Forsand muncipality is a mainland community located at the southern entrance of the Ryfylke. The muncipality is 780,2 km2, and approximately 1.200 inhabitants. Although it is on the mainland, short ferry trips are necessary to reach North Jæren in the West, and the rest of the Ryfylke in the North. Forsand is located within the constraints of two fjords, Lysefjord and Høgsfjord. Lysefjord is 42 kilometres in length and extends to the east, whereas Høgsfjord extends to the south. Høgsfjorden starts near Idse in Strand and ends near Frafjord in Gjesdal. The Lysefjord branches off from the Høgsfjord near the village Forsand. The fjord is 1500 meters wide and has a maximum depth of 170 meters. Forsand is one of largest municipalities within the county of Rogaland in terms of area, and one of the smallest in terms of population.
The muncipality has a wealth of nature. The main attraction, the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), has been a magnet for tourists for over 150 years. The Lysebotn road has become another great tourist attraction, almost through coincidence; it was built as part of the power station project and not with tourists in mind. Øygaardstøl Cafe with a fantastic cenery lies on the top of Lysebotn road. The road has 27 hairpin curves and a drop of 950 metres. The last section of road passes through a 1100 metres tunnel.
Hunting, fishing and outdoors activities are all available and snow is plentiful in the mountains. A rich cultural life is also available, being one of the muncipality´s prime concerns. The dominant industries today are sand quarrying and power production, but the past few years have also seen a development of large fish farming centres, of which Aqua-Trading in Eiane is the largest. A factory at Helle, makes staircases with the aid of computerised technology. A number of smaller firms are also in business.
Experiece the journey of your dreams on the Fjord Road (RV 13) through Fjord Norway. Ryfylke, an area of bottomless fjords and lofty mountains. Follow the Ryfylke Road. From here a short detour brings you within walking distance of the Pulpit Rock and dizzying views of the Lysefjord, another offers the improbable vertigo of Kjerag and its hanging rock. There is nothing like it!
THE PULPIT ROCK
“Preikestolen” is no doubt the best known tourist attraction in the Ryfylke region and in Rogaland county. The characteristic mountain shelf 604 metres over Lysefjord has been visited by hundreds of thousands throughout the years. From the Preikestolhytta, a 7 km traiI climbs the rest of the 350 metres to the top. Good shoes and physical health are necessary for the 3 – 4 hour hike. In June – August there are daily buses from the ferry quay at Tau to the cabin. You can also enjoy the Pulpit Rock from the ferries and express boats on the fjord. More information
KJERAG
The Kjerag mountains rise majestically 1000 metres above the innermost part of the Lysefjord, offering a stupendous view of Lysebotn and the fjord. On the western side of the plateau, the attraction is Kjerag Boulder (Kjeragbolten), a 5m2 boulder is wedged in a crevice 1.000 metres above Lysefjord.
The trail from Øygardsstøl by Lysevegen road above Lysebotn is demanding. Allow 4 – 6 hours for the 1O km hike, which climbs 570 metres. Good shoes and physical health are advised. The truly adventurous climb up the precipitous rock faces or parachute from the top. Enjoy their stunts standing safely on the deck of a boat.
THE LYSEFJORD
The famous, 40 km long Lysefjord, surrounded by impressive mountains carved out during the Ice Age is the dominant feature. Ferries and sightseeing boats call on many of the exiting towns and villages along the fjord. Lysefjord is an extremely popular tourist attraction and day trip from nearby Stavanger, from where cruise ships travel the full distance of the fjord. As well as the extraordinary scenery of the fjord itself, two points along its length are popular side trips. The rock of Preikestolen, located above a vertical drop of 600 meters, can be seen from the fjord, but is more impressive from above. At the end of the fjord lies the Kjerag mountain, a popular hiking destination with even more spectacular drops.
