Israeli Businessman Eyal Almog Plans to Transform Ulvsnesøy Prison Island into Tourist Gem

Businessman Eyal Almog wants to turn Ulvsnesøy in Hordaland into a tourist gem.

The island of Ulvsnesøy in Hordaland is 94 acres in size and consists of several buildings, beaches and farms. Photo: Krogsveen Published:

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The 94-acre island, which previously went by the name “Fantøya”, was a closed prison island for almost 100 years. When the prison operation was decided to be discontinued in 2018, the island was bought by private owners.

Now the Israeli businessman Eyal Almog, who has been unknown until now, wants to turn the island into a tourist attraction, writes Bergens Tidende.

– In pearl

The 94-acre property was sold in the summer of 2019 to the company Ulvsnesøy AS for NOK 11.8 million – NOK 3.6 million above the asking price. The island consists of several buildings, swimming beaches and farms.

The Israeli businessman Eyal Almog (34) from Tel Aviv owns 95 percent of Ulvsnesøy AS through the company Ulvsnesøy Holding.

Read on E24+

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He informs BT that he wants to convert the former prison island into a tourist attraction in collaboration with the two other shareholders in the company, investors Rune Aasegg and Allan Freddy Karlsen.

In 2019, Aasegg and Karlsen took over the island from Stiftelsen Ulvsnesøy school home, and now hold 2.5 percent of the shares in the company.

– I want to turn the island into a tourist gem. The first time I visited the island I was surprised by the wonderful nature. I immediately thought that this was a gem that should be opened to the public, writes Almog in an email to BT.

Will build guest cabins and spa facilities

The new owner wants to convert the existing main building on the island into a hotel with an associated spa facility that will be open to everyone.

In addition, the developer wants to build 35 double guest cabins, which will be sold on the condition that they are rented back to the hotel during the tourist season.

“This will ensure visits to the island throughout the year, also outside the ‘normal’ tourist season”, writes managing director Hermann Hammer of Hammer Arkitekter on behalf of Ulvnesøy Holding in a letter to the municipality.

Prison Island

Ulvsnesøy has a long history. In older times, it was probably monastery property on the island. It was then a home for young boys who were described as “lying and thieving”.

The school home was established in 1881 and was supposed to be a “rescue and educational institution”.

The boys’ home was closed in 1981, and since then the Correctional Service has used the island as a prison.

Read on E24+

Broker tip for first-time buyers: – Hurry up!

2024-04-02 08:33:04


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