Why live in Strand?

Strand Municipality, located in Rogaland County, is the largest municipality in Ryfylke, with a steadily growing population. Situated approximately 20 km northeast of Stavanger, Strand has been connected to the city since 2019 via the Ryfylke Tunnel, part of the Ryfast project—the world's longest underwater car tunnel—ensuring seamless travel between the two regions. With its blend of urban amenities, natural beauty, and strong community, Strand is an ideal place for families, professionals, and individuals seeking a balanced lifestyle.

Living in Strand

Living in Strand offers modern conveniences alongside the tranquillity of a close-knit community. The administrative centre, Jørpeland, is a vibrant town with shops, restaurants, schools, and cultural venues. Tau, another key hub, is a fast-growing town with a mix of residential developments and essential services, making it an attractive choice for families and commuters alike. Smaller communities like Fiskå provide peaceful surroundings amidst fjords and forests.

Strand residents enjoy an active community life, supported by volunteer organisations, sports clubs, and cultural initiatives. The modern infrastructure, including the Ryfylke Tunnel, connects Strand to Stavanger while offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, cultural activities, and local engagement.

Places to live in Strand

Activities in Strand

Strand offers a wealth of activities for its residents, with a strong emphasis on outdoor recreation and community engagement. Hiking trails such as Tunglandsfjellet and Reinarknuten provide spectacular views for nature lovers, while the fjords offer opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and boating.

Families can enjoy parks like Strandastøa and Tau Activity Park, which feature playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. Strand also boasts a rich cultural scene, with annual festivals, local concerts, and theatre performances bringing residents together.

Local food

Strand is home to a variety of local food producers that reflect its agricultural heritage and culinary creativity:

• Skafferiet Vågabakken: A local shop offering fresh produce, jams, and baked goods.
• Villa Rosehagen: A restaurant featuring dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
• Lysefjorden Sjokolade: Makers of artisanal chocolates inspired by the region’s flavours and landscapes.

These producers exemplify Strand’s dedication to high-quality, locally made food.

Study in Strand

Kindergartens
Strand provides several kindergartens, offering safe and nurturing environments for young children:

• Jørpeland Barnehage
• Tau Barnehage
• Fiskå Barnehage

Primary and secondary schools

• Jørpeland Skule (Primary and Lower Secondary)
• Tau Skule (Primary and Lower Secondary)
• Fiskå Skule (Primary and Lower Secondary)

Upper secondary education
Strand videregående skole in Tau offers a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, including health and social care, technology and industrial subjects, and general studies. A key highlight is its courses in aquaculture and fisheries, where students benefit from hands-on training in state-of-the-art facilities, including an aquaculture hall, docking facilities, and boats. Certifications like small boat licences, fish welfare, and deck officer qualifications prepare students for careers in ocean industries or further studies.

Further education for adults
Strand videregående skole also provides flexible options for adult learners, including vocational training in fields like aquaculture, healthcare, and industrial technology. Adults can pursue certifications or complete general university admission qualifications (studiekompetanse). With part-time and hybrid learning options, these programmes support lifelong learning and career development.

Higher education
Decentralised higher education programmes in Ryfylke enable Strand residents to pursue university-level courses and professional certifications locally. Flexible formats, including hybrid online and in-person sessions, make advanced education accessible without leaving the community.

Work in Strand

Strand’s economy is dynamic, with opportunities across several key sectors and employers:

ScaleAQ
Formerly known as Steinsvik Group, ScaleAQ specialises in aquaculture technology, providing skilled roles in engineering, manufacturing, and technological development.

Westcontrol
A major player in the electronics manufacturing industry, Westcontrol offers jobs in production, assembly, and technical operations, serving clients in marine, defence, and industrial sectors.

Vestkorn Milling
One of Europe’s leading suppliers of ingredients from pulses and peas, Vestkorn Milling is an important employer in Strand, with roles in food production, logistics, and quality assurance.

Comrod
A specialist in advanced communication equipment for the defence, marine, and industrial sectors, Comrod provides engineering, production, and development jobs in Strand.

Strand Municipality
As the largest employer in the area, the municipality offers positions in education, healthcare, administration, and public services.

Tourism and hospitality
As the gateway to Preikestolen, Strand supports jobs in guiding services, retail, and hospitality, catering to visitors exploring Ryfylke’s iconic landscapes.