Experience the ultimate beach road Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren with it's sandy dunes and pebbly shores, 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.
Here are eight recommended stops along the Scenic Route Jæren:
Along the scenic route, you’ll find Norway’s longest beaches, with an amazing 70 km of white sand, unique plants and wildlife.
Starting from the north in Bore and driving south, your first stop along the road will be Borestranda Beach, a long stretch of fine-grained sand with an endless horizon over the sea.
Orrestranda beach is only 10 minutes further south, located at Klepp.
At nearly five kilometres in length, this is Norway's longest
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.
Next up: Refsnesstranda
This 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 this toilet by Refsnes beach, 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!
More beaches along Jæren
This was just some of the beautiful beaches along Scenic Route Jæren, but there are many more that are worth a visit:
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.
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.
Take a lunch break at the art and cultural centre Hå gamle prestegard, 10 minutes from Refsnes beach. At this old vicarage from 1789, you'll find a little café, where delicious lapper is made!
Lapper, thick traditional Norwegian pancakes, are a popular snack among Norwegians. They are really tasty, and pair perfectly with sweet brown cheese, or freshly made jam!
Next is Madland Harbour, tucked between Varhaug and Vigrestad, also 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.
Eight minutes further south you'll find Kvassheim Lighthouse, built in 1912.
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!
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.
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.
