Discover Son: historic houses and the Kyststien

Son combines a historic townscape with walking and cycling routes, as well as a harbour on the Oslofjord. In June 2013, the town centre was added to the Riksantikvaren’s register of historic urban areas of national interest. In recognition of its importance to Norwegian urban history, it is considered a historic urban area of national interest. Son is particularly known for its old buildings dating from the Dutch period, its wooden houses and its narrow streets. Those interested in local history will find a place whose historical significance is not tied to just one building.

Historic houses and coastal culture

Thornegården, dating from 1641, stands at Son torv. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful wooden houses on the fjord and is privately owned. Storgata is home to two more buildings with different dates: Stoltenberggården at number 26 dates from the 18th century. Spinderigården at number 25 was probably built in the 1640s as a warehouse for Thornegården. The cautious dating is part of this building’s story: unlike Thornegården, its construction date is only approximate. The houses illustrate different aspects of the historic building stock, from a wooden house with a firmly established date to a warehouse believed to have been associated with it.

In the heart of Son, the Son Kystkultursenter is located on the site of the former Soon Baadbyggeri boatyard. There, Jostushuset tells the story of a fisherman’s house in Son. Local history thus encompasses both the old town centre and its houses, as well as coastal culture. The former use of the boatyard site and the story of the fisherman’s house broaden the architectural perspective with themes from Son itself.

Walks, cycling and island nature

The Kyststien passes through Son and is 20 kilometres long in total as a hiking route through Vestby and Son. You can also split the route into many shorter walks. The trail is well signposted and suitable for walking and cycling. This gives you a choice of durations: the longer route or a shorter section, without having to complete the entire hike. If you’d like to experience Son mainly on foot or by bike, you can make the Kyststien a focus of your trip.

The area around Son also offers a natural contrast to the historic townscape. Four islands lie off Son, with Gjøva the largest. The island has distinctive geology and flora. These natural features offer a different perspective from the wooden houses and narrow streets in town. Gjøva is part of the immediate surroundings of Son, not the historic centre itself.

Son Gjestehavn on the Oslofjord

Son Gjestehavn is a natural port of call for boats travelling into or out of the Oslofjord. The guest pontoons are centrally located, in a car-free area and within walking distance of all facilities. The harbour normally has capacity for around 100 to 120 boats; the number depends on current boat sizes and the situation in the harbour at the time. If you plan to use the guest pontoons, check the current capacity in advance. The harbour adds a connection to shipping and the Oslofjord to Son’s historical and natural appeal.

Discover more destinations: Vestby

Go to the main travel overview: Vestby.