Lighthouse Safari to Utvær

Let yourself be captivated by Utvær´s history and the beautiful scenery far out at sea

Utvær is Norway’s westernmost archipelago, home to the westernmost lighthouse in the country. This place has a fascinating sense of history and spectacular nature, located far out at the edge of the open sea. The view from the top of the lighthouse is truly amazing! Every Saturday from late June to mid-August, you can join a lighthouse safari to Utvær.

What is the Lighthouse Safari to Utvær?

On Utvær, you will walk the North Sea Trail around the island together with a guide. Along the way, you can see remains of a chapel that was moved from Utvær in 1718, as well as marks left from sword sharpening.

The trail is approximately 1.5 km long and mostly follows uneven terrain. Once you reach Utvær Lighthouse, those who wish can climb to the top to enjoy the breathtaking view.

Every Saturday from late June to mid-August, you can join the lighthouse safari to Utvær.

Important to bring with you to Utvær

Remember to wear good shoes and bring a windproof and waterproof jacket. Feel free to bring food and drinks. The weather can change quickly out at sea, so it is recommended to pack warm clothing in your backpack.

About the tour

Utvær is Norway’s westernmost island group, with the country’s westernmost lighthouse. The place combines a rich historical atmosphere with stunning nature far out in the open sea. The view from the top of the lighthouse is incredible! Every Saturday from late June to mid-August, you can join a lighthouse safari.

The trip begins with a beautiful boat journey through islands, islets, and skerries at the outer edge of the Sogne Sea. After a stop at Nåra in Ytre Sula, the boat continues through narrow straits and small island communities before taking you all the way out to Utvær, farthest west in the ocean. The skipper provides light guiding along the way.

On Utvær, you will walk the North Sea Trail around the island with a guide. Along the route, you will see ruins from the chapel moved in 1718 and marks from sword sharpening. The path is about 1.5 km long and mostly uneven. At Utvær Lighthouse, those who wish can climb up to enjoy the fantastic view.

Tour dates

Every Saturday during the period 27 June – 8 August, you can join the lighthouse safari from Eivindvik, Sollibotn, Skjerjehamn, and Hardbakke.

Departures from Gulen with the boat Solundir

09:15 Departure Eivindvik
09:32 Departure Sollibotn
(The boat connects with the express ferry from Bergen to Sogn)

09:45 Departure Skjerjehamn
10:00 Arrival Nåra
10:50 Departure Nåra
(Boat transfer for travellers from Gulen)

11:50 Arrival Utvær

14:20 Departure Utvær
15:00 Arrival Nåra

16:10 Departure Nåra
(Boat transfer for travellers returning to Gulen)

16:30 Arrival Skjerjehamn

16:40 Arrival Sollibotn

(The boat connects with the express ferry from Sogn to Bergen, departing Sollibotn at 19:05)

16:45 Arrival Eivindvik

Skjerjehamn stop on return

It is also possible to get off at Skjerjehamn on the return trip. Here you can enjoy a good dinner before continuing towards Bergen.

Note: Skjerjehamn is a request stop. You must contact the vessel to let them know you wish to be picked up at Skjerjehamn. Contact information can be found here.

Departures from Hardbakke to Utvær

10:30 Departure Hardbakke
(The boat connects with the express ferry from Selje and the bus from Krakhella)

10:50 Departure Nåra
11:50 Arrival Utvær

14:20 Departure Utvær
15:00 Arrival Nåra
15:20 Arrival Hardbakke
(The boat connects with the bus from Hardbakke to Krakhella and the express ferry from Krakhella to Selje)

For travellers arriving from the north by express boat, return transport to Hardbakke is arranged with bus connections to Krakhella and further north. For safety reasons, please inform the crew upon boarding in Hardbakke if you are travelling with the 15:20 bus.

Travel from Ytre Sula

The boat can pick you up in Kolgrov. Please call Vidar Hop Skyssbåter at +47 970 18 145 to arrange a special agreement.

After making an agreement, you can buy your ticket online here. The same ticket applies whether you travel from Gulen, Hardbakke, or Ytre Sula.

Travel from Selje

You can now travel by express boat all the way from Selje and still make it in time for the lighthouse safari to Utvær.

To Krakhella:

06:50 Departure Selje
07:20 Departure Måløy
08:33 Departure Florø
09:16 Departure Askvoll
09:53 Arrival Krakhella

Return to Selje:

16:15 Departure Krakhella
16:50 Arrival Askvoll
17:35 Arrival Florø
18:50 Arrival Måløy
19:15 Arrival Selje

Tickets for the boat from Selje to Krakhella can be purchased at www.norled.no

Prices and tickets

A lighthouse safari ticket includes guiding at the lighthouse, and return boat transport.

Adult: NOK 1150
Child (4–16 years): NOK 300
Children under 4: Free

Due to limited capacity on the boat, the tour must be booked no later than 17:00 the day before departure.

Cannot find available tickets online? Please contact Visit FjordKysten og Sunnfjord at
Phone: +47 57 74 30 00
Email: [email protected]
and we will do our best to help you.

Friends of Utvær

A percentage of ticket income goes to Friends of Utvær, a group working to make the lighthouse accessible to everyone.

Practical information

Remember good shoes and a windproof, waterproof jacket. Feel free to bring food and drinks. The weather can change quickly out at sea, so warm clothing in your backpack is recommended.

Waffles, coffee, and juice are sold at Utvær. Souvenirs are also available. Payment can be made via Vipps or cash.

Lighthouse safari all year round

Guided tours and experiences at Utvær are available throughout the year upon request.

Please contact Friends of Utvær at [email protected] or call +47 474 09 482.

The history of Utvær

Utvær is an old fishing village. There are no permanent residents today, but in summer many holiday visitors come here. The view from the lighthouse is breathtaking.

Join a walk on the island where you visit Paradis – the beautiful garden south of the lighthouse.

You will also see ruins of the chapel moved in 1718 and marks from sword sharpening. However, the most fascinating part is the nature and the sea – farthest west in Norway.

Utvær has been known throughout history all the way back to the Viking Age. In 1066, Harald Hardråde sailed out from Solund as he attempted to conquer England. 200 ships and supply vessels gathered, and the saga says that some ships departed from Utvær. The battle ended with defeat at Stamford Bridge.

On the eastern side of the bay near Likberget, you can see marks in the rock. According to legend, these were made by Vikings sharpening their swords before heading out on voyages.

For centuries, fishing was the main livelihood at Utvær. The short distance to the fishing grounds made the village a seasonal fishing hub.

In 1900, the monumental lighthouse tower was erected. The cast-iron lighthouse rises 31 metres above the rock, sending its beam from 45 metres above sea level. The light flashes every 30 seconds and reaches 35 km out into the North Sea.