Ranging from long point breaks to more accessible beach breaks. Locals have been surfing in Karmøy since 1990, and there is a small, tight-knit surf community in place. Though not as well known as its neighbor to the south - Jæren - nor its distant relative in the north - Lofoten - it’s a hidden surf destination with a variety of options for the passionate surfers.
There are six known breaks around the island. For the curious (and very experienced) there are reefs (or shallow water islands) that create shallow slabs - around each cove - so go explore!
Take some time off. Slow down the pace, and enjoy the silence at Raw Ocean Lodge. Experience the roaring North Sea only a few feet away from your bed. Feel the fresh salt air in your face, a smell of ocean-like fresh linen and a bed of pillows to get you through the night. Put on the kettle in the morning, and surf the wild waves. Lovely.
Cabins
Our cabins are rugged and show signs of being abused by the battering ocean, waves and wind that is just a few meters away. But inside you are sheltered. We have put a lot of time and effort into creating truly unique cabins, that have their very own story. We have built much of the furniture ourselves from hardware and driftwood that has history on its own. Our cabins are located in Sandve, the southern part of Karmøy, just south of Haugesund, just two hours north of Stavanger and 3,5 hrs south of Bergen.
Our vision
Raw Ocean Lodge is a multifaceted project – where our primary motivation is to get people outside into the elements and connect with nature. We live by the mantra "The future is now." We see this project as a catalyst for our local community, with close collaboration with other local small businesses. With focus on sustainability, quality and craftsmanship. Besides getting people out to nature, we arrange concerts, art exhibitions and have our own café/restaurant on site.
Explore nature
Karmøy is perhaps not as know for its nature experiences, but with a location nicely tucked in between west coast cities Stavanger and Bergen, and the well-known top tourist attractions The Pulpit rock and Trolltunga, it might surprise you with its "off the beaten track" local nature gems!
Organic local cuisine
With the ocean as our closest neighbor, we can harvest day-fresh seafood, and with a great range of local farmers and greenhouses in the area, we pride ourselves in creating exciting and tasteful local food. Our food project is in its early stage and is only available by inquiry at present time.
Customized trips
Do you want a curated experience specially tailored for your holiday? We're happy to customize your surf trip at Skaarnesheimen Raw Ocean Lodge.
"After living 12 years in the city, I came home to my childhood island and saw its calmness and beauty with fresh eyes. I live with my family, 5 minutes away from the lodge. We are four friends who founded Raw Ocean Lodge, and I’m the one who lives furthest away!" — Jan Rantaniitty.
This is the place to calm down and unwind. Skaarnesheimen Raw Ocean Lodge is located on the southwest part of Karmøy, only a few meters away from the harsh North Sea. On a small peninsula, we have four cabins/bungalows and the main building, where you can experience all the moods of the ocean, from roaring storms to glassy mornings.
We love this area and want the world to experience it as well. We offer accommodation and can tailor customized vacations with a broad range of local nature experiences including, surfing, guided stand-up paddleboarding around the coast, bouldering, hiking, fishing, bonfire sessions and more. The rural surrounding makes Skaarnesheimen a perfect place to relax, and log off for a while.
Skaarnesheimen Raw Ocean Lodge is located in extremely harsh conditions. Without strict maintenance routines and quality products, the whole property will be ground down by the salty sea and pounding winter storms. We see this as an opportunity for innovation!