There are remains of the medieval Tuterø Abbey, a Cistercian monastery, that was established here in 1207 and dissolved during the Protestant Reformation.

The monastery was placed strategically, very close to the Frostating assembly site—the central law-making institution in this region of Norway.

In 2003, Queen Sonja laid the cornerstone of Tautra Abbey, a new Cistercian nunnery on the island.

A large part of the island and its surrounding water is designated as protected under the Ramsar Convention due to the rich bird life in the area.

Now, there are organized professional guided tours for bird watching as well as about the nature and history on Tautra.