Islands of Opportunities
Harøya/Finnøya
Ålesund municipality / Ålesundregionen / Møre og Romsdal county
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Interesting job opportunities surrounded by stunning west coast nature, you say? Well, take a look at Harøya and Finnøya – and daydream about the next big fish you’ll catch there. There is no lack of opportunities here, and they come in many forms.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
Situated at the edge of Ålesund municipality, the two neighboring islands have become much more accessible with the opening of Nordøyvegen – an impressive project of bridges and tunnels connecting these islands to the mainland and creating a broader regional community. Nordøyvegen represents a new era for the islanders while preserving each island’s unique charm as vibrant, independent communities. Nordøyvegen ensures good communication southeast between the islands towards Ålesund, while the ferry from Finnøy connects the islands with Orta, Ona, Sandøy, and Gossen, providing a connection northward towards Molde.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Henrik Knarvik
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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International Flare in the Community
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
The people of Harøya and Finnøya have always looked both forward and outward. The ocean has been a central part of their identity since the days of the traditional fishing-farming communities, and today’s industries still reflect this deep connection.
Several major companies on the islands specialize in maritime technology and services, and this relationship with the sea is ingrained in the community. The approximately one thousand residents here are open and outward-looking, characterized by both local knowledge and inspiration from the wider world. It may be this openness to the world that has led to people from over 20 different nationalities living on these islands today.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Unique Community Offerings
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Agnar Harnes
Harøya and Finnøya provide a rare combination of a quaint village feel with modern amenities and employment opportunities. There are several public services that make life here comfortable and secure. Harøy Elementary and Middle School provides children and youth with quality education in modern facilities, while Harøy Kindergarten meets the needs of the youngest residents.
For the elderly and those in need of care, Sandøytunet focuses on community and compassion. The center offers long-term stays, respite care, and rehabilitation, along with a day activity center that provides opportunities for social interaction. The center’s community café is a cozy meeting place for everyone, serving home-cooked meals and hosting social gatherings that strengthen the bonds within the local community. The islands also have their own library, located on Harøya, which serves as a cultural hub, providing literature and digital resources for people of all ages.
Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Active Leisure and Culture for All Ages
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Photo: Agnar Harnes
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
Harøya and Finnøya offer diverse opportunities for active leisure, culture, and recreation. Harøy Sports Club is central to sports activities, providing access to a modern indoor football hall, which also includes a well-equipped climbing wall suitable for both beginners and seasoned climbers. Adjacent to this is Harøy Stadium, featuring an artificial turf football field with athletics facilities and an outdoor gym area – ideal for organized and individual training.
In addition to these facilities, Harøya also features a disc golf course, a fantastic, low-threshold outdoor activity for all ages. For young people interested in exploring life at sea, MAX Activity Center provides an engaging maritime program for kayaking and other activities connected to coastal resources – a great way to learn about the ocean and our connection to it.
Traditional archery is also an activity that engages many people on the islands, and members have earned medals in both national and world championships.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Agnar Harnes
And of course, these islands have much more to offer than just organized activities.The nature and proximity to the sea are a treasure trove of experiences and opportunities for fishing and gathering. Whether you want to fish from the shore with a rod, cast a line from a boat, or hunt for crabs and lobsters with traps. Or you can simply enjoy the natural wonders, whether during a storm or on a calm day. There is also a network of hiking trails that meander through woods and over marshlands, leading to the local peak, Harøyburet, standing at 156 meters above sea level. The islands offer a stunning landscape for hiking, with excellent opportunities to explore both coastal and woodland areas.
Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
In terms of culture, the islands have a vibrant music scene. Many musicians have their roots in the local culture school, and the islands’ choirs and bands provide musical experiences and foster a strong sense of community. Several bands and professional musicians have emerged from these small yet vibrant communities.
Nordøyvegen has for sure opened new opportunities for collaboration among the islands, especially in sports and cultural activities, further strengthening the sense of regional unity.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
International Job Opportunities
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
Those who develop jobs and build industries on these islands always keep their eyes forward, seeking opportunities. One must be impressed by the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in these small communities, where the whole world is the market.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Agnar Harnes
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
Harøya and Finnøya offer a range of exciting job opportunities within the maritime sector, construction, and tourism. To name a few:
-Finnøy Bryggehotell on Finnøya offers accommodation, a restaurant, and a wellness center, and is the largest tourism initiative in the area.
-Finnøy Gear & Camp; Propeller is a leading developer of ship propulsion systems known for their high quality.
-Rostein AS, located in Steinshamn, is a significant player in the wellboat industry, focusing on the transport of live fish.
-IP Huse is clearly the largest cornerstone company on the island and is a world leader in the production of winches for offshore vessels.
-Myklebust Trevare AS and Norgeshus GF Bygg & Eiendom AS provide construction services, while Erling Myklebust Mechanical Workshop supplies components to the offshore industry.
For those considering moving here, there are also several other job opportunities in agriculture, local service provision, and tourism. The islands of Harøya and Finnøya have successfully combined traditional maritime industry with modern entrepreneurship, offering a diverse labor market in beautiful natural surroundings.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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This is Our Homeland
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
Let’s end with an excerpt from the traditional Harøya Song, “Our Island”. It was composed by Ole E. Huse with lyrics by Elias E. Marøy. Translated into English by Berit Anita Larsson. The words largely apply to Finnøya as well, and you get a sense of the island spirit just by reading it.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Overskrift
Look to the sunset
there rise our islets
circled by skerries
and battered by swell.
Peatland and mire,
yet they inspire
love in the people
who know them so well.
Hailstorms and showers
spring breeze and flowers
each make their mark
as the seasons go by.
Hard toil and patience
through generations
brought forth the pastures
where grasses grow high.
Westward the ocean
always in motion
washes its siren song
over the shore.
Rising and falling
sighing and calling
murmuring tales
of adventures of yore.
Haven in hard times
heaven in good times
new dawns await
every girl, every boy.
Grasp your tomorrows
pleasures and sorrows
this is our homeland
through hardship and joy.
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
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Photo: Marion Solheim
Photo: Agnar Harnes
Explore Harøya/Finnøya
Where is Harøya/Finnøya?
Dentist
Library
Church
Bus
Swimming pool
Doctor's office
Junior high school
Primary school
Kindergarten
Public services in the village
None
Fitness center
Movie theater
Hotel/guesthouse
Pub
Restaurant/cafe
Electric car charging
Gas station
Grocery store
Private services in the village
None
Surfing
Frisbee golf
Small boat harbour
Sea fishing
Soccer club
Choir
Leisure in the village
None
High school
Public services within 45 min
None
Private services within 45 min
None
Leisure within 45 min
None
In and Around the Village
Marine engineering
Industrivegen 11, 6296 Harøy, Norway
IP Huse AS
Employers
Address
Tittel
Bolig type
Kvadratmeter
m
2
Pris
NOK
For sale
Housing
Note that not all available houses in the village are listed on freysta.com. Feel free to contact the municipality for more information about available homes. Best of luck with finding your dream home!
Are you tempted? Get in touch with Harøya/Finnøya!
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