Meet the Locals

Audun Aakre

"This is a place where generations come together to talk and take action."

I believe that growing up here on Haramsøya makes us extra open and inclusive. It comes from the fact that we’re involved in so many different activities from childhood. That’s just how it is in small places. If something is happening, you join in.

For example, I’ve been part of the theater group, the school band, a diving course, a swing dance class, and football. I still play football. Because of this, we interact with all kinds of people and learn that differences aren’t a big deal. Plus, kids, teenagers, adults, and the elderly all spend time together across generations. I think that’s a real good thing. We learn a lot from each other and pick up important values.

We also learn to help others. Like when the older generation struggles with technology, we can fix the problem most of the time. Just last weekend, there was a swing dance class at the community hall, with participants ranging from 15 to over 70 years old. And it worked perfectly fine! It’s fun to connect with people of all ages. The older ones often talk about how things used to be, so I think we younger ones gain some perspective and maybe even a little gratitude.

When I grow up, I want to stay here at Haramsøya. But first, I plan to study something within engineering. I want to work with modern and innovative solutions that will benefit the future.

But that’s still a while away. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to summer evenings with my friends. On warm summer nights, we gather to go waterskiing and hang out. There are about 13 of us guys in the group, and we even built a raft together. We love chilling there with the girls, having a party now and then, just enjoying life.

A raft built by the youth — Photo: private

Viktoria Bergitte Bergtun

"The sea is never far away, and I love it. I will always be an islander at heart."

Something I really enjoy is walking along the shoreline. It’s kind of my sanctuary; it’s the place where I truly feel at home. Living this close to the sea actually fills me with gratitude. In the evenings, there’s something magical about walking in the dark, breathing in the salty air, gazing up at a sky full of stars or the vibrant northern lights. That’s when I feel my shoulders relax, and life slows down. And then, coming home to the warmth… I love falling asleep to the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore.

My dog, Kodiak, and I spend a lot of time outdoors together. He’s an Alaskan Malamute -a true polar dog- and he demands his fair share of activity. His name, Kodiak, actually means "island," which felt like the perfect fit. He’s more than just a pet. He’s my a good friend and a dear family member. We go on long hikes, and he pulls me on a kicksled. Now, my husband and I are working on building a really nice dog park here on the island, which is really exciting.

There’s always something to do around here, especially with four active kids! My husband and I juggle full-time jobs, and I’m also studying on the side, so free time is a rare luxury. But when I can, I join in on football training with the ladies and sea swimming, just to name a few things.

This is truly a safe and wonderful place to live. Ever since the islands were connected by bridges and tunnels, our community has grown even stronger. And the sea - it’s never far away.

A dog pulling Viktoria Bergitte Bergtun on a kicksled — Photo: private

Vegard Halkjelsvik

"What started as a chill idea on a summer night is now a full-blown music festival by the open sea."

The setting for our festival, Havgaprock, couldn't be more perfect. It's held out by Ulla Lighthouse, the old beacon on Haramsøya. Behind the stage, the open ocean crashes against the rocks, and when the musicians light up the crowd as the sun sets into the sea... it’s honestly spectacular.

By day I’m a teacher, but I’ve been part of this festival since the very beginning. It all started one June evening a few years back when I was sitting around with some friends, talking about what we should do that summer. “Why not make a festival?” And we didn’t waste any time. Less than a month later, the very first Havgaprock was happening! We stacked pallets for a stage, the artists all played for free, and we didn’t even have time to clear the cow poop from the grass in the backstage tent, haha!

We were hoping maybe 100 people would show up — but more than three times that came. Since then, it’s become a tradition, and it’s grown bigger and bolder each year. This summer, we’re expecting over 1 000 people to join us for great music, conversation, hanging at the beach, swimming, and just enjoying time together. The festival campsite is just above a beautiful sandy beach, a perfect place to hang out.

The festival has expanded in other ways too. It now kicks off on Thursday with a family day out at Ulla Lighthouse, with free activities for all ages. We believe art and music should be for everyone. No matter the size of your wallet.