On the east side of the fjord lies the town Lysebotn. Not only is the fjord long and narrow, it is in places as deep as the mountains are high. Only 13 meters deep where it meets the sea near Stavanger, the Lysefjord drops to a depth of over 400 meters below the Preikestolen. French writer Victor Hugo poetized in Toilers of the Sea admiring the scenery after a visit in 1866 that the Lysefjord was the most terrifying of the ocean reefs. Base Jumpers are legally allowed to jump here.
THE LYSE ROAD
The road which winds through 27 bends from Lysebotn to the mountain – engineering at its best. Lovely views over Lysebotn and the fjord.
LYSEBOTN
Innermost in the magnificent Lysefjord lies the village of Lysebotn, the perfect base for exploring the fjord and nearby mountains. Lysebotn power station, experience at close hand how Lysefjord’s waterfalls are turned into electrical energy.
LYSEFJORD CENTRE
The centre pesents the “Lysefjord Saga”, an unique multi-media experience invoking film, light, writings and pictures of Lysefjorden´s culture, geology, nature and history. You can experience the history of the Lysefjord – how it was created and its culture throughout the ages – all organised in an exciting, exhibition and adventure centre. The Lysefjord centre is also the Tourist Information Office for Forsand and Ryfylke.
FLØRLI
Today, Flørli is a small, abandoned industrial settlement situated in Lysefjord. The story behind the hydroelectric power station, the water pipes feeding the station and the 4444 steps built along the water pipes, supposedly the longest wooden steps in the world. The last resident of Flørli left in 1999, but lately people have been moving back and are creating an area of cultural activities. Many enthusiasts are currently working to bring new life to the village, based on outdoor recreational activities and culture. Flørli is for the active, but is also a place where you can relax and take things easy.
FORSAND CHURCH
The church is situated in the centre of contemporary Forsand about 1 km from the ferry berth. It was built in 1854 to the drawings of local church architect Tollag Gudmestad from Nærbø.
FORSAND CULTURE CENTRE
Forsand Kulturhus is about 3 km from the ferry quay heading for Helle. The complex was opened in 1990 and features a 25 metres pool, therapeutic baths, cinema, gymnasium, Iibrary, meeting rooms and cafe.
WATERSIDE WAREHOUSE
The waterside warehouse at Bergevik dates from the mid-1800s. It is about 1 km from the quay at Forsand. Tours by arrangement, enquire at Forsand Culture Office.
LANDABU SETTLEMENT
The remains of the Landabu settlement are to be found at Fossanmoen, a unique find in Norwegian history and archaeology. Esmark moraine, the end moraine at Fossanmoen, on the outer edge of the Lysefjord, a relic of the Scandinavian Ice Age. Continuously inhabited for more than 2.000 years, from around 1.000 BC to 600 AD, the only grew to village size in its later period. The first Bronze Age house was restored in 1995. Historical refreshments in Gildehallen. Building work will continue for many years to come, until the village, with its associated agricultural environment and outdoor activities, is complete. Your can view the reconstruction work. Guided tours and participation in activities.
UBUREN
A look-out area above Høgsfjord and the outer part of Lysefjord. 440 metres above sea level.
MARINAS
Lysefjorden Marina, a marina at Bergevik in Forsand. Forsand Handelslag (Trading Association), a marina near Forsand quay in Forsand.
HIKING
Hiking paths in the woods at Rossavikheia (Forsand) and Lerang (Meling). Forsand Hobby og Husflidssenter (Arts & Crafts Center) is located in an old restored school building.
SWIMMING
Fossanhagen near the town centre and Lysefjordcentre; sandy beach. Forsand Kulturhus, 25 metres long swimming pool.
FISHING
Fishing possibilities are good in both Lysefjord and Høgsfjord. The choices are many, among them we can name the Ryfylke fjords for boating and fishing, and the hills for hunting and skiing. A rich variety of activities are available, including good trout fishing in rivers and lakes.
GOLF
Golfclubs in Rogaland.