History
Our history
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 it had then already 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 cought from the river with an average weight of six kilos. In addition to fishery, people lived by 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 a prison. This was ofen used as a drunk cell when things got out of hand on the market place on Saturday nights.
The industrialisation of Norway also affected Sogndalstrand. People moved to the cities and the herring disapeared, 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 today
Today there are about 80 people living in Sogndalstrand. Many of the old houses are used as holiday homes.
Today, the following establishments can be found in Sogndalstrand:
- Sogndalstrand kulturhotell
- Krambu Kafe
- Galleri Rosengren
- Kjelleren souvenir shop
- Bryggegalleriet
- Dalane Folkemuseeum, fishery and maritime museum
- Sogndalstrand Ampitheatre
- Dalane Golf Club
Sogndalstrand with its charming buildings and cultural landscape is protected by law by The Directorate for Cultural Heritage. There are wild sheep in the Strannaåsen territory. The Director General for cultural Heritage has called the town the finest cultural gem on the west coast. Today Sogndalstrand, in all its glory, has become a popular destination. The county governor in Rogaland has been in charge of an extensive lime treatment project in Sokndalvassdraget in the recent years. The result of this is that the river Sokna is once again rich with salmon.
Sogndalstrand is a popular and beautiful sight in calm and relaxing surroundings. In the summer of 2009, Sogndalstrand had 64 000 visitors, and the town’s popularity is increasing.
”We want to take care of the best in the past. Our general philosophy has been “skewed and original”, but with modern conveniences. We are always ready to receive our guests with a smile and warmth” says Eli and Jan Oddvar
We are a proud member of
De Historiske Hotel og Spisesteder – “Der din historie skapes”
De Historiske Hotel og Spisesteder is a unique member organization consisting of many of Norway’s most charming hotels and restaurants. A membership is considered a seal of quality 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 the Historic Hotels of Europe and the Historic Hotels of America, which are supported by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Read more at www.dehistoriske.no
With the past as a framework, we want to create new stories for our guests through exciting experiences. The hope is that these stories can continue to live on in the guests’ memory long after they return home.
Despite the fact that the members of De Historiske have individual characteristics and character, you will find several common features; a warm welcome, exciting history, decoration based on long traditions, good service, a friendly atmosphere and a high standard at all levels.
We represent much more than a good hotel bed and a good meal, first and foremost we represent a variety of experiences, both inside and outside.
Welcome to us in historic Sogndalstrand – a great place to be!