Egersund´s sheltered location along an otherwise exposed coast of Norway has made it a natural meeting point for seafarers and locals. The town boasts many well preserved wooden buildings, and town rambles are a real pleasure. Egersund Curch, at the centre of the town, acquired its present appearance at the end of the 18th century, but parts of its contents date back to the 17th century. Egersund muncipality has approximately 14.400 inhabitants and covers a area of 432,5 km2.
Egersund also has a rich tradition in pottery. Visit the Fayance Museum and gain an insight into the rich 133-year history of the Egersund Fayance Factory. The Dalane Folk Museum exhibits old handicraft traditions. Today, Egersund is an active and dynamic fishing harbour, with a regular ferry service to Hanstholm in Denmark.
On the journey northwards from Egersund the landscape undergoes a sudden transformation. The hills become naked rocks, and, at Brusand, the countryside suddenly opens up. A long, alluring sandy beach curves out towards the west, with marram grass clad sand dunes beyond. There are flat, green pastures as far as the eye can see. You are now in Jæren, where ones upon a time there were barren heaths, covered with stones. After a great deal of effort by hard-working locals, this region has been cleared and cultivated into the country´s most productive, agricultural land.
In Jæren’s rivers, salmon can be fished and the translucent light and vast skies have cast an alluring spell over artists from Norway and abroad. At Hårr, the North Sea Road goes all the way down to the sea. Should you happen to experience unpleasant weather here, keep away from the pebbles. Just be thankful you weren´t a passenger or part of the crew on one of the 500 ships which have been shipwrecked along the coast of Jæren since 1850. Some of the sailors who lost their lives rest close to the sea at Varhaug Old Rectory.
TROLLPIKKEN
The phallic shape stone Trollpikken lies between Kjervall and Veshovda. As a guest at Grand Hotel Egersund you can rent a bicycle or you can drive the car to Sletteid and park.
In The KINGDOM of GARBORG
A little further north and to the west, you can make out the profile of Grødalandstunet with farm buildings dating back to the 1700s, a gem of Norwegian heritage only a few hundred metres from the road. A detour to the old rectory at Hå is a must. The well-known cultural centre has year round exhihitions attracting artists from Norway and abroad. The Jæren Museum with exhibitions, a museum farm and recreational area provides an interesting insight into Jæren´s agricultural history. Activities specially suitable for families with small children.
HØG
On Høg, Jæren is Knudaheio, Arne Garborg’s summer abode in his later years. The place is open to the public throughout the tourist season and has a magnificent view of Låg-Jæren below. The author’s childhood home at Garborg has now been restored and is open to the public. Fotlandsfoss (waterfall) is a unique cultural and nature area with a recently restored local mill and power station museum. Mølledammen by the marketplace at Bryne is an oasis with its rich bird and plant life and Bryne has a pleasant trade environment.
ORRE CHURCH
Orre has a medieval church dating from the 1200s.
BIRD WATCHING
The Friluftshuset community centre near the beach at Orre is one of the country´s most distinctive wooden buildings and was designed by the architect Per Line. Stavanger Museum´s ringing station for migratory birds is also located here. Revtangen and the areas around Orrevatnet are well known for their rich bird-life.
SWIMMING
Norway´s longest stretch of sandy beach Jæren can offer 24 kilometres of sandy beaches, and Norway’s longest, Orrestranden, lies close to the North Sea Road. A popular resort for windsurfers all year round.
FISHING
In Jæren´s rivers, salmon can be fished and the translucent light and vast skies.