Brattvåg village at sunset with fjord and mountains
Haram · Sunnmøre · Møre og Romsdal

Brattvåg

FromLocalCrafttoGlobalImpact

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.

Village Snapshot
Residents ~2,500
Landscape Fjord & Mountains
Region Sunnmøre
Municipality Haram
Nearest city Ålesund — 40 min
Airport Vigra — 45 min
Major employer VARD / Kongsberg Maritime
School Primary · Lower secondary · High school

An Authentic Industrial Village with a Global Spirit

Bronze statue of an industrial worker on a pedestal in Brattvåg, with modern buildings behind
The industrial worker is ever present in Brattvåg. Photo: Haram municipality

With its around 2 500 residents on the western side of Samfjorden, Brattvåg is the administrative center of Haram municipality. And an important industrial hub in the region. The village owes its very existence to the determination and ambitions of industrial leaders several generations ago.

«Brattvåg is actually quite a young place,» says Mayor Vebjørn Krogsæter of Haram municipality.

It all began with the construction of a power plant, and the entire village grew up around it. The hydropower plant was the spark that started it all. November 11, 1911, is considered Brattvåg’s birthday. That’s a day the whole village celebrates!

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, where deck machinery has been built by the fjord since 1941. Its winches and handling systems are found on more than 6,000 vessels worldwide. To name a few.

Industrial harbor in Brattvåg with a large red offshore vessel and tall cranes at sunset

Industry forms the very backbone of Brattvåg. Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

«Industry is deeply rooted in the identity of Brattvåg.»

Mayor Vebjørn Krogsæter

Industry and Diversity

«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,» the mayor 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.

Local Story

A Journey at VARD

Arnt Inge Gjerde has had quite the journey at VARD. He can vouch for the many opportunities in Brattvåg.

Life in Brattvåg VARD Shipyard Career

Video: Vard

But Brattvåg isn’t only about industry — it’s also a place where music, culture, and community thrive.

Brattvåg shoreline lights reflected on the calm Samfjorden at night
Brattvåg lights across the fjord Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

Football, Culture, Sauna – and the Love of Music

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.

Marching band and majorettes parading through central Brattvåg, surrounded by a crowd of spectators

Music brings people together! Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

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.

Sea Life and Mountain Peaks – Hand in Hand

Sunset over the fjord at Brattvåg marina
Outdoor bliss. Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

The sea is an essential part of life in Brattvåg. Salt water and crisp, clean air are simply part of everyday living here. The Samfjorden stretches right outside your doorstep, and whether you’re watching the sunset from the pier or heading out on the water, the fjord is always close.

«The entire area has been built around the sea – whether it’s harvesting from it or building the equipment needed to do so,» says Mayor Vebjørn Krogsæter.

«And of course, we have a marina here too for all those who love boating life,» says mayor Vebjørn.

Brattvåg småbåtforening, in charge of the marina, has just recently set up a sauna for the community to enjoy. Get hot, dive straight into the cool Samfjorden and get that adrenaline flowing!

Cross-country skier on a winter trail near Brattvåg
Cross-country skiing is popular and completely free. Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

The nature surrounding Brattvåg is wonderfully diverse. From casting a fishing line by the shore to hiking up mountain peaks, everything is just a short distance away. With plenty of stunning scenery in between.

«We have a lot of well-prepared outdoor experiences around Brattvåg,» the mayor explains. «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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Schools and Local Amenities

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.

Haram service building in Brattvåg

Haram service building in Brattvåg. Photo: Haram municipality

«People in Brattvåg are friendly and down-to-earth.»

Jorunn Fjørtoft, culture café manager

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.

From Industrial Pioneer to Gourmet Dining

SkjeltOle-tunet restored Swiss-style villa in Brattvåg

SkjeltOle-tunet is restored to its former glory. Photo: Trond Skjelten

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.

After Ole’s passing in 1956 and Josefine’s in 1977, the property gradually fell into disrepair. It was neglected for many years, nearly condemned to demolition. When the current owners purchased the property in 2020, the roof leaked, the interiors were ruined, and the structure itself was in danger of collapse.

What followed was an extraordinary restoration effort spanning thousands of work hours. Every part of the house had to be rebuilt or fixed. From the roof and supporting beams to the floors, cellar, and surrounding grounds. What was once a stunning villa slowly regained its former beauty.

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.

Large firework lighting up the night sky above the coastal village of Brattvåg, with a lit Christmas tree and lights along the fjord

Quite the view at New Year’s Eve! Photo: Hilde Ellingsæter

Gallery

Brattvåg Through the Seasons

Photos by Hilde Ellingsæter and Haram municipality

Winter at Brattholmen
Winter at Brattholmen
Hellandshornet harbor
Hellandshornet harbor
Golden hour
Golden hour
Horses at sunset
Horses at sunset
New Year rockets
New Year rockets
Evening light
Evening light
Full moon over Brattvåg
Full moon over Brattvåg
Ferry in evening light
Ferry in evening light
Diving board at Brattvåg
Diving board at Brattvåg
Brattvåg evening
Brattvåg evening
Brattvåg from Synnalandshornet
Brattvåg from Synnalandshornet
Brattvåg from Ryssdalen
Brattvåg from Ryssdalen
Autumn in Brattvåg
Autumn in Brattvåg
Spring view
Spring view
Sunset reflections
Sunset reflections
Summer by the shore
Summer by the shore
Rocky coastline
Rocky coastline
December morning
December morning
Calm waters
Calm waters
Pink sky
Pink sky
Twilight hues
Twilight hues
Synnalandsvatnet
Synnalandsvatnet
Christmas in the village
Christmas in the village
Snow squall over the farms
Snow squall over the farms
Rainbow over Brattvåg
Rainbow over Brattvåg
Northern lights
Northern lights
Midfjorden from Synnalandshornet
Midfjorden from Synnalandshornet
Haram service building
Haram service building
Aerial View

See Brattvåg from Above

Fly over the village in high-resolution 360° drone imagery. Drag to look around, scroll to zoom.Swipe to look around, pinch to zoom.

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360° presentation by Mann av Huse

Village Services

What’s Here

Services, activities, and amenities available in Brattvåg and within a short drive.

Public Services

IN THE VILLAGE
  • Vinmonopolet
  • Dentist
  • Library
  • Church
  • Bus connections
  • Swimming pool
  • Doctor's office
  • Junior high school
  • Primary school
  • Kindergarten

Private Services

IN THE VILLAGE
  • Pharmacy
  • Fitness center
  • Movie theater
  • Hotel / guesthouse
  • Shopping center
  • Pub
  • Restaurant / café
  • EV charging
  • Gas station
  • Grocery store

Leisure

IN THE VILLAGE
  • Volleyball
  • Small boat harbour
  • Sea fishing
  • Handball
  • Soccer club
  • Choir

Within 45 min

REGIONAL ACCESS
  • Mosque
  • Airport
  • Hospital
  • Ski center
  • Surfing
  • Game hunting
  • Frisbee golf
  • Golf
  • Lake / river fishing
  • Aerial sports
  • Shooting range
Location

Where is Brattvåg?

Brattvåg is located on the western side of Samfjorden in Haram municipality, Møre og Romsdal county. The village is approximately 40 minutes from Ålesund and 45 minutes from Vigra Airport.

Brattvåg

Municipality Haram
Region Sunnmøre
County Møre og Romsdal
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Sources & Credits

Photography

Main photo by Hilde Ellingsæter. Other photos by Hilde Ellingsæter, Haram municipality, and Trond Skjelten.

Text

Text by Marion Solheim, journalist and co-founder of Freysta.