Brattvåg

A village driven by ambition, with its eyes set on the future. The maritime industry has shaped Brattvåg – and, in turn, Brattvåg has shaped the industry. With steep, majestic mountains as its backdrop and the sea at its doorstep, Brattvåg is a place where people from many nations come together. To build ships, advance global technology, and create innovative maritime solutions.

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Over the years, Brattvåg has developed into a key industrial center in northern Sunnmøre. The shipbuilding industry forms the backbone of a maritime cluster that also includes a range of specialized suppliers and related industries. The village is home to one of VARD’s shipyards; the global corporation is an international leader in the design and construction of advanced specialized vessels. In Brattvåg you’ll also find Kongsberg Maritime Brattvåg. Kongsberg Maritime’s Deck Machinery and Steering Gear division in Brattvåg is among the world’s largest manufacturers of winches and steering systems. To name a few.

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-Industry is deeply rooted in the identity of Brattvåg, says the mayor.

-We have the big players, of course, and around them thrives a diverse and exciting mix of smaller companies and job opportunities. It makes for a vibrant and varied business community, he adds with a smile.

That diversity extends beyond the workplace. Around 20% of Brattvåg’s inhabitants have an international background, making the village a genuine melting pot where people are used to cultural exchange and global connections. Many residents have come from Poland and Eastern European countries, finding their new home in Brattvåg.

Of course, a vibrant community requires more than just industrial workers. There are also job opportunities for healthcare professionals, teachers, shop staff, service workers, cultural workers - and perhaps some energetic entrepreneurs with fresh ideas. In short, Brattvåg needs a diverse mix of people and professions to continue being a strong and forward-looking place to live and work.

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Football is huge throughout the region, and Brattvåg is no exception. Children have plenty of opportunities to play, and so do teenagers and adults. The football pitches are of great quality, and the sport brings people together across generations.

Brattvåg also boasts a vibrant cultural house –the Ingebrigt Davik House– featuring a movie theater, concerts, theatre productions, dance performances, stand-up shows, and much, much more. There’s always something happening here, making it the perfect place for an enjoyable evening with your partner, friends, or family.

For those who play in a band, love to sing, or want to learn how to record their own music, the cultural house is pure gold. You can borrow the studio, record your music, mix and master tracks, and even get guidance on how to publish your songs on Spotify and other platforms. Bands can also use the studio as an affordable rehearsal space. Let the music flow!

You’ll also find an abundance of musical joy in Brattvåg School Band. This is a marching band that welcomes everyone. The ensemble includes both musicians and majorettes, and the sense of community and enthusiasm among the kids is awesome.

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The sea is an essential part of life in Brattvåg. Salt water and crisp, clean air are simply part of everyday living here.

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-For example, the walk around Synnalandsvatnet is lovely. It’s even lit in the evenings. And although we’re a coastal village, the surrounding mountains are high enough that we get snow in winter, so we can go skiing too.

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As the administrative centre of the municipality, Brattvåg has a range of public and private services gathered in one place. You’ll find both primary and lower secondary schools here, as well as Haram High School. Naturally, there are kindergartens here as well.

The town also offers everything you need for everyday life. The public library, the medical centre. Hairdressers and Vinmonopolet (state liquor store). Burgers and bowling alley. And a variety of shops, including the little shopping centre Samfjordkvartalet, which houses 11 stores with a good selection of products. And you know, for those with even bigger shopping needs, the city of Ålesund is only 40 minutes away by car.

-People in Brattvåg are friendly and down-to-earth, says Jorunn Fjørtoft, manager of the local culture café.

Every Thursday, the café serves the Norwegian specialty raspeball – a traditional potato dumpling often enjoyed with salted meat and sausage. The line is long, but the vibe is cheerful.

-You know, it’s just so popular, she laughs.

-Even though the line is long, people chat and enjoy themselves while they wait. And they’re all looking forward to their raspeball, Jorunn smiles.

At Brattvåg Fjordhotell, you can drop by for a drink or a meal in the restaurant. As the name suggests, the view over the fjord and surrounding mountains is simply stunning.

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The house that now hosts SkjeltOle-tunet carries a long and remarkable history in Brattvåg. It was once the home of Ole Skjelten, born in 1878, who became a central figure in the industrial development of the area. Together with his wife Josefine, Ole built the house and settled in Brattvåg in 1915. They were among the very first families to make the village their home.

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Originally intended as a rental property, the project took a new direction as the couple decided instead to breathe life into the house as a restaurant and guesthouse. The vision became clear: to create a place that honors the story of Ole Skjelten and the heritage of Brattvåg.

On November 11th, 2021 -the anniversary of Brattvåg itself- SkjeltOle-tunet opened its doors. Today, the beautifully restored Swiss-style villa welcomes guests to a warm and elegant setting. Visitors come from across the region to enjoy gourmet food, local hospitality, and a taste of history in this village with an industrial backbone.

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Sources:

Brattvåg – Wikipedia

Brattvåg – Store norske leksikon

Etter 5.500 arbeidstimer ble falleferdig hus til gourmetrestaurant - aesby.no

SkjeltOle-tunet

Main photo on top by Hilde Ellingsæter