Utstein Abbey (Utstein Kloster in Norwegian) is Norway's best-preserved medieval monastery. It can be reached in 30 minutes by car from Stavanger city. It is located on the beautiful island of Mosterøy. The road itself is very picturesque. Harald Fairhair (the first King of Norway) had his royal estate here. Utstein appears in historical sources as a royal estate for Harald Fairhair after the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872. The monastery has been built since the 1260s, but it is possible that some parts of the building date from the earlier royal period. The church is unique in Norway with a tower located between the choir and the nave (naos). In the Middle Ages, it was a monastery for Augustinian monks. In the 1700s it was the residence of the bailiff. (Bailiff = kind of officer, similar to a sheriff, a person charged with local administrative authority, or the chief magistrate in certain towns.) Today the Utstein Monastery is operated as a museum, conference venue and concert arena. Worth a visit. If you compare it with a dome in Italy, you definitely don't give it 5 stars, but considering its age, history and what Norway offers as architecture, it deserves 5 stars. NOTES : The people who sell the entrance tickets work voluntarily. There is a space that offers coffee, local pastries... something to eat/bite.

Unfortunately we were there outside opening hours, parking available, small shop and clean toilets on site.

The monastery in Ryfylke

Utstein kloster er Norges eneste bevarte middelalderkloster, beliggende i nydelige omgivelser på Mosterøy i Rennesøy kommune. Her hadde Harald Hårfagre sin kongsgård. I middelalderen var det kloster for augustinermunker og seinere fogde gård på 1700-tallet. Klosteret ble bygd fra 1260-årene, men det er mulig at noen bygningsdeler er eldre og skriver seg fra et tidligere kongsgård anlegg. Kirken er enestående i sitt slag i Norge, med tårnet plassert midt mellom kor og skip. Utstein Monastary is mentioned in historical records going back to the 9th century, when it was cited as King Harald Fairhair´s garrison after the Battle of Hafrsfjord where Norway was unified under one monarch. Construction of the Monastary started in about 1260, although some parts may be older and may date from earlier royal farm on the site. The Church is unique in Norway with its tower situated centrally between chancel and nave. Norway’s only preserved medieval monastery Utstein Monastery is Norway’s only preserved medieval monastery. It lies in beautiful surroundings on the island of Mosterøy, a 30 minutes drive from Stavanger. The monastery is today a museum. The site of Utstein Monastery is mentioned in historical records dating back to the Eleventh Century, when it was mentioned as having been a farm belonging to King Harald Fairhair after the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872. Construction of the monastery started in about 1260, although some parts may be older and may date from the earlier royal farm on the site. The church is unique in Norway, with its tower situated centrally between chancel and nave. The Augustinians lived a pious life. Discipline was strict, with regular prayer, scripture reading and mases. Probably not more than 12 Augustinians lived at the monastery, but there certainly would have been many servants who did the farming, built buildings and prepared food. The monastery owned a considerable amount of land and was wealthy enough to support 250 people year-round.

Great place with a lot of history in the walls. Would reccomend a visit if you're close by. The runes on the left side of the wall says Pray for Ragnar soul. The experts say there's one fake and one original version of the same phrase.

A very idyllic place. In addition to visiting the old monastery, you can take a short break on the benches by the water and enjoy the view. Unfortunately, not all exhibits in the monastery are explained in English but only in Norwegian.

A wonderful place for reflection and contemplation. We were lucky enough to be able to enjoy a choir concert there. Unforgettable. 😀

Nice place to visit. Entrance fee around 120 Nok. The church is very cute and they have some very well preserved furniture. You get a discount for Stavanger museum.

Beautiful setting and peaceful. On a ship's tour from Stravanger when we were treated to a short talk on the history of the Kloster and an organ recital.

Very relaxing museum to visit. You can explore the abby grounds, even behind closed doors. The stone walls give a sense that they have been there forever.

Friendly staff. A place with charisma. The entrance fee seems a little bit high to me. But you can save 50 % if you were in another museum within the Stavanger area the past 48 hours ago an can show the tickets.

Utstein Abbey and surrounding landscape is well worth the short drive from Stavanger. Still a working farm to this day, it is run by the 11th generation of the family. They restored the old boathouse and have opened a small shop that sells fantastic local products.

Incredibly nice place to relax. Wonderful building and patios to look at. Recommended the warmest to everyone in the whole world!

The name monastery is rather misleading. This building was only a monastery for 300 years. Previously it was the seat of King Harald Fairhair and then an estate. If you're really interested, you should get a guide.

A beautiful monastery. It's such a beautiful place .Highly recommended

This was a fantastic experience! The place was very well refurbished, enhancing the old and traditional, but managed to keep it authentic! The farm shop was a must see! It was one of the Mies van der Rohe contestants, and with some high quality local products for sale. The farmers, and owners, are the most lovely people you will meet!

The place is breathtaking; a beautiful place with a rich history. I wouldn't tire from going back over and over again.

Ancient monastery in Norway. Easy trip from Stavanger. Photos will follow.

Gorgeous medieval monastery placed by the sea in a beautiful pastoral landscape. The church is small and simple but beautiful. Several cultural events are held here.

A great place! Apparently you can also rent an area directly below the monastery for private parties. Very quiet. Unfortunately in the low season, from September 1st it is only open for viewing on Sunday afternoons.

A truly beautiful place with a magical musical recital. Well with the trip!

A very peaceful, significant historical landmark nestled in a very intense landscape. Very nice and inviting people here. Well worth the visit!

Nice place to visit. Interesting history.