Hällestrand lies on the Dynekilen, an arm of the fjord that extends five kilometres towards Hogdal. This location provides a clear frame of reference for the town: Hällestrand is connected to the Dynekilen both geographically and historically. There are also traces of the stone trade and the history of the Hällestrand Semesterby holiday village. When planning your stay, you can distinguish between the landscape, local history and activities, rather than reducing Hällestrand to a single thing to do.

Fjord setting and history

In 1716, the Danish-Norwegian captain Tordenskiold destroyed parts of the Swedish fleet in the Dynekilen over a few summer days. Hällestrand is connected to this event. The episode links local history to the fjord arm and a clearly dated period in maritime history. If you take historical background into account when choosing a destination, this provides a concrete theme to explore.

The stone trade and the history of the holiday village

Another historical trace leads to stone: a quarry was located on Stora Krossön at Hällestrand harbour; Hällestrand also served as a shipping port for stone from the inner Iddefjord. The quarry and the port function highlight different aspects of industrial history: one refers to a place where stone was extracted, the other to the shipping of material from the inner fjord. This economic perspective thus complements the historical event in the Dynekilen.

The Hällestrand Semesterby holiday village was planned as a holiday retreat for Swedish postal employees, opened on 28 May 1960, and was named “Silverhornet”. The plans identify the intended group of users, while the opening date marks the start of its operation as a holiday village. Compared with the event of 1716, this chapter belongs to a much later period in the town’s history.

Activities and getting here

Crab fishing is possible from the jetties at Hällestrand Semesterby, where you can also play beach volleyball. Canoes and kayaks can also be rented in Hällestrand. The activities differ: crab fishing takes place at the jetties, beach volleyball is a ball game, and canoes and kayaks are available to rent. These activities may be seasonal. If you have a particular activity firmly planned, check in advance whether it will be available at your intended travel time.

Västtrafik bus route 895 connects Strömstad with Hällestrand. The timetable is valid from 17 August to 12 December 2026. If you are planning to travel using this connection, check the times in advance for your specific travel date.

When looking for a holiday apartment in Hällestrand, you can choose your travel dates according to your interests: the historical themes range from the event of 1716 to the holiday village of 1960, while leisure activities may be available seasonally.

Discover more destinations: Tjärnö, Kebal, Svinesund, Nordkoster, Skee, Rävö, Lökholmen, Öfverby

For the main travel overview: Strömstad.