Why live in Suldal?

Suldal is a municipality in Rogaland County, located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. With its combination of natural resources, modern industries, and close-knit communities, Suldal offers opportunities for work and recreation in a safe and supportive environment. The area’s focus on renewable energy, agriculture, and tourism makes it a diverse and appealing place to live.

Living in Suldal

Living in Suldal offers access to essential services and a range of housing options in both town and rural settings. The administrative centre of Sand provides shops, schools, healthcare, and cultural activities. Smaller communities and villages offer peaceful surroundings and proximity to nature, ideal for families and individuals seeking a quieter pace of life.

The municipality is known for its well-maintained infrastructure and commitment to sustainability. Suldal residents benefit from a strong local community, excellent educational facilities, and year-round opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and fishing.

Places to live in Suldal

Activities in Suldal

Suldal provides a wide range of activities for residents and visitors. The area’s natural landscapes, including fjords, lakes, and mountains, offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, and kayaking. Winter brings skiing and cross-country trails, with groomed routes suitable for all levels.

Local cultural life is anchored by Ryfylkemuseet, which showcases the history and traditions of the region, and regular community events like Ryfylke Festival and Jelsa Days. Sports clubs and recreational facilities, including an aquatic centre and football pitches, ensure options for both children and adults.

Local food

Suldal has a strong tradition of local food production, supported by a network of skilled producers:

• LOMA – Lokalmatbutikken på Sand: A local food store offering a wide variety of products from Suldal and Ryfylke.
• Storstova Gard: A family-run farm producing high-quality meat and eggs.
• Hebnes Vingard: Known for its wine production, Hebnes Vingard is an emerging name in Norwegian viticulture.
• Hanakamneset Gard: Specialising in locally produced meat and eldhusbakt brød (traditional bread baked in wood-fired ovens).
• Fuglestein Fruktgard: Producers of apples, apple juice, and other fruit-based products.

These producers reflect Suldal’s agricultural heritage and commitment to fresh, sustainable food.

Study in Suldal

Kindergartens

• Sand Barnehage
• Suldal Barnehage
• Nesflaten Barnehage

Primary and secondary schools

• Sand Skule (Primary and Lower Secondary)
• Nesflaten Skule (Primary and Lower Secondary)

Further education

• Topp Volley Norge
  Topp Volley Norge, based in Suldal, is a national centre for volleyball talent development, combined with academic education. Students from across Norway attend this elite programme, which allows them to pursue their passion for volleyball at a high level while completing upper secondary education. The school features state-of-the-art training facilities and a curriculum designed to balance academic success with athletic excellence.
• Upper secondary education
  While Suldal does not have a traditional upper secondary school, students can attend Sauda Videregående Skole in the neighbouring municipality of Sauda. Suldal provides financial support for transportation and, if necessary, lodging to ensure students have access to a wide range of academic and vocational programmes, including healthcare, industrial technology, and general studies.

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 Suldal

Suldal’s economy is shaped by its natural resources and innovative industries, with key sectors including hydropower, tourism, agriculture, and quarrying.

Key employers

Statkraft
A leader in renewable energy, Statkraft operates hydroelectric plants in Suldal and contributes significantly to the local economy.

Mibau Stema Group
One of Europe’s largest quarry operations, Mibau Stema (previous Norsk Stein) exports high-quality aggregates for construction and infrastructure projects globally.

Ulla-Førre Hydropower Complex
One of the largest hydropower facilities in Northern Europe, providing clean energy and supporting local jobs in engineering and operations.

Suldal municipality
The municipality itself is a major employer, offering roles in education, healthcare, public administration, and cultural services.

LOMA Lokalmatbutikken
A cornerstone of local food retail, LOMA supports smaller producers and provides employment in Sand.