Songe: Water, Sports History and Art

Songe combines activities on Songevann with a history of skiing and motorboat sports, as well as art and industrial history. If you are looking for hotels in Songe, you can start by asking which of these themes you want to shape your stay. The different local connections give you a concrete guide when choosing.

Songevann and Activities on the Water

Swimming, fishing, and paddling are possible at Songevann in Songe. These three different activities on the same body of water can help guide your travel planning. Consider whether you would like to spend your stay swimming, paddling, or fishing. In the wider destination of Tvedestrand, a fishing permit is required for fishing in the Storelva, including Lundevann and Songevann. Because salmon and sea trout are present, fishing in the Storelva is only permitted at certain times. The time restriction applies to the Storelva; the fishing permit requirement also covers Songevann and Lundevann.

Winter Sports History in Songe

The Songe Ski Club was founded in 1914 on the initiative of Albert Wüller. In 1923, the club hosted the Hovedlandsrennet in Songe. King Haakon and Queen Maud watched, while Crown Prince Olav took part. Also in 1923, Olav placed fourth in his class at a competition on Songebakken. In 1935, a national cross-country skiing and ski jumping competition was held in Songe, near Tvedestrand. Local winter sports history thus includes the founding of a club, competitions, and a specific result.

Boating as a Local Tradition

Boating also has its own historical connection to Songe: boat races are part of the local tradition. Over the years, the Songe Motorboat Association has produced numerous Norwegian champions, as well as European and world champions in several motorboat racing classes. Two different aspects come together here: a local racing tradition and the club’s championship history, built up over many years.

Art and Industrial History

Musicians Kim Reenskaug and Synne Sanden have established Solbakken Art, an artistic meeting place in Songe in Sørlandet, as an artist residency with accommodation for artists. If you are considering Solbakken Art as a place to stay, check availability before your trip. Songe Træsliperi was founded in 1912 and closed in 1972. This adds a clearly dated industrial history to the sporting and artistic themes.

Tvedestrand in the Regional Context

In the wider destination of Tvedestrand, the Næs Ironworks Museum offers guided tours of its buildings and demonstrates, among other things, the reconstructed bellows machine. The museum has the status of a nationally prioritized technical and industrial heritage site. The current visitor format may vary by season.

Lyngør is another point of interest in the wider destination of Tvedestrand. The village consists of four islands and features architecture from the age of sailing ships. In 1991, Europa Nostra named Lyngør Europe’s best-preserved village. Lyngør is car-free and accessible only by boat.

Discover more destinations: Tvedestrand, Gjeving, Nesgrenda, Borøy.

Back to the main travel overview: Tvedestrand.