TO THE MOON AND BACK

High or low, short or long, shallow or deep! Are you ready to walk in a unique landscape – on your terms and at your own pace? And what about a trip to the “moon”?

From easy day trips to demanding multi-day trips. Some areas tend to be open all year, while others are only available in the middle of summer –W as long as you don’t want to go skiing. With rich flora and fauna, some landscapes are protected.

In the south of the region, you will find the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark, an exciting landscape with unique geology and cultural history. Here you walk directly on anorthosite – the same rock as on the moon. The area offers great walks and special rock formations, the Syngjarsteinen on Skåra or the 74-ton Ruggesteinen on Indre Åmodt – the largest movable stone block in Northern Europe. Not far from Byrkjedalstunet, you will find Gloppedalsura, Northern Europe’s largest rock scree, which consists of rubble blocks on top of an end moraine.

Kongevegen partly follows the old riding path over Jæren and continues along the coast from Kvassheim to Hå gamle prestegard. Parking at Varhaug old cemetery, Grødalandstunet and Hå gamle prestegard. 8,4 km, 3 hours.

From the top, enjoy magnificent views of cities Stavanger and Sandnes, the Gandsfjord, the North Sea and Ryfylke. Going up from Hommersåk also gives amazing views of Riska and Strandalandet. There is a winding road towards the top suitable for prams and bikes. 4,5 km, 1,5 hours return.

Starting point: Likaiveien, Hommersåk.

Season: All year.

A perfect destination with a view of both the North Sea and the islands – not far from the city and easily accessible. Even though the mountain is only 70 m.a.s.l. you’re rewarded with a 360-degree view. 1.4 km, 20 minutes return.

Season: All year.

At 234 m.a.s.l. Provides an amazing view in all directions. There is altogether 20 km of marked trails in the highest areas of Rennesøy. Starting points: Vikevåg, Sel, Dale or Østhusvik. 5.6 km, 3 hours return. Season: All year.

A nice and easy walk in historical Sola. Among the highlights are the Sola ruin church, stone memorials and war memories in wonderful nature. An easy stroll in the open cultural landscape. 8.4 km, 2 hours return.

Season: All year.

The area surrounding Synesvarden is the largest remaining heathlands at Jæren. This is what the rest of the flatland at Jæren looked like before the agriculture changed Jæren in the last part of the 1800s. Roundtrip from Holmavatn to Synesvarden and further to the monument Mor Norge. 7.6 km, 2 hours return. Season: All year.

The hike starts from the Ydstebø marina. Continue to Håland, and from there, take the hiking trail along reefs and old bunkers back to Kvitsøy lighthouse. At the lighthouse, you get a good view of the sea, Skudenes, Karmøy and Bokn. Experience rough coastal landscapes with waves and reefs. The trip goes over pastures with many fence splitters, so stick to the marked path. You can also see old bunkers from the war on the route, from when Kvitsøy was under German occupation. In very bad weather this trip is not recommended. 2.6 km, 1-hour return.

Season: All year.

Hike in the open and flat beach landscape. Follow the coastline southwards, passing Sele harbour and continue towards Bore beach. Parking at Vigdel and Bore. 9 km, 2–3 hours.

This hike in moonlike landscapes starts near the famous two houses at Helleren. The two houses are built sheltered underneath the mountainside and are the oldest settlement in Sokndal. Follow the steep path up to the picnic area off the FV44. Cross the road and follow the marked trail into a forest area. On the way to the top (315 m.a.s.l.), you’ll get the chance to enjoy the ocean and fjord views of the Jøssingfjord with its hairpin roads. 5.9 km, 2 ½ hours return. Season: March–October. Parking at Helleren.

At 1209 m.a.s.l. gives a free view in all directions. The hike follows the ski lift for a while before making a turn to the left and passing lake Svartopstjødna. Season: May–October. Return 4–5 hours, 12 km.

Is at 907 m.a.s.l. the highest peak in Magma UNESCO Global Geopark and offers a grand view. Find more on hiking in Bjerkreim at destinasjonbjerkreim.no. Starting point: Veen. 4–5 hours , 13.4 km. Season: All year.

Varberg is Egersund’s city mountain, easily accessible to everyone with nature trails and a paved road to the top. On the top, you are rewarded with a great view of the city, the seaward approach, and the district. At the top, try the binoculars to see details in the terrain. Starting point: Egersund city centre. 2.9 km, 0.5–1 hour. Season: All year round.