A 40-year love affair with Karmøy

Childhood memories from the sea gap on Karmøy

From the age of 2, they spent every summer at the Sandhåland campsite in a charming cabin with a panoramic view of the sea. Every year, four weeks were filled with fishing trips, seafood in the sea gap, trips to Skudeneshavn and shopping trips to Haugesund. A lot has changed since Sven was a child, but some things are still as he remembers.

"The surroundings are still fantastic! You get close to nature and you can still feel the wind, hear the waves and experience magical sunsets here,’ says Wagner.

Back to experience the Panoramahyttene

Throughout his childhood, Sven and his family were hosted by the campsite's owner at the time, Håkon. From an early age, he shared his vision for the site, where he wanted to build cabins on the edge of the cliffs so that more people could experience this magical place. Last year, his vision came true when his grandson realised his dream and built 3 cabins in the sea gap; Panoramahyttene.

A lifelong vision was realised, and the opportunity to get even closer to the spectacular landscape, which Sven remembers from his childhood, could not be passed up. Sven and his wife spent several days in the Håkon cabin, which is named after the site's former owner.

"The cabins are so comfortable and luxurious. Even though they are small in size, you have everything you need here. We forget both time and place, and just sit and enjoy the view. The changing light, the weather and the sound of the sea. The weather changes here mean that the island of Utsira suddenly disappears for us on the horizon, before we suddenly see the island again,’ says Sven.

"We're not used to this kind of landscape from Germany. That's what's so magical about this place,’ adds his wife Kathrin.

A sea of experiences nearby

It's not just Sandhåland and the Panorama cabins that attract Sven and his wife to Karmøy. If you're interested in history, there's plenty to experience in this part of Norway. Avaldsnes and Viking history, the Visnes Mining Museum and Syreneset Fort are places they have visited during their trip.

The love story continues

Sandhåland and Karmøy continue to fill the memory book of Sven and his family. Childhood memories and new memories created in adulthood he takes with him, with the aim of creating even more from this place he holds so dear. He has visited many beautiful places in Norway, but is constantly drawn back to Karmøy.

And Sven is clear about one thing: more people should visit Karmøy and the surrounding area to experience the fantastic landscape, people, stories and attractions that exist here. This love story is not likely to end, his relationship with Karmøy will last for many more years, and he is happy to share it with others!