- the good life -
did you know? Sokndal was the first municipality in the Nordic countries to become a member of the International Cittaslow movement in 2003. The idea is to reduce the hustle and bustle and pace of everyday life and to make life quality and the good life a priority. There are no tourists in Sokndal, only guests. Why not visit one or more of the other Nordic Cittaslow municipalities Ulvik in Norway, Kristinestad in Finland, Svenborg and Mariager in Denmark and Djúpivogur at Iceland
Experiences
Norwegian scenic route Jæren
The North Sea Route to Sokndal from the north is part of Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren. The entire route runs from Bore in Jæren to Flekkefjord, via Eigersund and Sokndal. Several attractions are going to be established along the route
Hellerne and the Jøssingfjord
You’ll find Helleren and Jøssingfjord along the North Sea Route. Two old houses dating from the end of the 18th century, situated under an overhanging cliff. The Jøssingfjord is associated with the ‘Altmark/Cossack affair’ during World War II. There are many lovely, waymarked trails in the area. Jøssingfjord Science Museum highlights the connection between the area’s nature, people and technology, and sparks children and young people’s interest in science.
Unique cycling experience
If you’re doing the route by bike, you should definitely check out Norway’s only stopping place inside a mountain for cyclists, Jøssingfjord. It is possible to spend the night in a hammock inside the tunnel. A truly unique experience!
In the idyllic fishing village Nesvåg, you will find a museum, which has a collection of old boat engines, fishing equipment and maritime objects. It is possible to hire a rowing boat or go on a trip on a fishing vessel
Motorcenter Norway was established in 2021 with a 5,500 m2 go-cart and a racing track. This fantastic centre will host a range of yearly events and activities. www.motorcenternorway.no
SOKNDAL CHURCH Sokndal has a beautiful wooden church dating from 1803 with a 17th-century pulpit and altarpiece. Guided tours by arrangement, tel.: +47 51 47 70 03.
The Ruggesteienen Rocking Rock
Northern Europe’s biggest rocking rock, weighing approx. 74 tonnes, is found at Indre Åmodt. You can walk another 3 kilometres on the gravel path until you come to the abandoned Blåfjell mines.
Lille Presteskjær lighthouse is situated out at the ocean’s edge not far from Rekefjord. You can get there by boat or on the waymarked trail from Nordfjord. The islet itself on which the lighthouse is located is closed to free traffic.
At Rossland, you can experience The Fertility Cult, with its godhead, stone altar and early Iron-Age sacrificial vessel – approx. 2,000 years old.
Sogndalstrand
Sogndalstrand cultural environment was placed under a preservation order in 2005, the only town to have such status in Norway. Its wooden buildings date from the 18th and 19th centuries. Well-being, environment and culture. Culture hotel, traditional grocery shop, gallery, salmon river, fisheries museum, sculpture pier, outdoor stone amphitheatre, ocean rafting and golf. Guest quay and modern service building. Good walking in the area. Sogndalstrand is one of the most visited destinations in Rogaland.
Nature experiences
Unique opportunities for fishing in lakes, the sea and the Sokna salmon river. Visitors can go on fishing trips or try ribsafari. Modern guest quays at Rekefjord and at Sogndalstrand.
Linepollen is a great spot for swimming and enjoying the great outdoors, and is only a short distance from the administrative centre of the municipality. The beautiful swimming area Hammerhølen by The North sea route in Åna-Sira.
Åmodtshytto cabin, situated on Åmodtsfjellet, is one of the many day trip cabins in Rogaland.
Great walking on a range of waymarked trails, see Facebook – Opplev Sokndal. Hire a bike in Sogndalstrand and cycle around Sokndal. Sokndal is part of Magma Unesco Global Geopark, www.magmageopark.com.
Eating out There are lots of great places to eat, at cafés in the town centre as well as restaurants and cafés in Sogndalstrand.
Shopping Charming shops in Hauge i Dalane and in Sogndalstrand, offer good service and a pleasant experience. Accomodation In Sokndal, you can stay in a hotel in unique Sogndalstrand or campingsite. If you would like to spend a night in very special accomodation, you can try hammocks at the picnic spot in the Jøssingfjord tunnel.
What´s on
Last weekend of May: Sokndalsdagene. Lively local festival featuring shopping and entertainment.
Summer: Concerts at Sogndalstrand Amfi.
Kjærlighedsvego love week in week 39
Complete list at www.sokndal.kommune.no
Tourist information Gamleveien 20, 4380 Hauge i Dalane Tel.: +47 51 47 06 00 postmottak@sokndal.kommune.no Information can also be obtained at Joker Supermarked in Åna-Sira, Jøssingfjord Science Museum, Sogndalstrand Kulturhotell, YX Sokndal and Bakkaåno Camping & Gjestegard