Three Historic Wooden Towns

Step into Egersund, one of Norway’s best-preserved wooden towns. Wander through narrow streets lined with colourful houses in soft, earthy tones – each corner telling stories from centuries past. Fires and rebuildings have left a fascinating mix of styles, from the medieval charm of Hauen to the elegant late-Empire façades of Strandgaten. Look closer and you’ll find living history: join a local guide to uncover secrets hidden in the walls, or explore at your own pace along the cultural trail.

• Step inside the Faience Museum and discover how Egersund pottery once travelled across Europe.
• Taste today’s Egersund at the local brewery and distillery – book a session and sample beer, whiskey, and gin crafted by passionate storytellers.
• Stay overnight at Grand Hotel Egersund, a historic hotel with 101 rooms, and enjoy dinner before an evening stroll along the harbour – one of Norway’s busiest fishing ports.
• Hike to the famous Troll Dick viewpoint – the trail starts less than 10 minutes’ drive from town.

Step into Sogndalstrand, a protected tiny town where time seems to stand still. Tucked between river and sea, this former trading post is now a living piece of history, with weathered sea houses and wooden homes standing as they did centuries ago. Look closer and you’ll find more than heritage: art galleries, small shops, and locals who keep the town’s spirit alive. On summer evenings, concerts and open-air theatre fill the natural amphitheatre, echoing against the sea cliffs.

• Stay at Sogndalstrand Kulturhotell, where each room is part of the town’s story, and dine with the river flowing just outside your window.
• Majestic Jøssingfjord, with the old houses beneath Helleren, is only a 10-minute drive away – a dramatic detour you won’t want to miss. A journey through wooden history, framed by the sound of waves and the tranquillity of Norway’s rugged coast.

Step into The Dutch Town, Flekkefjord’s historic quarter shaped by centuries of trade with the Netherlands. Stroll through narrow streets lined with white wooden houses, where merchant and shipowner history is carved into timber façades and cobblestones. Look closer and discover a modern twist: more than 40 vibrant murals turning the old town into an open-air gallery. Heritage meets contemporary art in every corner.

• Book a city walk and visit the museum in a merchant’s home from 1724.
• Ride a rail-bike through tunnels and fjord landscapes on the old Flekkefjord railway.
• Explore the island gem Hidra on a rented e-bike – a scenic ride through islands and coastal landscapes.
• Enjoy a private sauna at Grønnes – a unique experience by the sea, perfect for relaxation after a day of exploring.
• As evening falls, enjoy dinner by the canal and stay at Grand Hotel Flekkefjord or Maritim Fjordhotell – the perfect ending to a day by the water.