Skudeneshavn

Old Skudeneshavn is one of the most well kept old towns of Europe and a quiet harbour for tall ships and small boats alike. 
Skudeneshavn is a white haven situated at the southern tip of Karmøy. Its narrow streets, the idyllic harbour and the old white wooden houses may charm you to stay for longer than you planned to.  

The old town

The 5 000 inhabitants living in Skudeneshavn is known to be taking good care of its old town. The 225 wooden houses and boathouses are all painted white, and Skudeneshavn is said to be one of Europe’s best well kept old towns. No wonder Skudeneshavn has been voted “The best summer town of Norway” …  The tall ship festival The town dates back to the 19th Century, when fishing for herring and tall ship sailing was at its peak. Its history still has an impact on the small town of Skudeneshavn, as its annual cultural and boating event takes place here. The Skudefestival attracts 30 000 people every summer for four days. They come for the exhibitions, the entertainment and the lively market place. There are art exhibitions in the main street, Søragadå, and crafts men demonstrate old boating techniques by the harbour. Local and international artists come to entertain night and day for four days every July. 

The literature festival

SILK is Norway’s greatest small town literature festival. Its main purpose is spreading knowledge about literature and art. Local and international authors and artists gather for a few days every autumn, attracting more and more visitors to the small, white town by the sea.

Living History - Guided city walk in old Skudeneshavn

Av Mette Solberg Fjeldheim