Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren

It’s characterised by ever-changing weather and light, miles of sandy beaches and dunes replaced by pebbles and salmon rivers. This is Norway’s food pantry with an intensive agricultural activity in a flat, wide-stretched, and well-kept cultural landscape with a mild climate all year.

Into the open sea

The author Alexander L. Kielland stated that Jæren’s nature is not for amateurs. Kielland vacationed at Orre for many years. People from eastern Norway who move to Jæren, claim that it takes years to adapt. In the beginning, all they see are rocks, however, eventually, they discover the beauty of the scenery.
The shore along Jæren faces the open sea and has been considered one of the most dangerous coastlines in Norway. There are no skerries and the underwater currents can be strong.

Lighthouse history

The large-scale development of lighthouses along the Jæren coast began in the middle of the 1800s. The task was to lead the boat traffic on the North Sea safely past the Jæren coast in bad weather, darkness and haze. Over the years, several lighthouses were built, with the lighthouse at Kvassheim being completed in 1912 as the last.

Kvassheim lighthouse is currently operated by Jæren Friluftsråd and is one of the sights on the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren. Friluftsfyret is also a visitor centre with birds as the main theme. At the lighthouse, you can further hear stories of rescue operations and daily lighthouse life. The visitor centre Friluftshuset Orre is moreover an attraction along the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren. The centre portrays the plant and wildlife along the beaches.

Places to see along the way

Several attractions along the tourist route are worth a visit. One of the finest cemeteries in the country is Varhaug Old Cemetery, located right by the sea. Hå Old Vicarage in Obrestad is also worth a visit. At Brusand, by the road, you will find Hitlertennene, a monument from the Second World War. Borestranden and Refsnesstranden are two of the most beautiful beaches along the Jæren National Scenic Route Jæren. Both of these beaches have been equipped with beautiful new toilet facilities and car parks, which are operated by Jæren Friluftsråd.

Further into the lunar landscape

As you drive on towards Egersund, Sokndal and Flekkefjord, you will see that the landscape changes quite radically. Here, there are suddenly much more dramatic mountain formations and variations than you find along the long, flat Jæren landscape.

Egersund

Stop by for a taste of Norway's southern bliss in Egersund, stay at the Grand Hotel Egersund and soak up a little cultural history in the beautiful wooden buildings there. If you have time, it is popular to visit the world-famous attraction Trollpikken just outside Egersund.

Sokndal

In Sokndal, you can take a detour to the protected village of Sogndalstrand. Along the way, don't miss Jøssingfjord with Helleren and Jøssingfjord Vitenmuseum. A unique experience inside the disused tunnel is to spend the night in hammocks in Tunnelstuo. If you are particularly fond of engines and speed, stop by MotorCenter Norway for a lap around the track.

Flekkefjord

When you drive south along the tourist road and roll into Flekkefjord municipality, there are a couple of stops that stand out. Hollenderbyen – the old town in Flekkefjord centre with white wooden houses and narrow streets. The name comes from the close trade with the Netherlands in the 1500s and 1600s. Today, there are cosy cafés, small galleries and shops here. Flekkefjord Museum – located in one of the oldest buildings in the town, in the middle of Hollenderbyen. The museum provides an insight into the town's maritime history, trade and Dutch history. Hidra (ferry from the mainland) – a small island with coastal forts, idyllic villages and great views from Hågåsen. Many consider Hidra to be one of the highlights of the region.