Plan your visit Utstein

Where is Utstein Monastery?

Utstein Monastery is located on the island of Klosterøy, just next to Mosterøy. It is less than 20 km away and about 30 minutes by car from Stavanger.

How do I get there by car?

- From E39 towards Bergen: Follow the E39 road and then follow the signs to Utstein Monastery at the junction in Askje.  
-Coming from the north on E39: Take the turn towards Utstein Monastery after about 15 km, and roughly 15 minutes’ drive from Mortavika ferry quay.

How do I get there without a car?

If you’re not staying nearby, having a car is the most practical way to reach Utstein Monastery.

Public transport
It’s also possible to take bus 33 from Stavanger to Fjøløy, but please plan ahead, as the bus does not run very often.

On foot or by bike from the hotel
If you stay at Utstein Monastery Hotel, it’s a wonderful walk—or a short bike ride—up to the Monastery. The distance from the hotel is 1.3 km.

Why should I visit Utstein Monastery? 

Utstein is a fascinating place with more than 1,000 years of history. Kings, monks, stewards, and today museum guests have all found their way here—across centuries.

The reason is simple: Utstein Monastery located in a beautiful cultural landscape, and today it offers unique experiences of both history and peace—unlike anywhere else.

What can I experience at Utstein Monastery? 

Here you can feel the power of history—and nature.

A unique medieval monastery
Utstein Abbey is Norway’s only preserved medieval monastery. Before the Reformation in 1537, there were over 30 monasteries in Norway. Most were left in ruins—only Utstein has been preserved and restored.

Still in use today
Today there are no monks living at Utstein Monastery there were in the Middle Ages. However, the church is still actively used by the local congregation for services, and it is also used for:
- concerts organized by the museum
- pilgrimage walks organized by Utstein Pilgrim’s Farm (Utstein pilgrimsgård)

Things you can enjoy at Utstein Monastery
You can:
- Walk beneath hundreds of years old beech trees in the garden  
- Smell, taste, and enjoy the flowers and herbs in the cloister garden  
- Feel the atmosphere between the stone walls in the refectory  
- Explore the old church interior, where the tower rises from the middle of the church  
- Imagine life on the farm when Utstein was the seat of the steward and large farmers  
- See the exhibition about Magnus Lagabøte’s Law (Landsloven) from 1274 in the Abbot’s House  
- Enjoy coffee and sweets in the cozy little café  
- Visit Utstein Farm Shop (gardsutsalg) in the restored seaside building  
- Take a walk to Fjøløy, an island nearby 

Who is a visit to Utstein Monastery for?

A visit to Utstein Monastery is an experience for everyone.

- The museum hosts will gladly share their knowledge—ask them anything you’d like to know.  
- The exhibition about Magnus Lagabøte’s Law is especially suited for children and young people, and families can also find calm in both the garden and the courtyard.

What can I do around Utstein Monasery?

- Visit Fjøløy Fort: swim, camp, and enjoy walking trails  
- Visit Utstein Monastery Hotel for accommodation and a great meal  
- Visit Galleri Utstein — and much more.