Sogndalstrand

How to get there

From Egersund, follow signs to Sokndalstrand, southbound on the RV 44.

Special conditions:

• Park at the parking place and show respect for private land.
• Dogs have to be on leash.
• Leave nothing but footprints!

Culture and history

Sogndalstrand in the old days

As early as the 1660s Sogndalstrand is mentioned as one of the most important small towns in Norway. In 1858 the town became a separate municipality, and already then it had trading rights for centuries. In 1944 the town joined the rural parish in forming one municipality, namely Sokndal Kommune. In 1863 the town had over 500 inhabitants.

Fishery was vital for this coastal town. In 1886, 763 salmon were caught from the river with an average weight of six kilos. In addition to fishery, people lived from trade, shipping, and agriculture. In the 1870s there were 20 shops, four bakeries, two spirits’ shops and four pubs. There was also a customs office, a bank, a spinning mill, a sail port, a post office, a midwife, a bailiff, and even it’s own prison. This was often used as a drunk cell when things got out of control in the marketplace on Saturday nights.

The industrialization of Norway also affected Sogndalstrand. People moved to the cities and the herring disappeared, which caused difficulties for the fishermen. The shops closed, one after the other, and Sogndalstrand was gradually becoming a ghost town. The houses decayed and the last shop was closed in 1994.

Sogndalstrand – from the 1990s until today

The whole village was eventually overdue. However, Eli and Jan Oddvar Omdal became interested in Sogndalstrand, and in 1994 they rented “Krambua” (from 1862) and started with Krambukafe, as an idealistic dedication effort to focus on this unique settlement.

The hotel started as a single building of the old “Skredderhuset” (from 1831), and today Sogndalstrand Culture Hotel consists of 10 different buildings, which accommodate both private and conference rooms with a view directly to the salmon river Sokna; a restaurant focusing on short-travelled and homemade food and a pub in the old prison. The oldest house is from 1831 and all rooms are unique.

The settlement in Sogndalstrand has been conserved since 1994 – along with the cultural landscape around. The Riksantikvaren has called the place the “Røros of the coast”.

The Historic Hotel and Eateries – “Where your story is created”

‘De Historiske’ is a unique member organization consisting of many of Norway’s most charming, historic and authentic hotels and eateries.

A membership is considered as a quality mark for the company, but at the same time sets requirements and expectations for quality, architecture and preservation of historical values. The organization is internationally anchored through Historic Hotels of Europe and Historic Hotels of America, supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.