Scenic tourist routes

Suleskarvegen © Luke Tennant

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 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

Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren, Brusand © Helge Stikbakke Statens vegvesen

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