Forest hike to Sørmarka
Did you know that you can find a forest hike nearly in the middle of the city? Sørmarka is only a short distance from Stavanger.
Sørmarka is the largest contiguous green area in Stavanger with an area of approx. 370 acres and 8 km of hiking trails. The forest is dense in many places, and bustling bird and animal life fills the forest with sounds and impressions.
From the car park below Ullandhaugtårnet tower, follow Ullandhaugleitet and Sørmarkabakken through a vibrant cultural landscape with a view of Ryfylke and the city in the foreground. The trip continues along Sørmarkveien and further up the hiking trail through the birch forest towards Hinnaberget. Here, the forest is changing, and planted coniferous forests must give way to new deciduous trees. If you are observant, you will also see trenches and cannon emplacements. Old rope fixings to ten large radio masts that were demolished in 1935 can also be seen.
You pass Hinnadammen pond with a bustling salamander life before the hiking trail continues down towards more open plains and old pastures at Hinnamarka field. The hiking trail then leads you under the E39 and around the equestrian centre at Grannes. A small waterfall is a glimpse of what you are going to see on the way uphill again. Pass the drilling rig Ullrigg, and enter "Oskars Plass", the junction where all hiking trails in Sørmarka meet. Another little turn and you're at the parking lot again.
Source: Region Stavanger
Forest hike to Sørmarka