Florø is Norway’s westernmost town and is situated on the island of Florelandet. The town is within close proximity to some of the more beautiful islands on the west coast and is an important fishing port and port of call for the coastal ferry.
Latitude: 61.5 degrees north
Population: 9,024
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: November
Windiest Month: December
Kinn Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Florø
The Coastal Museum has boats and artefacts from coastal communities on exhibition along with art exhibitions during the summer.
The Ausevika rock carvings is one of the largest rock carving sites in Norway, with figures that were made 3,000 years ago. The site has more than 300 carvings of animals and people. Ausevika is a 40 minute drive from Florø.
The Coastal Museum has boats and artefacts from coastal communities on exhibition along with art exhibitions during the summer.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
A short ferry ride from Florø (5× daily weekdays). Home to a 12th-century stone Kinn Church and the dramatic Kinnaklova cliff (315 m). A roughly 2–3 hr loop hike takes in the historic church and the summit gap with panoramic ocean views.
Svanøy island is the southernmost island and is home to the Svanøy manor, where nobles and bishops have lived over the years. There you can visit the Norwegian Deer Centre. The Viking King Eirik Bloodaxe was born here, and Svanøy has various traces and relics from the Viking Age. Svanøy Hovedgård has been a bishops residence and was once owned by nobility, but now you can stay at the manor house and enjoy the atmosphere.
A 105 m “bridal veil” fall on the Haukåvatnet lake (north of Florø). Best seen in spring and early summer when water flow is high. There’s roadside parking and a short trail to a viewpoint.
A 293 m hill right by town. Multiple trails (signposted) climb to the flat summit with panoramic views of the archipelago. The 2 hr trail starts in town centre, or you can bus/drive to Torvmyrane and hike 30–40 min up. It’s Florø’s most popular vista (40,000 annual visitors).
Moderate (mostly summer). The highest island peak in the archipelago. The hike (~2½ hr) climbs steeply from the dock. From the top there’s a spectacular vista of outer islands. Keep an eye out for sea eagles and even wild deer on the slopes.
Join a guided tasting at Vesle Kinn brewpub in town. Learn about the brewing process and Kinn Bryggeri’s history while sampling craft beers at the adjacent café.
Charter the historic 1930s steamer MS Atløy for a private cruise. It holds ~60 people and can be hired for fjord sightseeing or fishing trips (with catering on request). A nostalgic way to explore the coast.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Florø
The scenic highway from Lærdal to Florø weaves its way around the mountains between the Sognefjord and the Nordfjord, passing some of Norway’s most spectacular glaciers including the famous Jostedalsbreen glacier. The road was built in stages throughout the 20th century and is now one of the major highways for Western Norway. This fjord-to-coast highway takes you from the innermost part of the Sognefjord to the coastal village of Florø, on the westernmost part in Norway.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Florø
Florø was founded in 1860 as a trading place due to its close proximity to the rich fisheries of the area. The original name of the town was Flora; it was changed to Florø as the ø at the end is the Danish word for island. The city was planned and built up in one go. Shortly after the town was founded, the fishing failed and there was economic depression for a couple decades until cod fishing proved profitable.
The main industry in Florø is fish farming. In addition to that, wild salmon, herring and mackerel are caught for sale on the world market. Ever since the discovery of oil in the North Sea, Florø has been an important supply base for the offshore industry. Shipbuilding has been a stronghold of Florø for centuries.
Florø has been voted as the most pleasant city several times in Norway as it was planned as a city from the beginning rather than being developed over time.
Fly: Florø Airport (FRO) is 2 km east of town. Widerøe operates frequent flights (typically 5–6/day) to Bergen (Flesland) – a 35-minute flight. Bergen connections (air/sea/road) make Florø accessible from Oslo or Europe.
Drive: Florø is located on the Rv5, a major highway running along the west coast. Driving to Bergen takes ~2.5–3 hours via lush fjordland. Regional express buses run between Florø and Bergen (via Nordfjord), as well as to nearby Nordfjordeid/Eidsdal. Taxis and car rentals are readily available.
Train: No train access
Ferry: Regular ferries (Fjordkysten) sail from Fugleskjærskaia harbour to the surrounding islands (Kinn, Svanøy, Askrova, Reksta) several times daily. The Hurtigruten coastal ship passes Florø on its Bergen–Kirkenes route, but check schedules.
Florø’s compact centre is very walkable. The town has a local bus system (Fjordkysten). For example, Bus #100 runs from the city centre to Brendøyvegen (Coastal Museum stop)
The Kystmuseet gift shop carries regional crafts and specialty goods – think Norwegian wool sweaters, local knitwear, preserves and ocean-themed souvenirs. It’s a good spot for authentic keepsakes.
Svanøy Handel: Although on an island, this charming farm shop (with ferry access) sells Svanøy Røykeri smoked fish and deer-charcuterie from the nearby Hjortesenter. Their smoked salmon and reindeer salami make unique edible souvenirs.
In town centre (Strandgata), look for small boutiques and galleries featuring local artists, knitters and woodworkers. Visit shops selling Norwegian crafts (textiles, rosemaling décor), or the Fjordkysten Tourist Info centre for guidebooks and maps. A short distance east is AMFI Florø Mall for clothing and outdoor gear. For fishing-hobbyists, local sports shops stock gear and tackle.
Cafes & Bakeries
Cosy cafes and brewpubs abound. Vesle Kinn (Strandgata 28) is a popular brewpub-café serving craft beers alongside coffee and Norwegian desserts. Other cafés (e.g. bakeries or Kaffe & Krem) offer pastries, sandwiches and local coffees in laid-back settings.
Casual Eateries
Pubs and family restaurants serve hearty local fare. Notable spots include Hjørnevikbua Pub & Restaurant and Bryggekanten on the quay. The focus is on fresh seafood and comfort food (fish soup, shrimp open sandwiches, burgers and pizzas). Local cuisine highlights anything from saltwater crab to arctic char.
High End & Unique Eats
There are a few gourmet restaurants in Florø. Most upscale dining occurs at hotel restaurants (Quality Hotel’s Bryggekanten focuses on locally sourced seafood. Expect an emphasis on fresh, regional ingredients (fjord fish, lamb, wild berries) in an elegant setting. For exceptional meals, some visitors venture to larger restaurants in nearby towns.
Camping
Cabins & B&Bs
Several family-run B&Bs lie in the hills around Florø. For example, Josetta’s Bed & Breakfast (Rv5, 10 km east) offers sea-view rooms in a quiet setting.
Chains & Mid-Range
Quality Hotel Florø – A 4-star waterfront hotel blending a restored 1890s herring saltery with a modern wing.
Click here to view rates & book
Kinn Hotell Florø – A simpler city-centre hotel with basic amenities (café/restaurant on site). Both are within walking distance of shops and ferry piers.
High End & Unique Properties
Florø Rorbu are some nice cabins down by the waterfront.
Nordica Resort Florø has cabins, regular hotel rooms, and ‘glamping’ styke accommodation.
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