As we arrive to Iglandsvik, the water becomes saltier, and the fishing huts line up in the harbor. The brothers Trond and Jon-Roar meet us at the quay. They tell us that the house Reidarbua was moved from Fanøya to Iglandsvik, where it stands today, in 1928. Even today, the bua is used as a base for fishermen, and the ground floor of the house consists of fishing sheds. When you stay here, you find yourself in the midst of a lively fishing operation, right by the fjord. This is not a place where tourism takes center stage; instead, you are invited to experience daily life in the Norwegian island world.
Upstairs is Reidarbua's pod department. It's a hostel where you share a kitchen, bathroom, and common areas and get the chance to get to know other travelers - but you sleep in your own little boathouse!
At the top floor there are two large, modern apartments. On the quay stands a food truck, Vivi's Matglede. She cooks fish and chips and fish soup for us. The hospitality at Reidarbua is great, and the children are invited to help with the work on the pier.
In the afternoon, Trond and Jon-Roar take us on a boat trip. We see eagles, seals, puffins - and mountain goats. The crab traps are emptied into buckets, and our daughter throws back the smallest crabs and the starfish that have accidentally been caught. Once ashore, the families gather on the beach, and water is boiled in a large pot. Few things beat the simplicity of bread, mayonnaise, and freshly cooked crab.
