Those choosing Hogdal as a destination can explore several clearly distinct highlights: church history and architecture, a historic route, a marked hiking loop, and a rock carving with a detailed count of its motifs. The dates range from the mention of Hogdal Church in 1391 to the 17th-century Kungsvägen and the construction of the church in 1856.

Church and Historic Routes

Hogdal Church is documented as early as 1391. The building was constructed in 1856 in the Karl Johan style and has a barrel-vaulted interior. The two dates refer to different milestones: 1391 is the church’s earliest written mention, while 1856 is the year the described church building was constructed. A barrel vault is a long, arched ceiling in a church, with a curve that extends along the interior. The church stands on Hogdalsnäset on a south-facing slope near a road junction, surrounded by steep rock formations.

The Kungsvägen dates from the 17th century and passes through forest and over steep hills. From the car park by the old inn before Hogdal Church, the route crosses the old stone bridge and then follows either the old Kungsvägen or the scenic path along Dynekilen to the old E6 at Dyne camping. This gives you two distinct route options: the Kungsvägen, through forest and over steep hills, or the alternative along Dynekilen. The Kungsvägen passes through forest and over steep hills; the alternative follows Dynekilen to the old E6 at Dyne camping.

Hiking in the Nature Reserve

The Halle-Vagnaren Nature Reserve is located at the far end of Hogdalsnäset. The reserve has a marked hiking loop that climbs to the 120-metre-high summit and then returns to the reserve car park. The route is clearly defined: the summit is the destination, and the loop then leads back to the car park. If you include hiking in your stay, the marked loop, the summit destination and the return point are useful landmarks for your outing. This loop differs from the route description near Hogdal Church, which offers two routes to the old E6.

The L1969:3521 Rock Carving

The L1969:3521 rock carving measures 8.7 × 4 metres and is located on a rough, partly weathered rock surface that slopes 5 to 10 degrees to the southeast. The listed motifs are 30 ships, 31 human figures, two animal figures, six soles of feet, two ring figures, nine fragments and 33 cup marks. The motif list may be incomplete or out of date. The measurements, slope and surface describe the rock; the numbers group the listed motifs into specific categories. Anyone interested in building history and church architecture will find the 1856 Karl Johan-style building and a barrel vault at Hogdal Church; the rock carving features a rough, sloping surface with various motifs.

Discover more destinations: Kebal, Stensvik, Svinesund, Skee, Öfverby, Båleröd, Lökholmen, Hällestrand.

For the main travel overview: Strömstad.