Sandøya

Don't expect to see cars in this village – but prepare to meet kids biking around. Sandøya is special, beautiful, and, not least, a delightful place to grow up.

You need a boat to get to Sandøya, which is located at the outermost edge of the archipelago in Tvedestrand municipality. Sandøya is surrounded by hundreds of smaller islands, but this is where the islanders live year-round. There are about 200 residents who call this place home, whether it's summer or winter. During the summer, the place is popular to visit; people swim, explore, and enjoy ice cream purchased from the local store. Autumn is the time for lobster fishing and slowing down the pace, while winter can bring snow and skiing – and then spring arrives once again with light and energy.

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Sandøya is a lively village with an active local community. There's a kindergarten, elementary school, a store, and businesses engaged in everything from ceramics to glass art, knitting, and cottage services. In the heart of the island, you'll find the school, kindergarten, the community center 'Kjennhaug,' and the old prayer house-turned-guest house. This is where the villagers gather for summer fairs, May 17th celebrations, lobster festivals, and Christmas dinners. The community organizations thrive, with a choir, a sports club, homeowner association, and historical society.

Most residents commute to the mainland and Tvedestrand, taking about half an hour each way. Very manageable! There are frequent ferries and taxi boats.

Sandøya is truly a unique gem of a Southern Norwegian island!

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Sources

Velkommen — Sandøya (sandoya.no)
Sandøya (Tvedestrand) – Wikipedia

Picture on top by Maritta85, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons