Drive it Yourself: Egersund to Dalen
Explore hidden valleys and high peaks when driving between two of the most attractive towns in Southern Norway.
Egersund is one of the most charming towns on Norway’s south coast. It’s historic town centre is worth walking through, and it has a number of charming shops and cafes.
Latitude: 58.2 degrees north
Population: 11,511
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: December
Windiest Month: October
Annual Precipitation: 2108mm
Eigersund Municipality
Here are some things that you must do and try in Egersund
Egersund’s historic town centre has some charming wooden houses. Many of them are on the main street, Strandgaten.
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Egersund
Located nearby in idyllic Sogndalsstrand, this regional museum showcases local history and culture, including coastal fishing and farms. t’s set in a scenic village of old wooden houses.
Located just outside the town centre, this museum is about the Egersund pottery factory that was established here in the mid-19th century. The museum even sells some of the original ceramics.
There has been a church here since at least 1292, though the current church is from the 1620s.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
A short drive/boat trip to Eigerøya brings you to this 1853–54 cast-iron lighthouse (one of Europe’s most powerful), which has housed a vital coastal light since the 19th century. Enjoy views of roaring North Sea waves.
A quirky geological “phallic” landmark hidden in Geoparken hills north of town. An easy marked hike (≈2 km one way) leads through grassy, boulder-dotted terrain. This unusual attraction (restored after a 2017 vandalism) is fun for all ages.
This former narrow-gauge line (1870s) is now a flat hiking/biking trail linking Egersund to Hellvik (≈8–12 km one way). It winds through heather, conifer forest and ponds with great coastal views. There are picnic spots and old stations (stop at Maurholen station café if going one way). The trail is open year-round, even in winter
Visit the Vardberg Whisky Hall on Jernbaneveien for guided tours and local gin, whisky and aquavit tastings. Learn how craft spirits are distilled and aged, then sample award-winning products.
Drop in at the Egersund Chokoladefabrik on Storgaten – a tiny shop café where they make chocolates and gelato on site. It’s a hit with kids (giant hot chocolate drinks!) and adults alike. Pick up bars of their handmade chocolate to take home.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Egersund
Follow this scenic drive that includes the Jæren Tourist Road.
We currently do not have any self-guided walks available in Egersund
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Egersund
Egersund was an important port and had dense settlement already in the Viking Age. Egersund is also believed to be an important place for pagan worship. The name (from Old Norse Eikundarsund) is ancient, and the town served as a coastal trading port long before medieval times.
Egersund didn’t receive city status until 1798, when it received trading rights and was able to build a customs station.
In the 19th century, it grew rapidly: a massive fire in 1843 destroyed much of the wooden town, leading to a redesigned street plan. In 1847, the Egersund Potteries (Fayancefabrikk) was founded by Johan Feyer, and for 132 years it made earthenware that was used all over Norway.
The railway arrived in 1878 (linking Egersund with Stavanger), and in 1905 the town got electric lights. During WWII the Germans occupied Egersund for its strategic harbour and telegraph station. After the war the town expanded; in 1965 it merged with the larger Eigersund municipality (the name “Egersund” remained for the town).
Egersund has one of Norway’s better natural harbours and is one of Norway’s largest fishing ports in terms of quantity of fish landing here. Ceramics is still an important industry for Egersund.
Fly: No airport. The closest airport is at Stavanger.
Drive: Egersund is located just off the E39 running along the west coast of Norway. It is also the end point of the Jaeren Tourist Road, one of Norway’s 18 national tourist roads.
Train:Egersund Station lies on the Sørlandet Line. Regular local trains link to Stavanger (≈75 km north) in about 1–1½ hours. Direct trains run further south to Kristiansand/Oslo. The station is in town centre, so you can walk to your hotel or café right from the platform.
Ferry: No ferry access
Egersund is walkable.
Auduns Antikk is an awesome antique shop with many Norwegian treasures. It’s a good place to find vintage Egersund ceramics.
Cafes & Bakeries
Egersund Chocolate Shop is a must!
Mocca Kaffebar – a cosy downtown coffee house (good brews, sandwiches and cakes). iL Gelato – artisan ice-cream and gelato spot on the harbour.
Andersens Biograf – a quirky café in an old cinema building, with homemade cakes. These spots are great for light lunches or coffee with Norwegain waffles.
Casual Eateries
High End & Unique Eats
Eigra Kjøkken & Bar – the Grand Hotel’s upscale restaurant (opened 2019), focusing on seasonal Norwegian ingredients and creative menus.
Traktøren – a modern bistro known for local seafood. Sponheim Restaurant – intimate dining with regional specialities (ask for smoked trout or reindeer when in season). These places require a booking, especially on weekends.
Reasonable Restaurants
All my hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. I don’t recommend somewhere unless I think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Camping
Steinsnes Camping is just outside the town centre.
Click here to view rates & book
Hellvik Camp & Cottages – basic cabins by the sea 15 km north, ideal for anglers and hikers. Several private cabins and farms near the coast also rent rooms or cottages.
Guesthouses & B&Bs
Sentralt Hus and Central Apartment – central guesthouses/apartments on Hammers gate close to shops and restaurants.
Historiske Gjestgiveriet – a quaint B&B in a restored 1850s merchant’s house. Many owners in town offer guest rooms with a homemade breakfast.
Chains & Mid-Range
High End & Unique Properties
Grand Hotel Egersund – a classic 4-star hotel in the town centre (built 1870s) with 101 cosy rooms, full restaurant, library and wine cellar. It features a new restaurant (Eigra Kjøkken & Bar) and a cocktail lounge
Sunrise: 9:12am
Sunset: 4:18pm
Average Temperature: -1C (30F)
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Sunset: 5:31pm
Average Temperature: -1C (30F)
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Sunset: 6:37pm
Average Temperature: 2C (36F)
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Sunset: 8:48pm
Average Temperature: 6C (43F)
Sunrise: 5:09am
Sunset: 9:56pm
Average Temperature: 9C (48F)
Sunrise: 4:28am
Sunset: 10:44pm
Average Temperature: 13C (55F)
Sunrise: 4:52am
Sunset: 10:30pm
Average Temperature: 15C (59F)
Sunrise: 5:56am
Sunset: 9:23pm
Average Temperature: 14C (57F)
Sunrise: 7:04am
Sunset: 7:56pm
Average Temperature: 12C (54F)
Sunrise: 8:11am
Sunset: 6:31pm
Average Temperature: 7C (45F)
Sunrise: 8:24am
Sunset: 4:16pm
Average Temperature: 4C (39F)
Sunrise: 9:19am
Sunset: 3:42pm
Average Temperature: 0C (32F)
Explore hidden valleys and high peaks when driving between two of the most attractive towns in Southern Norway.