Kjartan Lauritzen, now one of Norway’s top rap stars, was here that very first year. That might’ve been the first stage dive the island ever saw. My heart nearly stopped, to be honest! But it all went well, and he’s been back several times since.

There’s a ton of work that goes into pulling this off, and the volunteer spirit here is incredible. People here understand that if you want something to happen, you have to make it happen yourself. And let me tell you - organizing a festival is a lot. From booking artists and doing admin that keeps your phone buzzing 24/7, to the physical work: cutting the grass at the festival area, hauling tons of gear, building the stage, the bar, the kiosks… moving freezers, fridges, food trucks. And, of course, decorating. It’s a whirlwind, but it’s fun too. Seeing people truly enjoying themselves makes it all worth it. Though I won’t lie. I’m pretty worn out by the end of the clean-up week!

We now host several national-level artists, but we’re also passionate about giving young, local musicians a stage to shine on. What started with a group of friends has grown into a team of about 15 people. They have an age span from 16 to nearly 40 years old, and everyone knows each other. That’s the beauty of it. This is something that brings our local community closer together. We want to build bridges and lift up our corner of the world.

I’ve lived in India, Denmark, and different parts of Norway. But Nordøyane is home. This is where I choose to put my energy.

Linda Nogva Vedeld

"I love filling my time with as much culture, music, and creativity as possible."

Song, music theatre and art has meant the world to me. I’ve been involved in it since I was a kid, and it has stayed with me throughout my life. This has always been a part of who I am. I'm someone who likes to think big, stay curious, and keep growing. I have a strong creative drive and a passion for bringing a little everyday magic into life.

As teens, we got involved in UKM (Norwegian Youth Festival of Art). We created and performed our own stage shows. Many of us also played football, and the stage was another way for young people to get together and have fun. This gave us a strong sense of unity; we really got to know each other. Many of those who were involved in these projects later moved back to the island.

Personally, I think that’s what made me move home again. Also, it didn't hurt that so many in my family lived here; Nordøyane is a great place for families. Now I live here with my husband and four sons. Football is still a part of our daily life and a great place to connect.

It became clear that Nordøyane was the place for me.

I saw a beautiful place for my children to grow up.

I saw how important nature is for body and soul.

I saw that everything was possible. There were no limits.

I saw no obstacles in living on an island.

I saw the people around me - and they saw me.

Everyone works together toward shared goals.

There’s a rich cultural life here.

And I work as a hairdresser, with the best customers in the world. I truly look forward to every single day.

I was part of the Flem school band and choir from a young age. I still am, I love it! The choir "Kor For Oss" is amazing, and I'm also a part of the Nordøyane Big Band. It’s such a joy working with so many talented and inspiring people.

Since 2010, I’ve been one of the leaders of the theatre and musical community in UL Fram. Over the years, we’ve staged many productions. It’s been an adventure. I love working with children and youth and watching them grow and develop.

We’ve been a tight-knit group throughout the years, and we’ve had a great time working together. It’s been so much fun! The cultural scene, the opportunities, the quality, and the community spirit here on Nordøyane is an incredible thing. I believe we’re probably a lot tougher, more driven, and more innovative than people realize.

I have so many dreams - and the ideas never stop coming. Every time I go for a walk in nature, I’m filled with lines, melodies, poems, silly ideas, and creative dreams. But dreaming is free, and no one can take that from me. Even if I don’t follow through with every idea, they often find their way into other projects I’m working on. For example, I have a passion for mural painting.

My big dream right now is Sealo – a creative studio and workspace in the old grain silo on the farm where I live. My husband, father-in-law, and sons have helped make this dream a reality. Now we’ll see what exciting things can grow from it.

I’m also working on writing a musical about Olaus Fjørtoft, the mathematician and social thinker known as the "Fram Man." This summer, the Olaus Fjørtoft Center will host a cultural walk from his birthplace at Nogva. We’ll explore his life, ideas, and work; it’s going to be something special. The dream is to turn it into an outdoor play - a seaside musical with actors from all across Nordøyane. Because if there’s one thing we do well around here, it’s community spirit, building together, and celebrating culture.

Thanks for sharing your stories and thoughts, people of Nordøyane! More to come...