The story of Nordvik a hidden gem in the north sea

In the rough North Sea lies the small island of Rott 8,6 nautical miles (16 km) south west of the City of Stavanger.

Rott is the name of the island where our Nordvik farm is located. Just a 20 minutes boat trip and you will arrive at the harbor of Rott. It’s one of those hidden treasures not a lot of people know about, but if you get to experience it, you are bound to fall in love.

Rott is idyllic even though the weather can be quite rough. Its raw Norwegian nature and its documented history that goes back even as far as the times of the Vikings make of a unique place, in a rough and weather-hard way.
Today the island has only 3 permanent residents, but between the two great wars, up to 70 people lived on the island. There was even a school, a store, and a post office as well as 9 active farms, so they were pretty much self-sufficient.

Despite the rough seas, they would sail into the mainland if they had to. Because of the harsh weather, collecting materials that washed up on shore was also very common. They found use of everything. Wood was the most common material, and sometimes the only thing keeping them warm through the cold winter months.

Sometimes goods from shipwrecks would float in the sea just off Rott. Once, a ship carrying apples was wrecked and it is said that after a while apple trees grew behind their outdoor toilets. Even a barrel of liquor was found, which was greatly appreciated by some.

Today there are 26 houses left, and they are all used as cabins by the locals from the mainland. It’s a small community and everybody knows each other. The school, store, and post office has not been in use since the 60s, but it all remains on the island and the school house is sometimes used for events. On weekends and holidays, especially in the summer, many families take their boats out to the island to relax and enjoy the beautiful nature. It’s the kind of place where you put down your phone and connect with nature.

Nordvik is now the only farm that still has sheep wandering the island. This farm is ran by my grandparents, and if you ask me it’s the most beautiful place in the world. They bought it when they were younger despite having no previous experience as farmers. I know it sounds crazy, but that’s because they are… and I could not love them more for it!

Today it’s a beautiful second home for their whole family, their door is always open and we always feel very welcome. Growing up we would come here a lot. My favorite time of the year was always Easter when the temperatures start rising after a long cold winter, the flowers were blossoming and the trees turning green. You could smell the fresh spring air, but the best part about Easter was the lambing season. The farm would be full of little lambs running around, and we would get to pet and feed them every day. It was the most magical time of the year. And for little me, Rott was the most magical place in the world, well it still is. Fishing, swimming, campfires, board games, granny’s delicious cooking, endless ocean sunsets, I mean, how can you not fall in love with such a place?

Every summer my uncle organizes a music festival on the farm called “Rott Festival”. It’s a festival for all ages, and families come from near and far to experience the unique island festival. Everyone is taken to Rott and back on a ferry and you can spend the day listening to the live music and enjoying the beautiful scenery.

This year Rott Festival is set for the 27th of August. Why don’t you come by? I can assure you, you won’t regret it!

If you want to come and stay on the island as a tourist, there is also an apartment that you can rent in the summer. It’s a 2 bedroom 1 bathroom apartment inside a historical building called “Sagå på Rott”. Its stunning ocean views make for an amazing weekend getaway. It’s the perfect place to recharge and let yourself get inspired.

Nordvik farm has a place in our hearts and inspired us to design Nordvik Watches. If you have a look at the back of your Nordvik watch, you will find an engraving of the island, so you are always carrying a piece of Rott with you.