Andabeløy

Beautiful nature? Check. White-painted houses with southern charm? Check. Cozy country store as a natural gathering place? Check. Welcome to the island Andabeløy.

Located at the northernmost tip of the island Andabeløya is the village with the same name, Andabeløy. To get there, you need to take a ferry from Flekkefjord, which runs 18 times a day and takes approximately 7 minutes. There is usually plenty of space on the small ferry because only around 80 people live on the island. But they sure know how to enjoy themselves!

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-The store here was built through community volunteer efforts and is owned by the islanders themselves, Ole Roald says.

-It’s really the main cog in the wheel of island life here at Andabeløy. This is where you bump into familiar faces, it’s open around the clock, and now and then, it transforms into a party venue. When that happens, you can count on plenty of fresh shrimp and crab on the table!

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Since Andabeløy is bathed in southern Norway's coastal charm, it draws plenty of visitors during the summer months.

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Also, the villagers are known for throwing a great October-festival each fall. And it’s of course open to everybody who likes fun and cheering!

-There are definitely some impressive Oktoberfest costumes, Ole Roald chuckles.

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The island of Andabeløy covers 4.7 square kilometers and lies on the western side of Stolsfjorden.

-Here, we have the classic, southern, white-painted wooden houses, says local community leader Ole Roald.

-But in other parts of the island, you'll find more modern homes too.

Naturally, the sea plays a big part in daily life.

-Children are introduced to boating from an early age, so let’s just say they’re pretty experienced when it comes to crab fishing, he adds with a smile.

In the summer, the island’s beach area becomes a popular gathering spot. Families enjoy the shoreline, diving board, and waterslide. The area also features a marina and public restrooms - everything you need for a great day by the sea!

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But it’s not all about the water. Why not try a round of disc golf at the local course? Or simply take a walk and enjoy the island’s stunning natural surroundings?

There are plenty of hiking trails on Andabeløy, many of them well-marked and easy to follow. One favorite route climbs through rugged terrain and ends at the idyllic Engelsvannet. There, you can borrow a canoe or light a fire in the fire pit to cook your dinner outdoors. Just breathe in the fresh air and soak up the quiet beauty of the island. And don’t be surprised if you spot a majestic deer or two; they like it here as well.

-There are so many beautiful walks you can take around the island, says Ole Roald.

-And one major bonus? No vipers! According to an old local legend, a man once played the snakes away with his fiddle, many, many years ago, he laughs.

While the legend is just a tale, there truly isn’t a single adder on the island.

-Joking aside, Andabeløy is truly a wonderful place. When the quiet sets in after an evening with good friends, I really feel how lucky I am to live here, Ole Roald concludes.

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Sources

Photo on top by Ole Roald, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

listerfriluft.no

Wikipedia
visitnorway.no
snl.no

visitsorlandet.com