Visit Hidra Island | History - activities - accommodation

Hidra Island

Hidra is an island located outside Flekkefjord in Southern Norway. The islands has a long history including Vikings and World War 2. Visit the island for amazing sea food, outdoor activities and a great view of the North Sea.

Accommodation and food

There is accommodation on the island at Kongshamn Gjestgiveri guesthouse, Skippershuset (The skippers House) and the cute "Små hytter" cabins. Grocery stores at Rasvåg and Kirkehamn (Church harbour). There is a museum called Fedrenes Minne (Forefathers memory) and artifacts can be purchased at Fruenes Hus in Kirkehamn.

There are two local food stores on the island that sell groceries and other household items that are usually open for normal operating hours.

Ferry to Hidra

The ferry to Hidra operates daily between Kvellandstrand on the mainland and Launes at Hidra. The ferry departs at least once an hour, and more often in the morning and afternoon. There may be alterations during holidays.

Drone video from Hidra

Hidra - The Pearl of Southern Norway (with drone footage!)

Guest harbours at Hidra

There are several guest harbours where visitors can park their boats with water and other facilities available.

Historical Hidra

Hidra has an exciting history, including both Vikings and World War 2. Visit the museums to learn more about the history and find exciting traces all over the island.

Vikings and emigration

People have lived on the island for thousands of years, including Vikings. Some items of gold and an old engraved rune stone was found on the island in the mid 1800s. The population of Hidra declined rapidly during the 1800s because of the large scale emigration to America. Times were tough in Norway at the time and there was plenty of work in America, so many emigrated and sent money home.

World War 2

Before the German invasion during World War 2, there were Norwegian marines stationed at Hidra but due to the fact that Norway surrendered to the occupiers, there was no combat on the island and the marines left. Shortly after, the Germans built the fort at Hitterøya.

The German occupational numbers grew to about 100 at Hågåsen Fort. A command centre was built, residence for officers and crews, mess hall, field hospital, ammunition depots, underground passages artillery, aircraft guns and more. British aircraft passing by were shot at, but the area was not bombed.

Modern Day Hidra

In 1972 the Hidra Ferry connection was established and asphalt roads were built on the island to enable locals and visitors to get to the island where there were shops, schools and three chapels. The Hidra ferry leaves daily all year round and the road are always cleared of snow so that the locals can get to Flekkefjord for work.

Today, tourism is the main source of income for the locals. Back in the day, fishing was the main industry, but this has changed to mostly salmon fishing farms and local fishing only. Buy fresh fish and sea food at the local fish monger.

There are many farms on the island, so be wary when driving on the roads as cattle can sometimes escape the fencing. Occasionally you may also see deer crossing the road.

Today the island has 600 permanent residents, but during the summer months the number rises drastically.

Places worth a visit

More about Flekkefjord

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