Strandstaden Sand

A stroll through the coastal town of Sand is a fantastic experience. Along the fjord, you'll find a row of charming white houses among friendly shops and cafes. Within walking distance of the center, you'll also discover great attractions such as the Salmon Studio, the Cultural Center in Suldal, an art gallery, Neset Beach, and the Ryfylke Museum. During the summer, the old schooner 'Brødrene af Sand' docks at the Ryfylke Museum in the north end when it's not out on a journey. Sand is also the area where the 22 km long Suldalslågen River flows into the fjord.

The coastal town of Sand is the municipal center of Suldal. Previously, the village was a natural trading hub for the Ryfylke region, as it was the intersection between Saudafjorden, Hylsfjorden, Lovrafjorden, and Sandsfjorden. Settlements in Sand can be traced back to the 1700s, but the commercial center flourished in the 1800s, largely thanks to the boatbuilding industry. From the 1890s onwards, tourism also became an important source of income when the village became a crucial stop on one of the country's most popular tourist routes. Large passenger ships sailed into the fjord, allowing tourists to disembark in Sand before traveling by horse and carriage up the valley to Suldalsosen. They then took the Suldalsdampen across Suldalsvatnet before continuing up Brattlandsdalen towards Røldal. From there, they could continue their journey to the fjord village of Odda, where they could resume their trip by sea. Today, Sand is an idyllic village and a lively municipal center for Suldal municipality. Close to Sandsfjorden and the Suldalslågen River, you'll find various shops, including a sports store, clothing store, gift shop, bookstore, furniture store, flower shop, and more. There are also grocery stores, a workshop, gas station, and a wine and spirits store. The municipal center also has several cozy cafes that offer outdoor seating during the summer season. On selected days, you can also experience market stalls at Sand square. The core hours for Sand center are 9:00-16:00 Monday-Friday (Thursday open until 18:00). On Saturdays, it's open from 10:00-15:00. For the latest news from the municipal center, visit Facebook @SandiSuldal.

In the municipal center, you'll also find several climbing parks where children can play while adults shop. There is also a designated bathing area with a floating pier and seating at Neset in the northern end. You'll also find the museum Nesasjøhuset and the Cultural Center in Suldal in the center.

Within a short walking distance from the center, you'll find the Suldal Bad water park, Sandsfossen waterfall, Norway's first Salmon Studio, and numerous beautiful hiking areas. From Hellandsnuten, you can enjoy a view of five fjords, while Fiskebergåsen offers a view of the entire Sand area. By taking the cultural-historical route 'Sand Safari,' you can learn more about the coastal town in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The municipal center also has two hotels. You'll also find beautiful cabin villages a short drive from the center.

Well-Equipped: Strandstaden Sand and Garaneset mainly have wide, asphalted areas and are easily accessible. Several of the shops are easily accessible without significant steps or obstacles. The climbing parks are designed based on universal design principles. The quay areas are also easily accessible. See hiking maps for Sand for accessible hiking routes.

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