Flekkefjord has been a landing place for ships for centuries, and the first mention of the town is from 1580. In the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries, there was extensive trade between Holland and the south coast of Norway. The Dutch began to come to Flekkefjord and the district Hollenderbyen is named after the many Dutch settlers.
Latitude: 59.4 degrees north
Population: 13,409
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: October
Windiest Month: January
Annual precipitation: 1155mm a year
Flekkefjord Municipality
Here are some things that you must do and try in Flekkefjord
The Dutch Quarter is where Dutch people settled during the height of the trading period. Today it is a charming area with wooden houses and some nice cafes or small boutique shops. There is also some street art in this area.
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Flekkefjord
Seek out the many street-art murals scattered around town, especially in Hollenderbyen. These large-scale artworks (part of the ) add a modern twist to the heritage buildings and are a fun, free outdoor gallery.
Visit the local history museum housed in a restored 1724 merchant’s house in Hollenderbyen. It showcases the town’s heritage (trade, shipping, fishing) and often features cultural exhibits. The museum run guided city walks in summer (book via the museum), which explain Flekkefjord’s merchant history and Dutch connections. Don’t miss the attached Krambua café (c. 1828) for coffee, ice-cream and museum souvenirs.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
A popular hike is to the horizontal potholes at Brufjell. They were created during the Ice Age around 20,000 years ago when the sea level was higher. The mountains are located in Åna-Sira, a small village just outside Flekkefjord.
The Flekkefjord Line is a 17km branch of the abandoned Sørland railway. Here you can rent rail bikes (dresins) and cycle the stretch that is not in use by the railway.
Take the short ferry (7 min) to Hidra, Flekkefjord’s nearby island “gem”. Hidra’s two tiny fishing villages (Rasvåg and Kirkehamn) have charming white houses and harbours. From here, striking coastal hikes lead up forested hills along rugged cliffs with views over the archipelago. In summer, you can swim or kayak in the clear skerries, while winter outings include birdwatching and quiet woodland walks.
A moderate 4.4 km forest hike to a 270 m hilltop overlooking Flekkefjord town and fjord. Starting near the Loga-Døsen area, the trail climbs steadily (314 m ascent) to a rocky viewpoint. On a clear day, you see the fjord mouth and islands. Good for intermediate hikers.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Flekkefjord.
The E39 from Kristiansand covers the south-western coast of Norway, passing the southernmost tip and then continuing along some important coastal cities.
Follow this scenic drive that includes the Jæren Tourist Road.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Flekkefjord
Flekkefjord is first mentioned in historic documents in 1580, but it was already a place then. The town is also mentioned in reference to King James VI of Scotland, who in 1589 landed at Flekkefjord before travelling to Oslo to marry Princess Anne of Denmark.
When the southern city of Kristiansand was founded in 1641, King Christian IV wanted to ensure the economic survival of the new city by forcing the Flekkefjord residents there. Many did, but not all of them and the remaining residents continued to trade. By 1660, Flekkefjord got trading rights.
The major trading partner with Flekkefjord has always been the Dutch, and this shared history goes back hundreds of years. The first major export from Flekkefjord was stone thanks to the large amounts of stone on this part of the coast. In 1736, over 300 ships were reported to have exported stones from Flekkefjord. In the late-18th century, Flekkefjord was the most important export harbour for herring.
After the war, timber export became important and most houses in Amsterdam from the 19th century are resting on timber foundations from the Flekkefjord region.
Today Flekkefjord is an important hub for south-west Norway and has a hospital.
Fly: The nearest airports are Stavanger (Sola) and Kristiansand (Kjevik), each about a 2-hour drive or bus ride from Flekkefjord. You can take a regional bus from either airport to Flekkefjord (daily departures).
Drive: Flekkefjord is located on the E39 highway that goes between Kristiansand and Stavanger (and onwards to Bergen and Trondheim)
Train: Flekkefjord has no station, but you can ride Norway’s Sørlandsbanen to Sira or Moi (about 30 km east). A local bus or taxi connects to Flekkefjord (roughly 30 min) from those stations. The train trip from Oslo or Stavanger along the south coast is very scenic.
Ferry: No ferry access.
Flekkefjord is a small town and easily accessible on foot.
Flekkefjord’s Hollenderbyen is home to specialty shops and galleries. Here you’ll find “niche” stores selling Nordic design, art and crafts. For example, Fint Hjem offers home décor and gifts, LilleBille has fashionable clothing and knick-knacks, and small art shops carry paintings by local artists. Strolling these lanes is a highlight – many owners are happy to chat about their crafts.
The town has several shops selling regional treats. The Flekkefjord Museum’s Krambua shop stocks local delicacies – you can buy Sirdal Blåneis (ice cream) and chocolate truffles from Egersund there. Nearby you’ll also find smoked-fish shops, Norwegian knitwear, local honey and berry jam outlets.
Cafes & Bakeries
Tollboden Bakeri is famous for their woodfire oven pizzas.
Kaffebørsen is a nice café located in the harbour area.
Casual Eateries
For lunch or dinner, diners enjoy places like Promenade Restaurant (Maritim Fjordhotel’s bistro, with fjord views and seafood specials), Tango Bar & Kitchen (modern grill & tapas-style dishes), and India Wala (authentic Indian curries). There are also pizzerias, burger bars and noodle shops for quick, relaxed meals. Many restaurants use locally sourced ingredients (seafood, lamb, berries).
High End & Unique Eats
Central Bybryggeri is Flekkefjord’s first and only brewery. It is a brewpub with local beer, wine, cocktails and snacks.
For a special meal, Grand Gastro (in the Grand Hotel) offers upscale dining with a focus on fresh Southern Norwegian cuisine (small menu of gourmet dishes). Another is 2nd Floor Restaurant at Maritim Hotel, which serves creative Norwegian plates in a stylish setting with panoramic views. These upscale venues feature local ingredients prepared with modern flair.
Camping
Egenes Camping (Selandsvegen) is the largest campground (180+ plots). It has cabins/huts, tent/caravan sites, a playground and beach area, plus a café-bar. It’s set in a quiet, forested spot by a lake, great for families and nature lovers. Other options include small island campsites on Hidra and Andabeløya for a more rustic experience.
Click here to view rates & book
Cabins & B&Bs
Kongshamn Gjestgiveri guesthouse is a historic home that has been transformed into a guesthouse.
Chains & Mid-Range
The Maritime Fjordhotel is a reasonably priced place to stay.
High End & Unique Properties
The Grand Hotel Flekkefjord is a Swiss style building from the late 19th century and it’s the towns historic hotel.
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