Stord (island)
Island Norwegian island in Vestland, industrial and ferry hub
Norwegian island in Vestland with coastal roads, ferry links and hiking routes; visitors explore shoreline villages, boat traffic and local industry history.
Stord is an island in Vestland county on Norway’s west coast and forms the core of Stord municipality; the town of Leirvik is the island’s principal settlement.
The island offers coastal roads, local beaches and walking routes around its shoreline and low hills, plus ferry and bridge connections to neighbouring islands and the mainland. Leirvik concentrates shops, services and port facilities used by residents and visitors.
Settlement and maritime industry on the island expanded particularly in the 20th century, with shipbuilding and other marine-related businesses becoming important to the local economy. The island has long served as the administrative and commercial centre for the surrounding district.
Geographically it sits in the Sunnhordland district off Norway’s western seaboard, with a rugged coastal landscape of inlets and short peninsulas and multiple connections to adjacent islands and the mainland.
- Main town: Leirvik on the island is the municipality's main service and commercial centre, with shops, ferry links and local industry.
- Transport links: The island is linked to neighbouring islands and the mainland by road bridges and ferry services, making it a regional transport hub.
How to Get to Stord (island) #
Stord is accessible by road via the Stord Bridge and by ferry services that connect nearby islands and the mainland. The nearest larger town is Haugesund/Bergen region by road; rail and bus services connect to local ferry nodes. Driving directions depend on starting point - check national road maps for current connections.
Tips for Visiting Stord (island) #
- Leirvik is the main settlement on the island and is the logical base for exploring Stord's coastline and shipbuilding heritage.
- Rent a bike to follow coastal roads - ferry connections and bridges make island-hopping straightforward.
- Check local timetables for the Stord Bridge and nearby ferry links; schedules change seasonally.
Best Time to Visit Stord (island) #
Summer is the most practical time for outdoor activities; shoulder seasons offer quieter travel with good light.
Weather & Climate near Stord (island) #
Stord (island)'s climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -3°C to 15°C. Heavy rainfall (2913 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (294 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (226 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Heavy rain (238 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 13°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (151 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (178 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 9°C. Heavy rain (227 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (320 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (336 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (327 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (357 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
