Sandshamn

Sandshamn combines the history of an important fishing village with hiking trails that start right in the village. On Sandsøya, you can choose between a there-and-back hike to Grøntua and the considerably longer Sjutoppsturen. The historic cultural environment and the views from Grøntua and Hornet also give the place its distinctive character. So the experiences you want to focus on can also shape your choice of where to stay on the island.

A Fishing Village with a History

In the second half of the 19th century, Sandshamn was one of the largest fishing villages on the coast. The cultural environment has been designated as worthy of protection at regional level and is considered an example of a well-preserved fishing village. This designation makes Sandshamn interesting to travellers who want to learn about the history of a coastal community as well as go hiking.

Buildings associated with the fishing village include Gittahuset. It dates from around 1850 to 1875 and has historical value. Another historic place is Fiskarheimen, the oldest meeting house on Sandsøya. Both buildings reinforce Sandshamn’s character as a place shaped by history, without requiring a long hike to be the main focus.

Hikes of Different Lengths

The Grøntua and Hornet hiking trail can be accessed from both Sandshamn and Våge. From Sandshamn, there is also a there-and-back hike to Grøntua of just over 3 kilometres. If you want to factor a specific distance into your day’s plans, you can compare this hike with Sjutoppsturen: the route on Sandsøya is 15 kilometres long, crosses five mountains and seven peaks, and includes 1,000 metres of elevation gain.

Choose your hike based on the distance you want to cover. Sjutoppsturen has been held regularly since it began in 2005, with the exceptions of 2020 and 2021. Its length and the stated exceptions provide useful context if you are interested in this particular hike.

Another option is the trail to Kleiveneset. It starts in Sandshamn and follows the eastern side of Mount Grøntua. For the views, consider Grøntua and Hornet: from there, you can see across the outer southern areas and out to sea. Depending on your interests, you can choose a hike with a stated there-and-back distance, a trail along the mountain, or a viewpoint destination.

Getting There and Choosing Where to Stay

To access the Grøntua and Hornet hiking trail, you can take the ferry from Larsnes or Åram to Voksa, then drive 5.5 kilometres to Sandshamn. There is good parking at the trailhead in Sandshamn. This information can help you plan your route and the start of your hike together when arranging your outings.

A cycling route on Sandsøya also passes through Sandshamn. The village has a lobster park and guest harbours. This means Sandshamn is not defined solely by its hiking trails: it is also on an island route that may interest cyclists. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can consider Sandshamn as a possible search location if the hikes starting in the village fit your travel plans.

For other destination pages in this overview: Hakallestranda, Bringsinghaug, Kvamsøy, Gurskøy, Sørbrandal, Larsnes, Gjerdsvika and Våge.

To the main travel overview: Sande.