Located where the Suldalslågen river meets the Sandsfjorden, Sand is a picturesque village in Norway’s Rogaland county. It’s home to a whitewashed wooden church dating back to 1852 and a beautifully preserved museum ship, as well as an underwater window that offers a glimpse into the world of salmon.
Overlooking the Sandsfjorden is the Ryfylkemuseet, a traditional timber merchant ship that has been lovingly restored after years spent plying the Ryfylke fjords. Learn about its role in transporting firewood, barrels, livestock and flour between Stavanger, Haugesund and Bergen and as a carrier for local mail and the annual herring catch.
You can watch salmon climbing the “ladder” of Sandsfossen waterfall at the Salmon Gallery, which is located along the Suldalslågen river. Browse the exhibits illustrating the lifecycle of salmon and the fishing history of the river before descending to the underwater studio to see the fish with your own eyes.
Getting there
Sand is just under two hours’ drive from Haugesund and Haugesund Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Buses connect Haugesund to towns and villages across Rogaland while the centre of the village is compact enough to explore on foot.