There is evidence of settlement in Farsund and Lista since the Stone Age. Farsund had a strategic location in the Atlantic wall during World War II. There are over 400 bunkers in Farsund, many that can be visited. In 1940–45, large Soviet prison camps were located at Lista. The prison camps at Kåde and Ore had over 600 prisoners. The Soviet prisoners were used as forced labour to build airport, bunkers, barracks and fortifications. Farsund previously had a hospital, which was closed down in 2007.
Farsund is a town linked to the fjords. Its guest harbour was considered one of the best in Norway, and is full of boats in summer months. Every year, Strandmila (5k / 10k run) takes place in Byparken. The course covers countryside trails, forest paths and sand beaches.
Landscape
Farsund sits where the fjords of Agder meet the open North Sea. Just west lies Lista, a flat, wind-swept peninsula of heath, dunes and long sandy beaches quite unlike the rest of the Norwegian coast, and one of the country's best places for birdwatching during the spring and autumn migrations.
Points of interest
Lista lighthouse and the Lista peninsula
Second World War bunkers of the Atlantic Wall
Lista Museum and the Nordberg fort
The old town's white wooden houses and guest harbour
