Population 6,000 / 58.1 degrees north

Flekkefjord, Norway

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. 

About Flekkefjord

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

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Flekkefjord

Uniquely Flekkefjord

Here are some things that you must do and try in Flekkefjord

Historic Neighbourhood

Hollenderbyen

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.

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Flekkefjord

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Natural Attraction

Brufjell Potholes

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 Ã…na-Sira, a small village just outside Flekkefjord.

Cycling

Flekkefjord Line

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. 

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Flekkefjord. 

The E39 from Kristiansand to Bergen

The E39 from Kristiansand covers the south-western coast of Norway, passing the southernmost tip and then continuing along some important coastal cities. 

The Fv44 from Stavanger to Flekkefjord

Follow this scenic drive that includes the Jæren Tourist Road. 

Self-Guided Walks

Flekkefjord on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Flekkefjord

History of 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. 

Flekkefjord Today

Today Flekkefjord is an important hub for south-west Norway and has a hospital. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: No airport

Drive: Flekkefjord is located on the E39 highway that goes between Kristiansand and Stavanger (and onwards to Bergen and Trondheim)

Train: Flekkefjord is a station on the Sørlandsbanen that goes between Oslo and Stavanger (via Kristiansand). 

Ferry: No ferry access. 

Getting Around

Flekkefjord is a small town and easily accessible on foot. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Tollboden Bakeri is famous for their woodfire oven pizzas.

Kaffebørsen is a nice café located in the harbour area.

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

Elva Bistro is part of the Maritim Fjordhotel

High End & Unique Eats

Central Bybryggeri is Flekkefjord’s first and only brewery. It is a brewpub with local beer, wine, cocktails and snacks.

Places to Stay

Camping

Egenes Camping is surrounded by beautiful nature.

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.

Click here to view rates & book

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.

Click here to view rates & book

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 9:03am

Sunset: 3:50pm

Average Temperature: 2C (35F)

February

Sunrise: 7:55am

Sunset: 5:08pm

Average Temperature: 1C (34F)

March

Sunrise: 6:32am

Sunset: 6:20pm

Average Temperature: 3C (38F)

April

Sunrise: 6:00am

Sunset: 8:35pm

Average Temperature: 6C (44F)

May

Sunrise: 4:41am

Sunset: 9:47pm

Average Temperature: 10C (50F)

June

Sunrise: 3:57am

Sunset: 10:39pm

Average Temperature: 13C (55F)

July

Sunrise: 4:25am

Sunset: 10:20pm

Average Temperature: 16C (61F)

August

Sunrise: 5:34am

Sunset: 9:07pm

Average Temperature: 16C (60F)

September

Sunrise: 6:46am

Sunset: 7:37pm

Average Temperature: 13C (56F)

October

Sunrise: 7:57am

Sunset: 6:08pm

Average Temperature: 10C (49F)

November

Sunrise: 8:14am

Sunset: 3:49pm

Average Temperature: 6C (43F)

December

Sunrise: 9:11am

Sunset: 3:13pm

Average Temperature: 3C (38F)

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