Discover Tonstad

When choosing a hotel in Tonstad, it helps to start by asking what you would like to focus on during your stay: the history of the area, swimming and sports, or Sirdalsvatnet. These options differ considerably. You can tailor your accommodation search to the topics that interest you personally, without conflating cultural attractions, local facilities and the surrounding area.

Sirdalsvatnet and the history of shipping

Sirdalsvatnet stretches 27 kilometres from Tonstad to Osen and covers an area of 19 square kilometres. The lake’s history also includes its former shipping service: from 1885, the steamer Fram operated on Sirdalsvatnet, travelling from Tonstad to Osen. There were numerous landing points along the route. This historic service continued until the road was built during the war. For anyone interested in the development of travel, it offers a tangible link between the lake, the two places named and their transport history.

Church and cultural centre in Tonstad

Tonstad Church was inaugurated in 1852. It was built to a standard design by palace architect Linstow, which was commonly used for churches in Rogaland in the decades around 1850. This architectural style is known as the Rogaland type. The organ also offers a precise architectural detail: its 17 stops are distributed across two manuals and a pedal. The church therefore offers an opportunity to appreciate both the regional architectural style and the instrument’s features.

Sirdal Cultural Centre is located right by the river in Tonstad. Its combined theatre and cinema auditorium has 180 seats. The cultural centre is also a useful local landmark: BUA Sirdal is next to the cultural centre and the artificial turf pitch.

Swimming and sports

Tonstadbadet is a public swimming pool with three pools. The sports pool has a water temperature of 28 °C, is 12.5 metres long and 3.5 metres deep, and has a diving tower and a diving board. These measurements and features refer to the sports pool. The therapy pool offers a counter-current, massage and a water cannon; there is also a seating area with a whirlpool and massage. The facility also includes a sauna and a steam room. Individual attractions may change during renovations. Check the current status of specific facilities before your visit.

There are also various sports facilities outside the swimming pool. The ball courts in Tonstad comprise a multi-sport ball court and two standard ball courts. The courts can be used for football, field hockey and other games. Behind the grass pitch is a skate and pump track park, where skaters of all ages can learn tricks and show off their skills. Sira Kvina Hall in Tonstad is an indoor artificial turf hall. As access arrangements may change, it is advisable to check them before planning a visit.

More leisure activities

Stranda in Tonstad includes, among other things, a swimming area, sun loungers and a volleyball court. Tourists can also use BUA Sirdal for activities: equipment is available to borrow there. The range changes with the seasons and may include, for example, hiking backpacks, tents, skateboards and watersports equipment. If you have a particular piece of equipment in mind, it is a good idea to check the current selection in advance; the examples listed are not a guarantee of year-round availability.

The summit point on Hovsknuden, at an elevation of 920 metres, is near Tonstad. The route initially follows a gravel road for the first few kilometres, then continues along a trail through the barren high mountains. As route conditions can change, check them before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Sirdal, Lunde, Sinnes, Tjørhom

Return to the main travel overview: Sirdal.