Hidra

The southern island of Hidra is a treasure trove of breathtaking nature, a thriving coastal community, rich history, and culture. This is the place where kindergarteners celebrate with a lobster feast, featuring their own catch (!). And where kids are comfortable on boats long before they turn ten!

Get ready for sun and salty sea before you arrive at Hidra.

-Let me put it this way: summer here is so amazing that I don’t feel the need to go on vacation! We’re already in the best place; we have everything we need right here.

That’s how Rose Mari describes life on Hidra, where she has lived with her husband and children since 2010. With firsthand experience of the island’s rich coastal culture, she has seen how the traditions embrace children from an early age.

-Yes, they do have a lobster festival in kindergarten, Rose laughs.

The youngest children get their own lobster traps to drop from the pier and pull up later. The slightly older ones row out in small boats to catch lobsters. The oldest (those around five years old) join the motorboats for the real experience. The freshly caught delicacies are then served at a seafood feast in kindergarten, along with shrimp donated by the local fishery.

-Life at sea is undoubtedly a big part of the culture here. The children learn where seafood and fish come from, they learn how to be safe in boats, and most of them can operate a motorboat on their own before they turn ten, she says.

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Hidra is a true coastal pearl, ticking all the right boxes: breathtaking nature, a lively maritime community with charming fishing villages. Fresh seafood, cozy restaurants, and cute little shops. White wooden houses lining the shore, boats humming along the water, and peaceful moments by the sea.

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The island is home to just under 600 residents. They are primarily living in the two harbors, Rasvåg and Kirkehamn. At the heart of Hidra, you’ll find the kindergarten and primary school.

Hidra is split in two by the canal Eiekanalen, a passage for small boats. And along the shoreline, countless big and small adventures await.

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-But there’s plenty more going on here, too, she adds.

-Many kids play football, and we also have a youth club. A hiking group explores the forests and mountains, and lots of people go to the gym or take part in group fitness classes like aerobics and strength training. There are also craft nights and lots of activities at the Coastal Culture Center. I’d say we’re a very welcoming community, with a strong sense of togetherness. People here at Hidra get involved, whether it’s families with children, retirees, or teenagers. It’s just how we do things here... A classic example is our annual Christmas tree lighting. Just about everyone shows up, and people pitche in. That’s one of the biggest strengths of our small community, Rose concludes.

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Many children and teenagers also participate in activities in Flekkefjord, the nearby mainland town. A short seven-minute car ferry ride, followed by a 15-minute drive, takes you to the city, where you’ll find cinemas, restaurants, cultural events, and various leisure activities. In addition, many Hidra residents also commute to Flekkefjord for work. With such a short trip, it’s no hassle.

For more information about Flekkefjord, click here.

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So, what do people at Hidra do for a living? In addition to those who commute to Flekkefjord, many make their livelihood from the sea. The island is home to several salmon farms, producing high-quality fish that is exported worldwide.

One of the key players in Hidra’s seafood industry is Hidra Fiskemottak. A true dream for seafood lovers. The processing facility handles turbot every Thursday and receives weekly deliveries of shrimp and crab. In addition, fishing boats bring in a variety of seasonal seafood treasures. Hidra Fiskemottak collaborates closely with partners in Kristiansand and Stavanger, allowing them to supply nearly anything a seafood enthusiast could wish for. Almost all local shops and restaurants in the area get their seafood from here. The facility also has a direct sales outlet, open by appointment. It’s just a phone call away.

And speaking of seafood, Hidra has several restaurants serving the best of what the ocean has to offer. One standout is Isbua, a charming waterfront restaurant in Kirkehamn. With a relaxed atmosphere and focus on local ingredients, Isbua is a gathering place for visitors from near and far.

The service industry plays a significant role at Hidra. The island has two grocery stores, one of which includes a café named Bakrommet. Here you can get awesome food and an ice-cold beer. There’s also a cozy interior design shop and several accommodation options for visitors.

For example, Kongshamn Gjestgiveri is a beautifully restored guesthouse. It is the result of dedicated craftsmen and passionate locals working together to preserve the historic charm of the house. The six rooms feature original timber walls, delicate, white lace curtains, and soft pastel tones, reflecting a bygone era.

For those seeking a more secluded getaway, Utsyn is a rental cabin offering spectacular views. Perfect for a romantic escape or a peaceful retreat!

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Motorhome enthusiasts will appreciate Kirkehamn Motorhome Park, situated right by the beach in Fiskerihavna.

If you're after an Instagram-worthy stay, look no further than Nyperosa. A bright pink stunning cabin with breathtaking ocean views.

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In short, Hidra offers plenty of opportunities for those in the hospitality and service industry, as well as an abundance of great experiences for visitors.

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Hidra has plenty to offer for those with an interest in culture and history. In fact, the entire island is pretty much steeped in tales of harbors, fisheries, and the golden age of sailing ships.

For those who love stepping back in time, the small museum Fedrenes Minne in Rasvåg is a must-visit. Here, you’ll find the island’s history told through artifacts and texts, spanning from the Stone Age to modern times.

Remnants of past events can also be found atop Hågåsen, the mountain overlooking Kirkehamn. Due to Hidra’s strategically important location, the German occupation forces built a major artillery fortress here during World War II. It’s still standing.

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Sources:

Opplev Hidra

Hidra – Wikipedia

Øya Hidra

Næringsdrivende | Hidra.no

Main photo on top by Smaabyen Flekkefjord/Philm Reklame