Sauda

Living in Sauda: A small town with big amenities

Sauda offers a unique living experience with its compact, yet amenity-rich town center. Residents enjoy urban-quality services, including a cinema, concert venues, restaurants, and more, all within short distances. The town's educational infrastructure, from kindergartens to a high school, along with over 70 volunteer organizations, ensures a strong community spirit and opportunities for engagement.

Sauda offers a diverse range of housing options, from historic homes rich in character to modern apartments and cozy cabins, all set against the backdrop of stunning Norwegian nature. This variety ensures that both newcomers and long-time residents can find a place that suits their lifestyle and preferences.

Sauda's economic backbone: hydropower and metal processing

The industrial history of Sauda, deeply entwined with the development of its smelting works and hydroelectric power production, has significantly shaped the town's architecture and area planning, leaving a lasting imprint on its landscape and community fabric. Perhaps the most notable example of industrial history influencing urban planning and architecture is Åbøbyen, a residential area built between 1916 and 1925 to house workers of the smelting plant. Designed by the architect Egill Reimers, Åbøbyen is an exemplary model of early 20th-century company town planning, featuring uniform houses built in a distinct style that blends elements of Art Nouveau and functionalism

Today, Sauda's industrial history is visible in its thriving community, skilled workforce, and continued reliance on hydroelectric power and metal processing. The town has diversified its economy, emerging sectors like land-based fish farming and green ammonia production are setting the stage for Sauda as a leading player in sustainable industrial development.

Sauda Vekst AS, the local business association with 87 member companies, representing about three-quarters of the local workforce. The organization focuses on improving the local business environment by engaging with governmental bodies at various levels to influence economic policies. Sauda Vekst AS also offers advisory services and development opportunities to its members, facilitating collaborations within the community and beyond.

Sauda's natural splendour and recreational activities

Sauda's geography is a playground for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. From the largest ski resort in Southwest Norway, Sauda Skisenter, to the breathtaking fjords and valleys, the town offers a plethora of activities year-round. The plans to establish a gondola lift to 1,000 meters above sea level highlight the town's ambition to become a premier outdoor destination.

The proximity to nature, combined with the town's comprehensive facilities for sports and recreation, including an outdoor swimming pool, provides a balanced lifestyle for both residents and visitors.

A great place to grow up

Choosing Sauda as a home means offering children a nurturing environment that blends safety, education, and a plethora of outdoor activities, making it an exceptional place for young ones to grow and thrive. The town's safe, tight-knit community allows children the freedom to play and explore with peace of mind, fostering independence and a sense of belonging. Educational facilities in Sauda, from kindergartens to high school, are well-regarded, ensuring a solid foundation for learning and development, complemented by a range of extracurricular activities that cater to diverse interests. The natural beauty surrounding Sauda invites families into the great outdoors, where children can engage in year-round activities like skiing, hiking, and exploring, enriching their connection to nature and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle. This harmonious blend of community, education, and nature-centric living provides a fertile ground for children to develop holistically, making Sauda an ideal choice for families prioritizing their children's well-being and happiness.

A welcoming community for internationals

Wondering how to make new friends, what to do on a Tuesday afternoon, where to get the best coffee or which hikes suit you? Sauda Vekst and the rest of the local community is keen to welcome new residents through offering a buddy program and community initiatives to ease newcomers into local life.

For those considering Sauda as their new home, the town offers a seamless blend of professional opportunities, high-quality living standards, and access to Norway's stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're drawn to Sauda for its economic potential or its outdoor lifestyle, you'll find a community ready to welcome you with open arms.