How do you travel more sustainably in the Stavanger region?

Bus and train

Jærbanen rails start in Stavanger and proceed to Egersund, with several stops on the way along the coastline of Jæren. And if the train can't take you where you need to go, check the local bus schedules with Kolumbus' travel planner. Kolumbus is responsible for the bus and speed boat transport in the county, additionally, the company works hard to ensure that trains, bicycles, walking and car sharing are connected with buses and boats - so that you can use a car as little as possible. Find also information on city bikes here.

Getting to and from

Bus routes such as Haukeliekspressen (Oslo-Haukeli-Haugesund), Sør-Vest Ekspressen (Kristiansand-Eigersund-Stavanger) and Kystbussen (Bergen – Haugesund – Stavanger) take you from the region from the north, south and east. Locally, there are buses in the entire region organised by Kolumbus and Boreal Transport.

Additionally, here is how you get to the big tourist attractions, such as Preikestolen and Kjerag, by bus during the main season:

• Bus to Preikestolen with Boreal
• Express bus to Preikestolen with Go Fjords
• Express bus to Kjerag with Go Fjords

Fjord sightseeing by electric boat

The world's fastest electric catamaran is the MS Rygerelektra. It is owned by the boat company Rødne Fjord Cruise and takes you to and from the Lysefjord (Source: Rødne Fjord Cruise).

Explore new places from the bike seat

The area called Jæren is relatively flat, making it ideal for bike rides. Norway Bike Rental offers several long-distance bicycles. Paa Hjul offers bike rentals for shorter rides.

Jærruta has e-bikes included in their package deals. Also possible to include in the packages are accommodation, food, guide and bikes. What is guaranteed regardless of package choice, is your encounter with the beautiful light, the landscape, the views of the North Sea and several memorable impressions. Read more about the bike route Jærruta.

Day trips by bike

Are you going on a day trip by bike, here are some useful examples of bike distances:

From Stavanger city centre

• Swords in rock (Approx. 6 kilometres, 25 minutes)
• Vistestranden beach, via the lakes Store Stokkavatnet and Hålandsvatnet (Approx. 13 kilometres, 45 minutes)
• Solastranden beach (Approx. 18 kilometres, 1 hour)

From Clarion Hotel Air, Sola

• Solastranden (Approx. 2 kilometres, 6 minutes)
• Borestranden (Approx. 16 kilometres, 50 minutes)

From Egersund city centre

• Vannbassengan swimming area (Approx. 1,5 kilometres, 10 minutes)
• Trollpikken (6,8 kilometres, 30 minutes, plus parts of the hike on foot)
• Skadbergsanden (Approx. 7,5 kilometres, 30 minutes)
• Sogndalstrand (Approx. 30 kilometres, 1 hour and 40 minutes)

Read also:

Getting to and around the Stavanger region

Rent an electric vehicle

Several rental companies offer electric cars or hybrid cars to their guests, i.e. Hertz. Search for electric cars and hybrids and try Hertz's Green Collection.

The power of your own two feet

Hike from one beach to another, start in one place and see where you end up. Hike to a new summit every day, stroll in streets and alleys, and run through the forest. The traffic is not the same without the power of your own two feet. Hopefully, you can use them as much as possible to experience small and significant daily moments - whether barefoot, dressed in hiking shoes, sandals, sneakers or high heels. You have the world at your feet, as they say, quite literally, also in the Stavanger region.

Choose Norway all year

An active all-year-round tourism industry contributes to the profitability and sustainable development of a destination. It could be just as spectacular to visit us in autumn, winter or spring. By choosing to travel in other months than peak season, you are contributing to the long-term viability and sustainability of activity providers, attractions, accommodation establishments and restaurants. Travelling off-season helps diminish the pressure on the destination in the main season. Nature hikes you can do all year, however, we recommend you do it with a nature guide, especially when days are getting shorter and darker.

Stay as long as you wish

When planning your trip, keep in mind that it makes more environmental sense to stay in one place for several days instead of staying in a new hotel every night. Feel free to stay long enough to experience many of the wonderful things that are nearby! You have plenty to choose from, that's for sure. Support the local business community, eat and drink out and buy local products and souvenirs.

Hotels that go the extra mile

Sustainability at Strawberry Hotels

• Green food & drink
• Organic, Fairtrade and plant-based options for breakfast and meals.
• Climate-friendly choices
• Butter and ingredients with a lower carbon footprint – good for the planet, good for you.
• Environmentally friendly hotel
• Energy-efficient buildings, water-saving measures and ISO 14001 certification
• Support for the local community
• Contribute to local projects and positive change in the area you are visiting

(Source: https://www.strawberry.no/baerekraft.)

Sustainability at Thon Hotels

Thon Hotels makes it easy to stay in an environmentally friendly way: All Norwegian hotels are Eco-Lighthouse certified, use climate-neutral electricity, offer organic and local food, and work actively to reduce food waste. Guests can therefore enjoy comfort while making a green choice. (Thon Hotels – Sustainability).

Preserving Norwegian nature

Know that the "right to roam" (Allemannsretten) is the very foundation for all opportunities for travel in nature in Norway. This right also includes the duty to preserve this valuable outdoor law. It is therefore important that you as a visitor are aware of these obligations and that you comply with them. You can read about duties and the "right to roam" act here. One of the most important things to keep in mind is that you should not disturb wildlife or leave garbage behind. You can also make an extra effort on the trip by picking up the litter you see and throw in the nearest bin.

Things you can do

If you are committed and have an interest in doing a bit extra, there are also beach cleanups you can take part in, such as the "Ryddeaksjon jærkysten", a great initiative by the Jæren Friluftsråd to keep our coastlines and beaches clean. Ryfylke Friluftsråd also regularly organises cleanup days, follow here for how you can participate.