Road Trip from Stavanger
The colourful city of Stavanger in western Norway is particularly known for its street art, the historic district "Gamle Stavanger," and Norway's impressive Petroleum Museum. But Stavanger is also a perfect starting point for excursions and adventures. We have found seven perhaps lesser-known excursion tips for your road trip.
Foto: Fjord Line
Our suggestion for an amazing road trip from Stavanger:
1. Jæren – the coastline
According to the famous Norwegian author, Alexander Kielland, Jæren is "nature for the advanced – as anyone can enjoy the view over Hardangerfjord." The nature here is unique for Norway, with cultural landscapes and idyllic coastal towns along the North Sea. Jæren is also known for its special light, high sky, and not least Norway's longest sandy beach, Orrestranda, which stretches for five kilometres.
Foto: Sven-Erik Knoff - Region Stavanger
2. Trollpikken
The phallic-shaped rock formation Trollpikken, south of Stavanger, has in recent years, according to Visit Norway, "achieved the status of a cheerful symbol of vitality in Norwegian nature" – and has become a popular destination accordingly. But it is not just Trollpikken itself that makes this place special: The landscape around the rock formation is like something out of a Tolkien novel with its hilly terrain, smaller mountains, boulders, and drifting clouds. Historically, the area was described as a "moon landscape," and it has since been discovered that the rocks are formed from the magma type anorthosite – which is actually the same as on the moon's surface!
Foto: Kjetil Bentsen
3. Hegni Recreational Area
By Lake Hartevatn, you will find Hegni Recreational Area, which offers a wealth of hiking trails, playgrounds, a beach volleyball court, bathing beaches, and fishing opportunities from the shore or in a rowboat. Among other things, there is a gravel hiking trail of 5.5 km, which is accessible to everyone and takes you through the area's fantastic nature – along the banks of the River Otra and through cosy forest areas – all with views of the surrounding mountain peaks.
After the day's adventures, you can find a cosy spot to sit back and enjoy an ice cream by the shore of the idyllic lake, surrounded by mountains in some of Norway's most beautiful nature. If you get hungry, you can visit "The Village Hovden" – a large "geodome" (a building like a multi-sided greenhouse) that functions as both a restaurant and activity centre. Here you can also rent rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and SUP boards or book guided fishing trips on Lake Hartevatn.
4. Røldal Stave Church
The beautiful Røldal Stave Church is beautifully situated with the impressive Norwegian mountains in the background. The church was built in the 13th century and is one of the traditional Norwegian stave churches. It is particularly known for its crucifix, which, according to legends, is said to have healing powers. This crucifix made the church a pilgrimage destination from the Middle Ages until 1835.
Foto: Gettyimages.com
5. Svandalsfossen
The impressive waterfall, Svandalsfossen, has a total drop of 180 metres. If there has been a lot of rainfall, the waterfall can flow over the road. There is a bridge and staircase system where you can hike up to the foot of the waterfall – but remember non-slip shoes, as you can easily get wet, and the ground can be very slippery.
Foto: GettyImages
6. Lovra Viewpoint
On your way south from Svandalsfossen, you should stop by the spectacular Lovra Viewpoint. Here, you can enjoy the fantastically beautiful and idyllic view over Lovrafjord – perhaps with a delicious lunch from a picnic basket?
7. Lysefjord
Much can be written about Lysefjord – and not least Preikestolen and Kjerag. But it should not be read about – it should be experienced! Lysefjord is best known for its spectacular tourist destinations, but the 40 km long fjord also offers countless other nature and cultural experiences. For example, take the trip up the world's longest wooden staircase (an impressive 4444 steps!) in Flørli, visit the ancient village of Landa Park, or go on a guided kayak tour between the fjord's steep cliffs.
Foto: Explore Lysefjorden/Visit Ryfylke
Boat Trip on Lysefjord
Here, you can sit back on the deck or in the cosy saloon of the boat and enjoy the panoramic view of a true string of natural pearls: From the legendary Fantahålå Cave, past Hengjanefossen, where you get so close that you can taste the fresh mountain water from the waterfall, to the absolute highlight of the trip: the majestic Preikestolen, towering 604 metres above Lysefjord's crystal-clear water.
Preikestolen
The unique, 604-metre-high and almost vertical rock formation with its flat top and sharp edges is, for good reason, one of Norway's most famous destinations. Up to 250,000 tourists visit the cliff annually, flocking to the site to enjoy a panoramic view of fjords and mountains that can take anyone's breath away. The hike to the top takes about 2 hours each way and offers plenty of excellent spots to rest – or take a well-deserved dip – along the way.
Kjeragbolten
Kjerag is yet another of Norway's iconic hikes, not least because of its fascinating round boulder, Kjeragbolten, wedged between two mountain walls high up. The hike to the top takes about 2.5-3 hours each way and goes over mountain terrain with an elevation difference of 460 metres. It is not for inexperienced hikers or the faint-hearted, as some of the path follows the edge of a cliff that drops almost vertically a whole kilometre down to Lysefjord. At the top of the 1084-metre-high mountain, you can enjoy the indescribable view while standing at the edge of the plateau – or perhaps even out on Kjeragbolten itself if you dare!
Foto: Portal Norge / FjordNorge