Sandnes at its best: Shopping, history and nature in one

Start with new architecture in Havneparken before continuing to the shopping street Langgata with older architecture. From shopping and dining in Langgata, you'll then stroll to Stangelandsåna stream, an important resource for the early Sandnes industry. Finally, enjoy the sunset from the top of the Hanatrappene steps, a great hike up the heights. You'll get the best pictures of Sandnes from there!

Havneparken (the harbour park)

Havneparken is a new urban development area in Sandnes with its own skyline.

First up was Havnespeilet, a commercial building in modern architecture that houses, among other things, Den Gule Banken (the Yellow Bank). The nearest neighbour is Sandnes Town Hall with its characteristic red brick facade, which tells the story of one of Sandnes' most important industries, the brick and pottery business. At the front of these buildings, you'll find cosy seating areas with shelter from the wind and weather.

The exclusive apartment buildings Ovalen and Ankeret are the latest additions to the area's transformation. Hugo Frank Wathne's sculpture Brevduen (the Homing Pigeon) is located in the beautifully planted outdoor area between the buildings - visible from both sides of the Gandsfjord.

The two old workhorses - the cranes at the harbour - are a historic environmental element and add character to the area, which will eventually have its own harbour bath.

Langgata in Sandnes - a smile with your shopping

Langgata - a long shopping street and meeting place with long traditions. Langgata is a pedestrianised street where you can take your time to enjoy yourself and shop for goods that you might not find everywhere. There are also several places to stop for a coffee, a good lunch or a glass of something tasty.

Cosy city centre tour

Sandnes invites you to take a leisurely stroll through the city centre, where you'll find everything from toys, electronics, lifestyle shops, clothes, shoes, health food, interiors, books, flowers, gifts, art galleries, photography, hairdressers and make-up. Several second-hand shops can also be found here.

Langgata with play, concerts and art

Langgata has urban spaces for play and events. Pop-up exhibitions, second-hand shops and temporary outlets pop up at regular intervals. There is a summer concert every Saturday in Lanternen at 12.00. The major upgrade of Langgata was completed in 2017, with a new street floor and artistic decoration throughout. Find exciting new neighbourhoods and hidden alleys that are often worth visiting.

Architecture that tells a story

The architecture of several of the houses and buildings in Langgata also tells a story about urban development. In Langgata you have several examples:

• Nygaardshuset in Langgata 8 - a listed Empire house from around 1835. The only building from before the formation of Sandnes city centre
• Lanternen, Aaslaug Aaslands plass, is a wooden sculpture, stage and square, built in connection with Stavanger & Sandnes Capital of Culture 2008.
• Gamlaværket, Langgata/St. Olavs gate 38, brick building from 1910. Originally residential. Part of a city complex from the 1890s and early 1900s. Built in plastered brick by blacksmith Torkel Svendsen Raugstad.
• Bendixhuset, Langgata 53, large corner property in a distinct Art Nouveau style from 1923. This was Sandnes' oldest house, Bendixhuset, in the days of the beach resort, before the town was formed.
• Sandnes Forbruksforening, Langgata 40, Sandnes Forbruksforening's main outlet. Historic brick building with modified exterior from 1905.

Also read ArchitecTOUR in Sandnes city centre.

Stangelandsåna

Stangelandsånå is one of two major watercourses that run through the centre of Sandnes. The river plays one of the main roles in the history of Sandnes. The hydropower from the river formed the basis for a varied business community. Access to water and power was crucial for the furniture industry, tanneries, carpentry workshops and not least all the mills that were built.

The watercourse has recently been reopened after being piped for several years. A beautiful, green river park with several seating areas has now been created along the river. Sandnes cemetery is the closest neighbour to the area and marks the old city boundary.

The quay front at Rovik pier

The quay front at Rovik waterfront is a lovely gem that you can walk along on your way up to Hanatrappene. With a marina for residents and public areas for play and recreation, this provides the opportunity to see Vågen from the other side of the Gandsfjord and enjoy a while at a quiet and secluded pace.

The Hanatrappene stairs

The much-loved stairs from the old Hana school are the result of local commitment and volunteerism. The "mountain ladder" has 306 concrete steps, used extensively for recreation and tough training sessions. Perhaps it's the world's longest off-road concrete staircase? Either way, the view from the top makes the stair climb worth it. Read also: Embrace stair-walking in Sandnes.