The small island community of Fedje on the west coast of Norway has only 530 permanent residents. However, there is a distillery – and plans for a new hotel.
The island is accessible only by small boat or ferry. It’s only a couple of hours’ beautiful journey from Bergen, but nevertheless off the beaten track. The population has halved since the 1950s. As jobs in fishing and fish processing disappeared, people lost their livelihoods.
Younger people left Fedje, leaving an aging population. But now the distillery, a group of nine women investors, and plans for the new hotel have blown a new wind of optimism across the island.
*****************************
Related: The Islands Off Bergen
*****************************
An island community threatened by depopulation can now have the confidence to face a future on the island they love. Feddie Ocean Distillery and the people of Fedje are embarking on a new adventure. They have the sea and their gorgeous surroundings as a playground, a spectacular hotel, designed by Saunders Architecture, on its way, climate-positive ambitions, and good values.
A Small Norwegian Island with a Distillery and a Hotel – Credits: Todd Saunders with Ryan Jorgensen and Éva Baráth. Visualization: Mir.