Helleren and Jøssingfjord

About

Perhaps you have driven past these, or seen a picture of these little two houses under Helleren in Jøssingfjord. If you drive along the North Sea Route, you can see them from the Rv 44 somewhere in between Egersund and Flekkefjord. 

Surrounded by all the tones of grey in the colour scale
In a world of nuances of grey lie the two small houses in this particular, extraordinary light: Jøssingfjord and Helleren are surrounded by all the tones of grey in the colour scale. Helleren - "Hedlaren" - forms a natural roof and shelter that have been taken advantage of by people for thousands of years. Helleren is large - the drop fall measures at its deepest 10 metres. The two houses do not have roof thatching - simply because they are protected by Helleren - and this is also the reason why these two houses and this landscape provide a unique and special experience. Both houses date back from the 1800s, however large parts of the buildings might be considerably older. Most probably, there has been settlements under Helleren from the 1500s. Dalane Folkemuseum is today the owner and responsible caretaker of the houses. 

Be careful and sustainable
Everyone is welcome to visit Helleren. The houses are not dimentioned however to handle large visitor numbers. It is however, desirable that they stay open to the public, and it is therefore adviced that you as a visitor, take special care when visiting.  

- there should be few people in the houses at a time
- be gentle and careful when entering the houses
- all use of fire is forbidden
- do not leave litter behind
- please close the doors when leaving
- rock climbing in Helleren is forbidden

Helleren belongs to us all, not only the present, but also future generations. In its dramatic modesty, the houses under Helleren is one of the greatest cultural memories that with its genuinness tells more about ourselves, our history and identity than anything else. 

The Jøssingfjord
This fjord is especially known for the Altmark affair that took place here on 16 February 1940. The Altmark affair is the event where the German military support ship was boarded by British marine vessels, and British marines where released. The Altmark event was used as an argument by the Germans to attack and occupy Norway, as they then felt that Norway's neutrality was then compromised after this event. During the Second World War, the name "jøssing" was used to describe anti nazistic Norwegians; with background in the Altmark affair. 

The Jøssingfjord is also port of shipment for the business Titania AS that run a mining and cleansing facililty for titanium ore. The fjord is also surrounded by steep mountain walls, and ends in a large stone scree. 

Facilities at Helleren
Parking on the other side of the river. Five minutes walk to the houses. During summer season, there is access to toilet and a kiosk with simple refreshments. 

Speak your mind
You can tell us how you feel we should best maintain the houses for the present and for the future. There is a guest book in the blue house where you can tell us what's on your mind. Please, do use it! 

Opening times
The houses at Helleren are always open.

Accessibility
Helleren is located at Jøssinfjord in Sokndal municipality. The houses are just by the Rv. 44 in between Egersund and Flekkefjord, and you can spot them from the road. Exit from Fv. 44 at the bottom of the valley.