Lyngør and Sandøya

The coastline in Southern Norway is very beautiful and the locals certainly make the most of this. There are "summer houses" everywhere. Some have their own private beaches, boat wharf and terraces with breath taking views over the sea. There is also an abundance of beaches where visitors can swim, hunt for crabs or do some fishing. 

Bokhotellet is a great place to base yourself.

Accommodation is available from locals that rent out their cabins in and around Tvedestrand as well as the scenic hotel in Lyngør called Bokhotellet. It is located directly next to the water with its own wharf.

These little wooden houses are what you will see in Lnygør and Sandøya.

One such place is Lyngør and its close neighbour Sandøya.

Kids playing at the beach in Sandøya.

We were three families that took a trip there to check it out which was the perfect day out. We drove up from Kristiansand which takes about an hour and a half. If you drive there from Oslo, it takes about 3 hours.

We were met by a taxi boat which drove us around the islands. You can find boat times and the route here. On that page you will also find information about hiring a boat taxi.

The Sørlandet Maritime taxi boat approaching the Hagefjorden Kiosk.

We stopped off and had some fruit.

Fresh strawberries in Lyngør.

Chilled at the Sandøya beach.

Kids playing in the crystal clear water at Sandøya.

Had some great pizza at a restaurant in Sandøya called Loss Bryggos Sandøya which is on the Northern part of the island..

Great pizzas at Loss Bryggos Sandøya

Had some champagne at a romantic little bar called Basthavn in Sandøya.

Great place for food or a drink - Basthavn Sandøya.

Stopped and had some ice cream at Hagefjorden Kiosk which has a restaurant, a large fish tank for the kids to see and petrol for the boat if needed :) 

Ice cream at Hagefjorden Kiosk

Checked out some great artwork at Staubø Kultursenter It was originally an old trading place with a bakery, confectionery, food and clothing but today it is a private residence and cultural center run by a local artist named Eldrup A. Hansen. He is a very nice man that loves to have a chat and talk about his artwork.

Artwork at Staubø Kultursenter available to purchase.

It is possible to buy his visual arts and crafts or visit and listen to some live music. There is a cafe open for food and refreshments and the location can be rented out for events and parties.

It is open from Thursday-Sunday 1200-1900 (check the website for updated times).

Had some delicious home baked bread from Brød og Vin. This little bakery is run by a family and you need to get there quickly as the bread is always sold out. The bakery is located at Klåholmen. 

Home baked bread at Brød og Vin in Klåholmen.

Øyspinn is a wool shop at the top of the island with lovely views over the sea. The owners hand sow clothing from their own goats wool.

Øyspinn shop where you can buy hand made items.

The owner in action.

Down the road, there is also a little shop that sells hand made textiles.

Pillows, clothing can be purchased here.

And chilled out at the beach.

Relaxing at the Sandøya beach

Kids hunting for crabs. 

Kids hunting for crabs at the Brød og vin bakery.

If you would like to find a rental cabin, you can search for one here in Sandøya. The links on this page go to websites and facebook groups for the various locations, so you can contact them directly for directions, opening times etc.

If you are interested in visiting the area, leave a comment and I can give you some tips.

Adam Read Visit Sørlandet