A Delicious Fjord Adventure

For hundreds of years, the fjord was the most important transport route through Suldal and Ryfylke. In and out of these fjord arms, Viking chieftains have stood, gazing out over the landscape on their way home from expeditions as far as the Middle East; farmers have harvested fruits and vegetables sent by ship to England and Europe; and salmon lords have sailed in search of their next holiday retreat. To this day, these transport patterns shape our region, and the best way to experience the hamlets and farms is still by fjord. Here are inspirational tips for great food and cultural experiences for those who want to enjoy Suldal by boat.

Bubbles, Brunch, and Berries in Jelsa

The first encounter with Suldal when entering the Ryfylke basin is the villages of Hebnes and Jelsa, which form a "gateway" for further travel into the region. From the quay in Jelsa, you can stroll through the historic seaside village, enjoy the local Jelsa strawberries, and explore the surrounding area. Jelsa Hotel offers accommodation and local culinary experiences by appointment. Økstrafjorden to the east is one of the finest and most sheltered fjords for boating in Ryfylke, where you can get a tour and taste apple juice and cider at Fuglestein Fruit Farm and join AktivFuglestein for a SUP trip. Barkaneset, Habn beach, and Hattavågsholmen are also worth visiting.

Suggested stops:

Jelsa Hotel (by appointment)
Jelsa Church and School Museum (by appointment, via Jelsa Hotel)
A walk with the Jelsa Priest – beach guide with headphones (via Jelsa Hotel)
Fuglestein Fruit Farm (by appointment)
Aktiv Fuglestein (by appointment)

A Viking, Wine Tasting, and Sheltered Harbors

A short trip west across the fjord lies Hebnes, which in the Viking Age was home to chieftain Torstein of Heimnes. Near his memorial, you can visit the first vineyard in Rogaland! After your visit, we recommend a trip into Sjøbuholsvågen and Vatlandsvåg. Sjøbuholsvågen is almost completely enclosed with good shelter, and has a guest pier, fire pit, and excellent fishing opportunities. Vatlandsvåg has a spacious guest harbor with updated sanitary facilities and its own Joker grocery store.

‍Suggested stops:

Hebnes Vineyard
Storstova Farm
Joker Vatlandsvåg

The Coastal Town of Sand

Further into Sandsfjorden lies Sand, a trading post and fjord village. Moor your boat in the guest harbor and enjoy a relaxing day with shopping, museums, and local culinary experiences at Drøs, Kulp, and Ryfylke Fjordhotell. Drøs boasts its own micro-distillery and bakery, while at Ryfylke Fjordhotell you can learn more about their cider production. The Salmon Studio, cultural center, water park, and hiking network are all within walking distance from the town center.

Recommended stops: