Halsnøya


Halsnøya is an island in Kvinnherad Municipality in Vestland county, Norway. The island lies between the Hardangerfjorden and Skånevikfjorden. The island has about 2,600 inhabitants and it is the most populated island in Kvinnherad Municipality. Prior to 2008, it was the most populated island in Norway without a direct connection to land, but the Halsnøy Tunnel opened that year, finally connecting it to the mainland by road. There is a regular ferry connection from southern Halsnøya to the neighboring islands of Fjelbergøya and Borgundøya, located just south of Halsnøya.

History

The island was the site of the Halsnøy Abbey, which once was one of the richest monasteries in Norway. Today, it is a highly popular tourist attraction. In 1896, one of the oldest boats recovered in Norway was found in the Toftevåg bay on the north side of the island. It was reconstructed to full-scale in 2006, and a monument was erected at the location of the recovery.

Urban areas and industry

Halsnøya is usually divided into two unofficial zones by its locals: "utøyo" and "innøyo". The "outer island" district consists of the villages of Sæbøvik and Eidsvik, located on the narrow northwestern part of the island. The "inner island" district is usually considered as the village area of Høylandsbygda and the larger, more rural, and rugged southeastern part of the island. Høylandsbygda is one of Western Norway's shipping capitals.

Tourism and places of interest

Halsnøy is a popular place for tourists, especially from Germany and the Netherlands. Some of its most popular tourism attractions include Radiohola, the Halsnøy Abbey, and the Høylandsbygd shipping mural.

Notable people

Some famous people from Halsnøya include: