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About Espevær:
Espevær
is a special island located west of Bømlo and some 30 km. north of Haugesund.
Access to the island is by car ferry from Buavaag to Langevaag, a 20 minute
journey, then by passenger-only ferry, the "Espeværekspressen" from Eidesvik
to Espevær. Because motor vehicles of any type are not allowed on Espevær,
visitors are able to park their vehicles at Eidesvik, adjacent to the
ferry terminal. For time-tables and other details of ferry service, contact
"Espeværekspressen", tel. +47 91 68 12 05. Espevær is a thriving fishing
village rich in history and it boasts a small local population which has
a large community spirit. A hundred years ago most self-respecting fishermen
would have spent nights in the "Baadehuset", the then local inn. In the
mid-1800's the island accommodated more than 20,000 people when the herring
shoals came in. At that time, Bergen, in comparison, had a population
of 26,000.
Today, Espevær has only 170 residents. The lively community enjoys the facilities of a mini-market, postal facilities, bank, summer café ( bookings are available at other times by telephoning +47 53 42 42 75 / +47 53 42 40 93), kindergarten and school. It is an idyllic island - narrow waterways where the sea is lapping the ground at the front of the houses, and canals where residents and visitors park their boats next to their dwellings.
Espevær also has very rich and varied flora. There are 365 small islands nearby, most of which are uninhabited. The fishing is very good and the diving exciting.
Attractions on Espevær include the "Baadehuset", now a museum with a large selection of historical photographs and many exhibits of old fishing tackle. The museum is a converted house, furnished as it was in 1900. Tel. +47 53 42 10 20. There is the lobster facility, "Hummerparken", used from 1887 till 1957 for keeping the lobster live and fed till they were collected. The "Hummerparken" has since been restored. Local guides, available for tourists and visitors, are very informative about Espevær and all aspects of lobster fishing. Tel. +47 53 42 42 56. As recently as 1975 an U.F.O. ring was discovered in the northern part of the island. This is one of the largest U.F.O. rings in the world. The island has its own cable ferry, made locally, and it is automatically coin operated for the 45 metre crossing of one of Espevær`s straits. Nearby is Hespriholmen, an island where greenstone, som e 8,000 years old, was mined.
In 1990 Espevær was judged to be one of the most beautiful places in Norway. A warm welcome awaits you. Come to Espevær and experience our idyllic lifestyle!
Pictures from Espevaer:
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