Havstenssund: Coast, Island Trails and Maritime History

Havstenssund combines a maritime past with a varied coastal landscape and special experiences on the water and on land. Those planning a trip with walks, nature, a bathing area, local history and culinary discoveries will find a range of ways to shape their days here. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday home, you can therefore consider which of these aspects of the area is most important for your trip.

Cultural Heritage and Maritime History

The older northern parts of Havstenssund preserve a well-maintained setting with buildings, streets and gardens. The area is classified as being of national interest for the preservation of its cultural heritage. A distinctive feature is the Havstenssund Chapel: the building was constructed of wood, has a slate roof and was built in the late 1930s.

The history of the area is also closely linked to coastal shipping. Havstenssund is mentioned as early as around 1100 in Norwegian royal sagas. In the early days, the area had pilots, customs services and an inn serving coastal shipping. This historical perspective adds a human and maritime dimension to the landscape.

Islands, Trails and Views

The islands of Trossö-Kalvö-Lindö lie immediately north of Havstenssund and offer a varied coastal landscape. A walking trail crosses the interconnected islands of Kalvö, Lindö and Trossö, passing through natural areas and green spaces. This provides an opportunity not to focus your stay solely on the centre of the village, but also to include the island world in your daily plans.

Another walk leads through Målarklöva to the summit of Sunneberget. From there, it is possible to enjoy panoramic views over the village, the islands and the strait. Those who like to choose between a route through green spaces and a destination with expansive views when planning their trip will find two contrasting nature experiences here.

Bathing Area, National Park and Experiences on the Water

The municipal bathing area in Havstenssund has a mixed sandy and rocky shore, grassy areas, a jetty and a diving tower. This makes it possible to combine an active walk with time by the water. Havstenssund is also part of Kosterhavet National Park, 98 per cent of whose area consists of marine habitats.

For culinary discoveries, Havstenssunds Ostron AB offers year-round oyster safaris to its own oyster farm. The municipal guest harbour in the South Harbour has space for 15 boats and access to toilets and showers. This means that the possible pace of a holiday ranges from walks and observing the landscape to activities on the water.

Havstenssund as a Place to Stay

A holiday apartment or holiday home in Havstenssund is particularly suitable if you would like to combine different interests in one stay: cultural heritage and the chapel, island trails and views, the bathing area, the national park and oyster safaris are all available as different themes for your trip. Families can choose different focuses for individual days without limiting their holiday to just one activity. Which type of accommodation and which exact location within the available options are best suited depends on your own daily plans and the accommodations available.

If you would like to compare more places, you can also look at Resö, Lur, Flötenmarksen, Rabbalshede, Kleva Västra, Tänum, Fjällbacka and Grebbestad.

For the higher-level travel overview: Tanum.