Experience winding paths to pebbly shores, sandy dunes, sparkling sea views, charming lighthouses, and cultural heritage.
Norwegian Scenic
Route Jæren
Journey through distinctive cultural landscapes and idyllic coastal towns along the North Sea.
The Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren is one of 18 Norwegian Scenic Routes, but the coast along this route is something special. It's nothing like the usual Norwegian scenery!
The 130-kilometre-long Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren runs between Bore outside of Sandnes in Fjord Norway to Flekkefjord in Southern Norway.
If you're travelling from west to south, the roadtrip starts from Bore, which is 40 minutes from Stavanger city in Fjord Norway. For the best experience, you should probably stop the car or perhaps take the time to drive along some of the little side roads.
It can be completed in one day, but we recommend that you stay for several days in the area, in order to explore these extraordinary surroundings.
The route lies in Fjord Norway. The drive from Oslo takes about 7 hours and 4,5 hours from Bergen. From Trondheim it takes about 14 hours. If you want to get there even faster, fly to Stavanger, rent a car, and drive for about 40 minutes to Bore.
Along the scenic route, you’ll find Norway’s longest beaches, with an amazing 70 km of white sand, unique plants and wildlife.
First stop: Borestranda
Starting from Bore, your first stop is Borestranda Beach, a long stretch of fine-grained sand with an endless horizon over the sea.
The beach is a popular spot for both surfing and swimming. You’ll also find facilities here, including showers, toilets, and seating areas.
Where to stay in Jæren
Book nowVollBoretunet
Boretunet is a place where your pulse lowers, chirping birds and cows mooing are the only neighbouring noise you can hear. The most important thing is that once you are here, you feel at home, you can really relax and lower your shoulders. Enjoy life on a beach pearl, not far from Stavanger, but completely in the countryside.
Second stop: Orrestranda beach
This beach is only 10 minutes further south, located at Klepp.
At nearly five kilometres in length, Orrestranda beach is Norway's longest sandy beach. With its light, fine-grained sand, this beach is reminiscent of the sandy shores found in warmer climes. People come here to swim, surf, and hike in the fresh sea air.
Just a short walk away you'll find good parking and toilet facilities, and it's also possible to buy food and drinks at the information centre at Orre Friluftshus.
This beach has also been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification.
Third stop: Refsnesstranda
Refsnesstranda is a favorite stop along the Scenic Route Jæren! The beach changes as you go from soft sand dunes in the south to pebbles in the north.
Take a break at one of Norways most unique toilets, which also features an outdoor shower and a rinse station.
From here, a wooden walkway leads you straight down to the dunes, making it easy to explore!
Explore the Jæren beaches
Large and lively or small and private? You will have no problem finding the perfect beach at Jæren.
Ognastranden: Easily accessible by car or train. If you take the Jæren Railway, the train station is about 15 minutes from the beach. If you are travelling by car, the North Sea Road goes right through Ogna. At the beach, you'll find both a campsite with a kiosk, accessible walking paths, and several wonderful hiking trails.
Brusandstranden: This beach is connected to Ogna beach and has its own campsite with space for both motorhomes and caravans. This is a fine spot for both swimming, surfing, and fishing. You'll also find Hitlertennene (Hitler's teeth), a series of Nazi stone block fortifications dating from the Second World War.
Nærlandstranden and Refsnesstranden beaches are close to the Obrestad lighthouse and the Scenic Route Jæren. Refsnesstranden beach is very accessible, with paths from the car park down to the beach, and you'll also find showers nearby.
Orrestranden is another stop along the scenic route, located at Klepp. Here, you'll find good parking and toilet facilities, and it's also possible to buy food and drinks at the information centre at Orre Friluftshus. This beach has also been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag certification.
Borestranden is a popular spot for surfers and is located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren. Here you can learn to surf, take a beginner's class in kitesurfing and spend the night near the beach. In summer, you can also rent surfing equipment and buy refreshments at the kiosk. You'll find showers and toilets near the car park.
Hellestøstranden is a universally accessible recreational area at Sola and is the perfect place for sun-seeking people during summer. It's also the site of an annual kite festival and a popular surfing spot.
Ølbergstranden is a little sandy beach offering pleasant swimming and sunbathing during summer. It's also a great place to hike year round. Some also claim you get the very best soft serve ice cream in the area right here, at Ølbergkiosken. The beach is located southwest of Stavanger airport and near Ølberg harbour.
Vigdelstranden is a smaller beach a short distance from Ølberg. There is a path leading to the beach and toilets in the area.
Solastranden beach is shallow and therefore popular with kiters and surfers. At the north end of the beach, you'll find the Sola Strand Hotel and a golf course. The beach is also close to Stavanger airport.
Regestranden is the neighbouring beach to Solastranden. It has a large car park and you can also spot street art in the area.
Fourth stop: Madland harbour
13 minutes south lies Madland Harbour, tucked between Varhaug and Vigrestad in Hå municipality – a beautiful place exposed to rough weather.
The building has two toilets and a cladding specially designed to make the building glow in the dark like a lantern!
Down by the harbour, there is a new a storm-watching cabin, with a glass front wall offering a stunning 180-degree view of the North Sea! Here you can sit and experience the weather and waves, sheltered from the elements.
Fifth stop: Friluftsfyret Kvassheim
Kvassheim Lighthouse was built in 1912, right by the bay at Ognabukten.
Together with the lighthouses at Obrestad and Feistein, it helped guide ships safely along the Jæren coast. Kvassheim remained in operation until 1990.
Today, it’s been restored and brought back to life, and contains exhibitions on the story of marine rescue operations and the unique nature of Jæren, as well as a small café.
Enjoy stunning views the entire way from Kvassheim to the end of the Scenic Route Jæren, which leads all the way to Flekkefjord – the westernmost town in Southern Norway. This is about 1 hour and 45 minutes by car!
Nice to know before you go
Take your time on the road, and keep an eye out for lay-bys so you can let oncoming traffic pass on narrow sections. Expect a lot of traffic during the busy summer months.
Information for cyclists: This route runs close to the North Sea. The open landscape can be windy, which can make cycling harder. If you prefer a calmer ride, you can take National Cycle Route 1 (Kystruta), which runs just outside the main tourist route. This part is also included in the European North Sea Cycle Route (Eurovelo 12).
Source: Norwegian Scenic Routes
Norwegian Scenic Routes
Explore the most beautiful drives in Norway! Find out what to experience along the routes, including lesser-known gems, accommodation, and wonderful detours.
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