NORWEGIAN SCENIC ROUTE JÆREN

The coast of Jæren is directly located towards the open ocean and has always been considered one of the most dangerous along the Norwegian coastline. There is no archipelago here, with occasionally strong currents.

“Jæren has scenery for the advanced” according to Alexander L. Kielland.

It is the ocean that dominates along this route, not the road. Nevertheless, the road plays an essential role in the experience, as it curves through cultural landscapes, often framed by old stone fences. The Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren differs from several other scenic routes as it is a service road. Here, you are in the centre of Norwegian food production with intensive agriculture in a flat, extensive, and well­kept cultural landscape.

Take in the nuances and details of the landscape!

Cultural heritage sites, the ocean, fields, and an endless changing light. The shifts of light, the varied landscape along the route, the dynamic and changing sky, and the never-ending horizon above the ocean. Visit one of Norway’s prettiest cemeteries, Varhaug gamle kirkegård, a final resting site by the sea. Hå gamle Prestegard at Obrestad is also worth visiting, and the same goes for the numerous lighthouses, read more on page 49. At Brusand, along the road, you can find “Hitlertennene” (Hitler’s teeth), big blocks of stones to avoid allied invasions during World War II.

Adventures in lunar landscapes

The southern part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren runs through the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark. The landscape here varies from the flat landscape of Jæren, and you make your way over winding roads, hills and valleys, exciting rock formations, small lakes, and idyllic farms. The route passes the cosy city of Egersund and continues southwards via Sogndalstrand and Jøssingfjord to Flekkefjord. Make a short stop at Rekefjord and Nesvåg and visit the Instagram-friendly hike to Nesvåghålo.

Do not miss the novelty, Tunnelstuo, a picnic area in an ancient tunnel on your way to the Jøssingfjord. A welcomed stop for cyclists, but it can also be reached on foot from the parking by the viewpoint. You can even sleep in hammocks inside the tunnel!

The Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren is part of the North Sea Route, between Kristiansand in the south, via Stavanger, to Haugesund.

Travel information

Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren

Between Bore and Flekkefjord (FV507 and RV44)

Length: 130 km

Meters above sea level: 0–274