Just west of Kristiansand, the small seaside village of Høllen (Høllen) in Søgne (Søgne) offers a classic Southern Norway experience: white wooden houses, calm inlets, and a lively little harbor that hums with boat life in summer. Long known to locals as a favorite weekend escape, it combines family-friendly beaches, coastal heritage, and easy access to the archipelago. Høllen makes an easy day trip from the city center, giving visitors a taste of slow coastal living without venturing far from urban comforts.
At the heart of the village is the sheltered harbor and waterfront promenade, where you can watch leisure boats glide in and out and pick up an ice cream from seasonal kiosks. The main beach, Høllesanden (Høllesanden), is shallow and sandy, perfect for children, with floating piers and clear water that warms quickly on sunny days. Nearby, you’ll find small coves and rock outcrops where locals sunbathe and fish for mackerel. Summer weekends bring a cheerful bustle—fishing nets drying on railings, the smell of fresh waffles, and swimmers hopping between the beach and the pier.
Historically, Høllen’s identity is tied to the sea. The sheltered bay made it a natural landing place for small fishing boats and coastal traders moving goods along the Skagerrak. Traces of this maritime heritage linger in boathouses, slipways, and stories of piloting and rescue work along a coastline known for both beauty and unpredictable weather. A short drive away stands the medieval Søgne Old Church (Søgne gamle kirke), dating back to the 17th century, known for its rustic interior and painted decorations—an evocative reminder of how closely faith, weather, and the sea once intertwined in everyday life.
For practicalities, Høllen is about 20–25 minutes by car from Kristiansand (Kristiansand), heading west on the E39 and then south toward Søgne. In summer, parking can fill up quickly near the beach and harbor; arrive early or consider public transport. Buses from the city center run to Søgne with connections toward Høllen—check current timetables, as seasonal changes are common. Facilities include restrooms near the beach, a small grocery, and seasonal cafés and kiosks; for broader dining choices, the center of Søgne and the greater Kristiansand area provide plenty of options.
Active visitors can combine a beach day with coastal walks and paddling. The nearby archipelago is ideal for kayaking on calm days, and local outfitters sometimes offer rentals and guided trips. Anglers can try their luck from the rocks or piers—remember to follow Norway’s sea fishing guidelines. Families will appreciate the gentle gradient of Høllesanden and the mix of sand and lawn areas, while photographers will love late-afternoon light over the harbor and the silhouettes of small islands offshore.
What makes Høllen special is the balance it strikes: it’s close to the city yet feels like a traditional coastal village, lively in summer but tranquil enough for quiet moments by the water. Pair a visit with a stop at The Fish Market (Fiskebrygga) in Kristiansand for seafood, or extend your coastal tour to other local beaches and island viewpoints. Whether you come for a half-day swim, a cultural detour to Søgne Old Church, or a base for exploring the skerries, Høllen rewards unhurried travelers with authentic Sørlandet charm.