitating connections between businesses and talent.

What's happening in Sauda?