Photo: Iselinn Andersen / Visit Sørlandet
Photo: Iselinn Andersen / Visit Sørlandet
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Getting there is easy
To reach Hidra, take the ferry from Kvellandstrand, just outside Flekkefjord. The crossing takes only about seven minutes, with departures every 30 minutes on weekdays and every hour on weekends. You can bring a car onboard, but many choose to park on the mainland and explore the island by bike. AKT tickets are valid on the ferry.
Explore Hidra by bike
Right by the ferry quay, you’ll find the Opplev Hidra bike shed, where you can rent e-bikes. Bikes must be booked in advance and offer a great and flexible way to experience the island. You can explore on your own or join a guided cycling tour.
– Opplev Hidra was established in 2020 with the aim of bringing the island’s experience providers together on one platform. The goal was to make it easier for visitors to get an overview of available activities and book experiences. The concept has been very well received, and we have seen steady growth every year,” says Jahn Ove Tønnessen, Managing Director of Opplev Hidra.
Jahn Ove Tønnessen and his wife Rose take guests out by boat.
Wild sheep safari in a unique coastal landscape
We are met at the ferry quay where the e-bikes are ready, and soon we are on our way through the idyllic island landscape towards Kirkehamn. The fresh sea air, narrow roads, and views of the ocean set the scene for today’s experience: a wild sheep safari.
The tour offers more than just encounters with the distinctive wild sheep. Along the way, we also go out by boat to experience Hidra’s beautiful archipelago from the sea side. Along the coast, you’ll find smooth, wave-worn rocks, small islets, and sheltered coves that reflect a life closely connected to the ocean. Jahn Ove speaks passionately about the island’s history, nature, and traditions, giving us insight into how people and animals have lived in harmony with this landscape for generations.
As we approach the area where the sheep graze, it is easy to understand why many compare the landscape to Scotland. The open terrain, heather moorlands, stone fences, and wind-swept hills create a dramatic backdrop against the sea. Here, the wild sheep roam freely year-round, grazing on natural vegetation as they have done for centuries.
It doesn’t take long before we spot them. A flock of sheep comes bleating toward us, curious about the new visitors.
The experience is not only about the animals, but also about getting close to a cultural landscape shaped over centuries of grazing. Without the sheep, large parts of the heathland would quickly become overgrown, and they therefore play an important role in preserving both the nature and cultural heritage of the island.
With the sound of waves in the background, fresh sea air, and sheep calmly grazing around us, it is easy to relax. The wild sheep safari offers a unique encounter with nature, history, and local culture – and becomes one of the highlights of a visit to Hidra.
The sheep appreciate the visit
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After the wild sheep safari, we continue our journey. On the quay at Hidra, Isbua is a natural gathering place where both locals and visitors stop by for a good meal. The current owners bought the place in 2020 and began operations in 2021, and since then they have worked purposefully with tourism and the development of experiences on the island. They are also part of the partner network in Opplev Hidra.
“All guests are equally important”
At Isbua, we meet general manager Cecilie Valand Solinski. With a smile and a strong passion for both food and people, she welcomes guests in a way that makes them feel at home the moment they step inside.
For Cecilie, running a restaurant is about much more than serving good food. Just as important is creating meaningful experiences and a place where both locals and visitors feel welcome. She is committed to ensuring that everyone who visits Isbua feels seen and well taken care of, whether they stop by for a quick lunch, an ice cream by the quay, or a longer meal with family and friends.
Cecilie Valand Solinski welcomes guests with a smile at Isbua.
She also finds it especially exciting that the place has such a rich history. The building has long been known locally on Hidra as “Isbua,” and after Cecilie took over, she chose to keep the name. The interior has largely been preserved in its authentic form, giving the restaurant a strong identity and a clear connection to its heritage.
– All guests are equally important to us. We want people to feel welcome, whether it is their first visit or they have been here many times before, she says.
Since taking over operations in 2021, Cecilie has worked purposefully to further develop the offering and establish Isbua as a natural meeting place on Hidra. Quality is at the heart of everything, both in terms of ingredients, service, and atmosphere.
During the summer season, the restaurant is filled with visitors from near and far, while locals ensure life and activity throughout the rest of the year. Cecilie greatly appreciates this combination.
– It is very rewarding to meet people from different places and hear their stories. At the same time, the local guests mean a great deal to us. They are an important part of the environment and community around the restaurant, she says.
At Isbua, the food is of exceptional quality, but what truly defines the business is the personal approach that runs through the entire experience. Here, it is not only the food that takes center stage, but also the people around the table. The result is a restaurant that many return to, not only because of the menu, but because they feel genuinely cared for.
For Cecilie, this is the greatest motivation in her daily work: to give guests a positive experience that stays with them long after their visit has ended.
Photo: Kari Anne Røysland
Photo: Kari Anne Røysland
Accommodation close to nature
Many visitors to Hidra find themselves wishing for a little more time, and fortunately there are several charming accommodation options on the island. At Hågåsen, you’ll find the unique “Small Cabins,” one in pink and one in blue, standing side by side – offering a truly special and unforgettable experience close to nature. You can also stay in the cabin “Utsyn,” with panoramic views over the island and the surrounding landscape.
"Små hytter" at Hågåsen
The cabin "Utsyn" at Hågåsen
Kongshamn Gjestgiveri is a charming accommodation consisting of two cozy apartments, each with three bedrooms and six beds. The original character of the old house has been preserved through exposed timber walls, lace curtains, and soft pastel colours. The apartments feature two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, and a comfortable living room. Outside, there is a large shared area with an outdoor kitchen, seating areas, and views over Kirkehamn. A shared laundry room with a washing machine and tumble dryer is also available in the basement.
Spending a few days on Hidra gives you the opportunity to truly unwind. Here, you can start your day with morning coffee in the sea air, explore the island at a relaxed pace, and end the evening with a sunset over the ocean.
A place you will want to return to
It is precisely the combination of simplicity and beauty that makes Hidra so special. The island does not offer large tourist attractions or a fast pace, but instead closeness to nature, authentic coastal culture, and a true sense of switching off.
Just a short trip from Flekkefjord, you find a small island community where time moves a little slower, and where experiences are more about atmosphere than stress. Hidra may be small in size, but it leaves a big impression – and is truly a place that must be experienced.
Photo: Reiseperler
Photo: Reiseperler
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