Coastal Life

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10 000 years ago the coastal adventure was hidden beneath a 2-3 kilometre thick layer of ice.

When the ice melted it revealed a colossal, black rock. The rock was later named Sotra, "the black island". Freed from the weight of the ice, the archipelago rose from the sea like stranded, petrified whales.

From the air, the three municipalities of Fjell, Sund and Øygarden appear as a long collection of large and small islands. From close range, one can see the diversity of the archipelago and its ever-changing coastal landscape. Furthest from the mainland there’s a labyrinth of small islands, narrow straits and rocks jutting through the waves. At Sotra / Øygarden you’ll find plenty of contrast. Stony beaches against steep rock cliffs. Dramatic gorges and ravines surrounded by calm, still waters. Rock formations run in wave patterns through the thriving heather. Between the hillocks the ice has left enough open soil for a small farm and some trees. And 341 meters above sea level Liatårnet mountain offers beautiful views over the whole archipelago and the ocean beyond. The landscape changes dramatically through calm and storm.