Living on Kvitsøy: “It feels like winning the lottery”

Kvitsøy has just 523 residents (2023), and the Rogfast project has definitely made the island busier. Lisbeth grew up on Kvitsøy and recalls how her father, a member of the municipal council, participated in the first political decisions about the tunnel.

“For me, it’s quite special to work on the project that has been part of my life since childhood,” she says.

Janne, a HSE engineer in Implenia, sees both advantages and disadvantages to what’s coming:

“The socializing on the ferry to the mainland will probably disappear. Many informal chats and small meetings happened there. On the other hand, we will have completely new opportunities to participate in activities and services on the mainland.”

Rainer, now responsible for light vehicle maintenance on the project, agrees:

“It’s going to be really exciting. The social aspect of the ferry will probably disappear, but it’s amazing to be able to reach the city in 25 minutes while still living in such a beautiful place.”

“I told Lisbeth when I got the job: it feels like winning the lottery!” Rainer smiles. He lives five minutes from work – a huge benefit after many years of commuting to Stavanger.

When Rainer moved from Germany to Kvitsøy in 2015, it took some time to get to know people in the small island community. Over time, he became well integrated and even met his wife there. Today, they live on the island with their three children.

“Life on the island works really well now,” he says.

Janne highlights how welcoming the local community was when her family moved there almost ten years ago:

“We got a kindergarten spot immediately. That would have been impossible in Stavanger at the time. The municipality has been fantastic in terms of support and follow-up.”

For Lisbeth, Rainer, and Janne, living on Kvitsøy means a short commute and more time with family:

“Now it’s five minutes to work. Before, it was several hours of commuting. I have much more time for the kids, and daily life is less stressful,” says Rainer.

All three highlight the working environment at Implenia, where the distance between leadership and employees feels short:

“People are approachable, whether they work down in the tunnel or in project management. It’s easy to start a conversation,” says Janne, who has also used her expertise to establish a first-aid room on the site.

Lisbeth adds: “It’s interesting to see how different work cultures meet. Office staff and field workers are quite different, but out here, you get to know each other in a new way. On an island, people bond more closely.”

The social life doesn’t stop when the workday ends. Janne and Lisbeth have organized dock dances, Oktoberfest, and charity runs.

“We do things together, both with locals and Implenia colleagues. It gives us the best of both worlds,” says Lisbeth.

Rainer nods: “It’s unusual to live and work in such a small place, but it’s also great. You know everyone, and nature is right outside your door.”

For Janne, Rainer, and Lisbeth, Kvitsøy is more than a workplace – it’s home. With Rogfast on the way, they foresee a future with an easier everyday life, while hoping that the island’s sense of community remains.

“Living on Kvitsøy means being close to nature, people, and work. It’s a small place, but with a big heart,” sums up Janne.