Skip to main content
  • Search
    • Regions
    • Cities and places
    • See and do
    • Events
    • Food and drinks
    • Accommodation
    • Transport
    • Tourist information
  • Inspiration
  • Fjord Norway logo
    Fjord Norway logo
  • Search
  • Explore map
    • Regions
    • Cities and places
    • See and do
    • Events
    • Food and drinks
    • Accommodation
    • Transport
    • Tourist information
    • Inspiration
    • Explore map
Villages and places

Ålgård

Ålgård is the largest town in Gjesdal municipality, situated around 30 km south of Stavanger. Following recent regeneration, the town centre was awarded Norway's prestigious National Prize for Architecture.

Ålgård
© Reidun Solli Skjørestad

History

Apart from a few farms, there were only two buildings in Ålgård until the 1860s - two mill houses located by the river a little below Lake Edlandsvatnet. Subsequently, part of the main western road to Ålgård was built, and the village developed around the wool spinning mill established here in 1870 by Ole Nielsen.

Lars Oftedal, a Norwegian priest, social reformer, politician, and newspaper editor, experienced the area before the road and the industry came to Ålgård and wrote in the local newspaper Stavanger Aftenblad:

"The access was highly difficult before the 1860s, especially from Bråstein in Høyland. It was like a mountain journey. Slopy, hilly roads as steep as rooftops and so narrow that in some places it was nothing short of a miracle to pass a meeting car on the road, with dizzying cliffs down towards the river, potentially certain death should you be so unfortunate to fall downhill ... "

Kongeparken and Norwegian Outlet

Today, it is easy to get to Ålgård via the main road E39, which is now best known for the famous family park Kongeparken and the Norwegian Outlet. In the centre, there is a small "water park" with a paddling pool and beach, as well as activities for children and youngsters.

Explore Edge of Norway™ with urban Stavanger, countless surrounding islands, Sandnes with the famous mountain top Kjerag, long-stretched beaches along the Norwegian Scenic route Jæren, mountains and fjords, lunar landscapes in Magma UNESCO Global Geopark or the winter paradise Sirdal.

Useful links

  • Region Stavanger
  • Edge of Norway
A brand icon

Dirdal

At the end of the Høgsfjord lies the valley Dirdal, which stretches upwards towards Gilja and further towards Byrkjedal. The name Dirdal comes from old Norse 'Digradal', and means 'the big valley'.

See all attractions in The Stavanger region
A brand icon

Holiday ideas in the Ålgård region

Find inspiration about things you can do in the area.

From outlet to outlet in the Stavanger region

From outlet to outlet in the Stavanger region

Bargain hunters watch out - this is a car trip for you! Best you have as little luggage as possible with you, so that there is enough space in your car for new quality goods! A nice car tour for friends or couples.

Treffer du blinken

Kids’ favourites in the Stavanger region

In fantasy, anything is possible. In our region also. Courageous stomach splashes, joyous laughter.

Midgardsormen solnedgang

Hidden gems in the Stavanger region

In search of new places of excursions? Our region offers countless naturally beautiful recreational areas with walking and hiking opportunities - far from the big tourist crowds.

Read more articles aboutThe Stavanger region

Go exploring!

Amusement park, shopping or culture?

Kongeparken Daypass

Kongeparken Daypass

All Kongeparken Daypasses give you access to the park and give you a day full of magic and excitement. In the park, over 60 attractions and experiences await you and your family. Brumle and all his friends welcome to Kongeparken.

Norwegian Outlet

Norwegian Outlet

The largest brand village in the western part of Norway with 200 brands in 24 stores, all gathered under one roof. The best part is that everything is on sale! Always! With 30 - 70% discount on all products, you are guaranteed to make a bargain.

Limagarden

Limagarden

Experience local history and the cultural landscape formed by generations of sheep farming.

Veveriet

Veveriet

The Veveriet was built to house weaving looms, that were driven by power from the river next to it. It is an important building in the town's textile heritage. Today the building is a cultural centre, housing the town's library, and culture facilities. It is also the local tourist information point.

Hike to Ramnstoknuten

Hike to Ramnstoknuten

A hike in Frafjordheiene, with a magnificent view of the Høgsfjord and towards the Frafjord. A new Instagram favourite!

Dirdalstraen gardsutsalg, Gjesdal

Dirdalstraen gardsutsalg, Gjesdal

Experience homemade food made from local ingredients combined with local history in Dirdal! The Dirdal Gardsutsalg Farm Outlet has a varied history.

Dirdalstraen Badestue

Dirdalstraen Badestue

Dirdalstraen Gardsutsalg Farm Outlet has a beautiful wood-fired sauna with lovely views. Relaxing in the sauna with its panoramic window facing the Høgsfjord, is like sitting in a postcard.

Frafjord SUP & Kayak

Frafjord SUP & Kayak

Discover the ultimate stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) experience in beautiful Frafjord. They offer a range of activities and services to suit all ages and skill levels.

BateLodge - Kongeparken in two days

BateLodge - Kongeparken in two days

This summer you can experience BateLodge, a unique experience over 2 days in Kongeparken. Surrounded by the park's beautiful nature and attractions, you and your family live comfortably in one of ten new cottage tents in BateLodge equipped with a bedroom, living room, bathroom and private balcony. Everything is arranged for Norway's Coolest Holiday in the new BateLodge.

Figgjo River

Figgjo River

The Figgjo river is temporarily closed for fishing (1/7/24) and opens partially from 11/7/24. The river is a popular sport fishing river and is one of Norway's biggest salmon rivers.

All activities related to Ålgård

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

Getting to and around the Stavanger regionSee the map

Service with a smile

Welcome!

BrumleCamp - Right in the heart of Kongeparken

BrumleCamp - Right in the heart of Kongeparken

BrumleCamp, stay right in the heart of Kongeparken. Everything is included: Accommodation in a glamping tent, 2-day ticket, dinner and breakfast.

Discover everything that Kongeparken has to offer in two days

Discover everything that Kongeparken has to offer in two days

This summer you can experience BateLodge, a unique experience over 2 days in Kongeparken. Surrounded by the park's beautiful nature and attractions, you and your family live comfortably in one of ten new cottage tents in BateLodge equipped with a bedroom, living room, bathroom and private balcony. Everything is arranged for Norway's Coolest Holiday in the new BateLodge.

Holiday home in the Høgsfjord

Holiday home in the Høgsfjord

Dirdalstraen Gardsutsalg offers accommodation in a bright and modern house of a high standard in Dirdal, Gjesdal.

Dirdalstraen tiny house Fjordbris

Dirdalstraen tiny house Fjordbris

Sleep in a unique mini house with panoramic views. Accommodation in scenic Dirdal with the fjord as your neighbour.

Dirdalstraen Tiny House Fjellro

Dirdalstraen Tiny House Fjellro

Unique mini house with panoramic views. Welcome to Fjellro! Here you can enjoy an overnight stay in the scenic area of Dirdal with an unforgettable view.

All accommodations related to Ålgård

Upcoming events


Be inspired

  • Facebook
    The Stavanger region on Facebook
  • Instagram

    The Stavanger region on Instagram

  • YouTube

    The Stavanger region on Youtube

Visit us here

edgeofnorway.com
Edge of Norway logo
  • Image shop
  • Meetings and conference
Fjord Norway's secondary logo
About Fjord NorwayFrequently asked questionsData protection