ROAD TRIP
Suleskarvegen © Luke Tennant
Scenic tourist routes Culture and nature on the edge – where land, ocean and sky meet. Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren differs from many of the
other tourist routes – it’s quite simply an all-purpose road. Spot all the nuances and features of the landscape – the cultural heritage, the ocean, the fields and the eternally
changing light. The beaches of Jæren are a joy regardless
of the weather, and be prepared, it changes rapidly. It’s as
Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren, Brusand © Helge Stikbakke Statens v egvesen
if the landscape goes from serene to explosive in a flash. It’s the ocean and not the road that dominates, yet the
road plays a key role in the big picture as it cuts through a beautiful cultural landscape often bordered by old dry
stone walls. Explore the subtle shifting patterns of light,
the undulating landscape, the ever-changing sky and the horizon far out over the ocean. The beaches each have their own personality no matter where you stop – see
both sandy beaches and pebbly beaches. Orre beach is
perhaps one of the most magnificent, here you can walk
for kilometres on the white sand and admire the rich flora
and fauna. More attractions along the route: Orre Friluftshus, Varhaug old cemetery and Bore beach.
The North Sea Route is a journey along the sea winding
past the dramatic Jøssingfjord and further into the coastal town of Egersund. The stone landscape eventually meets Jæren with elongated sandy and pebbly beaches. The
North Sea Road continues to Stavanger, then via Rennfast, Bokn and Karmøy. At the end of the route is Haugesund with Haraldstøtten, the symbol of Norway’s unification.
Suleskarvegen is the highest road connection in southwest
Norway, from Suleskar in Sirdal to Brokke in Setesdal, and over the mountains to Dalen and Høydalsmo in Telemark, where it meets Haukelivegen E134. Take your time, look around and enjoy! Perfect for motorbikes. VII/E4–5 Nordsjøvegen © Brian Tallman Photography
49
