Songe – Water and Skiing History

At Songevann, swimming and paddling go hand in hand with a history that includes ski competitions and a local tradition of boat racing. Water activities, winter sports history and local culture give a stay in Songe different points of focus. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, your preferred itinerary can help you decide: would you mainly like to spend time by the water, or are you also interested in the history of sport and work in Songe?

Water at Songevann and boat racing

At Songevann in Songe, you can swim, paddle and fish. These three options offer different experiences: a swim, paddling on the water, or a trip focused on fishing. A fishing licence is required for fishing in the Storelva, including Songevann, in the wider Tvedestrand destination. Fishing in the Storelva is also permitted only at certain times because salmon and sea trout are present. If fishing is part of your plans, check the applicable rules and dates in advance.

Boat racing is also part of the local history. Songe has a tradition of boat racing, and over the years the Songe Motorbåtforening has produced numerous Norwegian, European and world champions in several motorboat racing classes. In Songe, you can therefore find both opportunities for activities at Songevann and a history of organised motorboat racing.

Songe’s skiing history

The Songe Ski Club was founded in 1914 on the initiative of Albert Wüller. Nine years later, the club hosted the Hovedlandsrennet in Songe. King Haakon and Queen Maud watched, while Crown Prince Olav took part. Also in 1923, Olav came fourth in his class at a competition on Songebakken. In 1935, a national cross-country skiing and ski jumping competition was held in Songe, near Tvedestrand. These events give the area’s history a tangible connection to winter sports, from the founding of the club and competitions to the Crown Prince’s participation.

Culture and working history

Songe Træsliperi was established in 1912 and shut down in 1972. Another cultural destination is Solbakken Art, an artists’ residency in Songe in Sørlandet. Musicians Kim Reenskaug and Synne Sanden have created an artistic meeting place there, with overnight accommodation for artists. If you are considering a stay as part of the artists’ residency, check availability before your trip.

More points of interest in the wider Tvedestrand destination

In the wider Tvedestrand destination, the Næs Ironworks Museum offers a focus on the history of technology and industry. Guided tours of the buildings include a demonstration of the reconstructed bellows machine. The museum is designated a nationally prioritised cultural heritage site for technology and industrial history. Visiting arrangements may vary seasonally, so check the dates before planning your visit.

Lyngør consists of four islands and features architecture from the age of sailing ships. In 1991, Europa Nostra named Lyngør Europe’s best-preserved village. The area is entirely car-free and accessible only by boat. This means that the wider Tvedestrand destination offers island and maritime history alongside Songe’s water and sports themes as distinct points of interest.

When choosing a holiday apartment, you can first consider which themes you want to shape your stay: swimming, paddling and local sports history in Songe, or other cultural interests in the wider Tvedestrand destination. This allows you to choose a location based on your interests without blending the different places into a single experience.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Borøy, Tvedestrand, Gjeving, Nesgrenda.

Back to the wider travel guide: Tvedestrand.