Vindafjord

Imsland, Vikedal, Vats, Sandeid and half of Skjold, in all 620,4 km2 of Mother Earth, were joined on 1. of January 1965 into one township called Vindafjord. The name, as the land, is beautiful. Politically, the region belongs to the County of Rogaland, although it might be more fitting to talk of "Vindafjord in the Ryfylke". Feel free to think of it whichever way seems right.

Either way, the township is settled by approximately 8.080 good Vindafjord people. And, although the township does not quite grow by an inhabitant a day, it still does increase now and again. Thus, the size of the population grows, slowly but steadily. What about the urban centres of Vindafjord ? The township's goal is for the even development of five small centres: Olmedal, Vikedal, Sandeid, Vats and Skjold. At present most of the public administration is located at Vikedal, with a few offices in Sandeid. However, it has been decided to make Sandeid the future administrative centre of the township.

Work to accomplish this is under way at present. The economy of Vindafjord is based mainly on agriculture, but the municipality has a number of crafts and industries as well. A base for building and equipping oil platforms has been established at Vats. Thus, the oil age has reached Vindafjord. About 20 kilometres of the E 76 highway goes through Vindafjord. The township has a good communications system in all directions, and excellent express boat route.

LÅKAFOSSEN WATERFALL

Part of the river Vikedalselva forming a 30 metre high waterfall characteristic of the Norwegian landscape. The weterfall has created an impressive canyon which has a large boulder resting on it to form a top.

OPPSALSFOSSEN WATERFALL

Located beside the centre of Vikedal, the waterfall is a salmonleap where you can see salmon in their natural environment.

VIKEDAL RURAL MUSEUM

A diverse collection of more than 900 objects dating from Viking times to the present. Open: Every Tuesday in July and August.

STUHAUG FARM MUSEUM

Krokane Croft. Tennant farm holding and traditional Norwegian Stabbur building from the 1600s, including a tennants cottage from 1700, restored barn and "cookhouse". The museum contains more than 2600 varied objects dating from the 1600s up to the second world war.

SKJOLD SCHOOL MUSEUM

Open by arrangament

RESTORED FARM

Traditional west coast farm with restored buildings and outhouses. The area has several marked tracks for walking trips. Between May and September it is possible to drive to Stråtveit.

HOGGANVIK

Tall ships shipbuilding centre in the 1800s. Handicraft sales. Walking tracks and bathing area.

IMSLANDSJØEN

Old strand area. Art gallery and exhibition.

SWIMMING

Vikedal old beach area. Bathing aree and guest harbour. Salmon river.

MOUNTAINEERING

Bjørndalsnuten mountain is Vindafjord´s highest mountain, measuring 1017 meteres over sea level. It has a wide variety of marked tracks to suit all types of physical conditions and in addition to this, there are many spectacular views of the sea from the most of the mountain tops in Vindafjord.

FISHING

Vindafjord is home to Vikedalselva river, one of the best salmon and trout rivers in the west of Norway. Down in the fjords, the array of fish is well in keeping with the traditions of this part of Norway.