Ona is a tiny fishing village at the very edge of the Norwegian Sea, perched on a small island where the open Atlantic meets the coast. Ona fyr, the lighthouse, was built in 1867 and stands 14 metres tall on a cliff about 70 metres above sea level. It is one of the few round stone lighthouses in Norway, and it guided vessels through some of the country's most treacherous waters for over a century before being automated in 1972.
The village has only about 15 permanent residents today, down from several hundred during its fishing heyday. Despite the small population, the old fishing community has been remarkably well preserved. Several historic buildings now serve as galleries, a small museum, and seasonal accommodation. The island is also an important seabird habitat, and the surrounding waters are known for their rich marine life.
Getting to Ona is part of the experience. A car ferry runs from Småge, taking about 90 minutes with stops at Orten, Finnøya, and Sandøya before reaching Ona. Since the Nordøyvegen fixed link opened, you can also drive to Harøya and take a shorter ferry from Finnøy. There is no need to bring a car; the island is small enough to explore on foot in a couple of hours.
The village has only about 15 permanent residents today, down from several hundred during its fishing heyday. Despite the small population, the old fishing community has been remarkably well preserved. Several historic buildings now serve as galleries, a small museum, and seasonal accommodation. The island is also an important seabird habitat, and the surrounding waters are known for their rich marine life.
Getting to Ona is part of the experience. A car ferry runs from Småge, taking about 90 minutes with stops at Orten, Finnøya, and Sandøya before reaching Ona. Since the Nordøyvegen fixed link opened, you can also drive to Harøya and take a shorter ferry from Finnøy. There is no need to bring a car; the island is small enough to explore on foot in a couple of hours.
