Sogndalstrand - Fjord Norway

National Heritage

Sogndalstrand is one of the most popular destinations in Rogaland, and the only village in Norway where both the wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries, as well as the surrounding cultural landscape are protected by the National Heritage Board. Sogndalstrand is a former trading town and was its own municipality until 1944. As trading town, had the privilege of conducting trade, importing and exporting goods.

Heyday in the 19th century

The city's heyday was in the 19th century, when 20 shops, four bakeries, two liquor outlets and four pubs were operated in Sogndalstrand. Here was also a customs station, bank, spinning mill, sailing ship park and its own prison, which was often used as a drunken arrest after Saturday's excesses in the square. Today there is a bar in the prison. Throughout the 20th century, when industrialization hit Norway, the road took over the role that the sea previously had had. The main traffic lane and shopping center were moved from Sogndalstrand to the municipal center Hauge in Dalane, people moved and shops were closed.

Tourism development booming

The place has had a strong upswing in recent years after the National Heritage Board protected the city and the cultural hotel was established. Thereafter, a gallery, a golf course, a country store, an outdoor amphitheater, a sculpture pier, sea rafting and a fishing museum have been established. In the summer there are concerts and / or outdoor theater in Sogndalstrand Amfi. Lakseelva Sokna has its outlet at Sogndalstrand, and is popular for fishing.

Cittaslow

Sokndal municipality is the first municipality in Norway to join the Cittaslow movement. The membership here means that you take care of what characterizes the municipality and focus on the local and unique. The main purpose of Cittaslow is to improve the quality of life for its inhabitants and create an identity for the place. Every autumn, the week of love, «Kjærlighedsvego» is arranged. The idea behind the week is to show care and take good care of each other. Visitors are not seen as tourists, but as guests.

Explore Edge of Norway™ with urban Stavanger, countless surrounding islands, Sandnes with the famous mountain top Kjerag, long-stretched beaches along the Norwegian Scenic route Jæren, mountains and fjords, lunar landscapes in Magma UNESCO Global Geopark or the winter paradise Sirdal.

Useful links

Magma UNESCO Global Geopark

Embark on an inspiring voyage of exploration through the one-of-a-kind lunar terrain found within the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark. This park holds the prestigious UNESCO recognition, inviting you to join us on an adventure like no other.

Husene under helleren og litt av fjorden Jøssingfjord til venstre.

Jøssingfjorden

The Jøssingfjord in Sokndal, surrounded by Magma UNESCO Global Geopark land, is mostly known for the two small houses from the 1800s which are protected by a natural mountain shelter.

Egersund

Experience the historical town of Egersund: A cosy town filled with wooden houses and a beautiful centre with restaurants, cafes and niche shops. All this and more only an hour from Stavanger.

Dirdal

At the end of the Høgsfjord lies the valley Dirdal, which stretches upwards towards Gilja and further towards Byrkjedal. The name Dirdal comes from old Norse 'Digradal', and means 'the big valley'.

See all attractions in The Stavanger region

Holiday trips for Sogndalstrand and Dalane

Explore more adventures in the region.

Explore lunar landscapes in a UNESCO Global Geopark

Walk on the moon, enjoy that rush of adrenaline on a climbing adventure, or enjoy the slow life in a historical village. Magma UNESCO Global Geopark is a landscape with extraordinary geology. The area offers nature hikes and special rock formations, but also small-town charm, climbing routes and exciting stories.

The culinary route - a round trip in the south of Fjord Norway

This round trip focuses on locally produced food and accommodation in hotels part of the Historic Hotels & Restaurants. You sleep in rooms where history would come to life if walls could talk, and you could eat at everything from MICHELIN star restaurants to high-quality traditional restaurants.

Hidden gems in the Stavanger region

In search of new places of excursions? Our region offers countless naturally beautiful recreational areas with walking and hiking opportunities - far from the big tourist crowds.

Explore Dalane!

Don't miss these places.

Helleren and Jøssingfjord

Perhaps you have driven past these, or seen a picture of these two little houses under Helleren in Jøssingfjord. If you drive along the North Sea Route, you can see them from the RV44 somewhere between Egersund and Flekkefjord.

Nesvåg

Nesvåg is an old fishing village with a listed row of sea-houses.

Nesvåghålo

The (almost) untouched tourist gem Nesvåghålo.

Migaren - Via Ferrata in Magma UNESCO Global Geopark

Migaren is a 400-meter-long Via Ferrata that winds along the rock face and through a waterfall in the Jøssingfjord.

Play with clay at Egersund Fayancemuseum

Egersund Fayancemuseum conveys the history of Egersunds Fayancefabrik (1847-1979). The factory made a variety of products from clay, such as cups and vessels, vases, and ornaments. If you and your family want to make something out of clay, you can book the activity "Play with clay".

Roundtrip by bike from Egersund

This roundtrip is 35 km long and a bit more challenging. One of the first sections of the trip is rather steep and the total elevation is 700 metres. The route is mainly covered in asphalt but includes a minor section of gravel road.

Lindøy Batteri in Egersund

Lindøy Batteri, one of Egersund's hidden gems! This historic coastal fortress from the 1500s was built during the reign of King Christian IV and today stands as a testament to the defence and seafaring of the past.

Egersund, the colourful wooden town

Experience the historic town of Egersund: A cosy town filled with historic wooden houses and a beautiful centre with many restaurants, cafes and niche shops.

Boat trip at the Ørsdalsvatnet lake

The largest lake in Bjerkreim municipality is this 17-kilometre-long lake; Ørsdalsvatnet. The lake and surrounding nature can best be experienced by going on a boat trip with M/K Ørsdølen on Sundays in summer.

Mysinghålå

Mysinghålå is located at Mysingheia, Helleland, approx. 12 km from the center of Egersund. There is a good 10 km marked walking path here. Mysinghålå was the base for the Vestige IV under Sergeant Alf Aakre during World War II. The cave was equipped with an oven, bunks, tables and a window. The Germans never found this hiding place. You can walk a further 2 km to Hestadfjellet where a plane pulling a glider went down during World War II. This plane was involved in Operation Freshman and sabotage of the heavy water production at Vemork. This is a great area for recreation, and for those interested in aviation, war and cultural history. The road to Mysinghålå is clearly marked today. From E39, follow the road to Mysing and the marked trail from the parking place. It is an approx. 40 min walk at a leasurely pace.

Bike tour from Egersund to Hestnes

Experience coastal nature, culture and an authentic south-western Norwegian atmosphere on a bike ride from Egersund to Hestnes – where the North Sea meets the cultural landscape.

The Dragon Egg at Eigerøy

Drageegget (the Dragon Egg) is a fascinating natural phenomenon in Egersund. Along the coast of northern Eigerøy in Egersund lies a unique geological wonder – locally known as Drageegget.

All activities related to Sogndalstrand

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

Getting to and around the Stavanger region See the map

Find somewhere to stay in Dalane

Camping or hotel?

Sogndalstrand Kulturhotell

Sogndalstrand was originally an old rest stop from the sailing ship era. In this idyllic environment, you will find Sogndalstrand Kulturhotell in a newly restored wooden suit from the 19th century. Here, travellers are received with warmth and great hospitality.

Bakkaåno Camping & Gjestegard

Bakkaåno Camping & Guestfarm is located in Sokndal between Flekkefjord and Egersund along the North Sea Route (halfway between Kristiansand and Stavanger).

Motorhome parking in Sokndal

A motorhome holiday in Norway can be great! Especially if you find these secluded places to park. Such as here, in Sokndal, close to the spectacular salmon river Sokndalselva.