The coast of Jæren in 1 - 2 - 3 days

There's something special about having plenty of time when travelling. You can take the time to see the surroundings from your bike seat or through the window of the local train and go from place to place at your own pace. On this trip, I started at Sola and travelled further south to Egersund. I visited Ølberg, Bore, Bryne, Nærbø, Obrestad and Ogna. You'll find all the tips and recommendations listed below, in a trip that's good for the environment, fitness and your memory book.

Day 1: Soft ice, surfing and recycled hotels

Much of the tour is based on Jærruta - a 14-kilometre-long cycling route on scenic roads in open countryside, from Sola in the north to Egersund in the south. It's a short distance from the seaside to Høg-Jæren, so you can customise your trip according to the terrain and landscape you want.

At the starting point in Sola is the historic Sola Strand Hotel, which has offered accommodation, good food and peace of mind since 1914. From here, I only need to cycle a short distance before reaching the first snack stop just a few meters from the sandy beach and salty waves. This is the Ølberg kiosk, a popular provider of, among other things, soft ice cream and "Ølbergfranske" (chips/french fries).

Jæren is well known for its fantastic sandy beaches, stretching over seventy kilometres. But it's also home to some of the country's best surfing spots! At Boretunet, they organise both surfing courses and what they call surfing trips. And - even if you're not necessarily the world's best surfer, you can still live like one! The accommodation at Boretunet is made of containers that have already had several lives. First, they housed workers on a floating rig, then they were converted into flats by the architectural firm Helen&Hard for Stavanger municipality, and now they are hostels and mini-houses here at Bore.

Naturally, there's plenty of room to park your bike at a big beach like Bore. But it's also possible to charge your electric car at Boretunet, for those who want to.

Different types of art and accommodation at a lighthouse!

In a glassblowing workshop in Nærbø, Line Mingar and Benjamin Walker create handmade, unique ornaments and other beautiful glass products. MingarWalker also offers experiences where visitors can test and learn more about glassblowing.

At Hå old vicarage, the vicar has moved out and the houses are now filled with exciting art and exhibitions. Both contemporary and cultural history meet here, and just below is an ancient burial ground and the King's Road. In the café, you can enjoy a good local meal and a cup of coffee.

Lighthouse holidays have become increasingly popular in recent years, and at Jæren, the Obrestad lighthouse from 1873 is a good alternative. This is the lighthouse on the mainland of Norway that lies furthest to the west. In addition to the lighthouse museum, there are tasteful and modernly furnished cottages that offer accommodation all year round - and everything is run by Hå old vicarage. By the way, can you find the street artist Pøbel's "Surfing Lady"? The work is painted on a small building down by the beach.

Other accommodation options in the area include Kvassheim Lighthouse, (run by Jæren Friluftsråd), Hotell Jæren and Bryne Kro & Hotel.

Worth a detour:

The artist Pøbel is known for both surprising and thought-provoking works in the area, and now you can experience twelve of his works along Jæren - from Stavanger in the north to Vigrestad in the south. Quite simply your own Pøbel safari. Be sure to visit the Orre Friluftshus - where full moon concerts and themed exhibitions on nature and outdoor life are organised.

Charming city life, fresh sea, culture and treetop cabins

In addition to bicycles, trains are also an excellent means of transport for exploring these areas. The Jærbanen railway runs between Stavanger and Egersund, and the entire route can be covered in just over an hour. You can also buy a 24-hour ticket, making it easy to hop on and off.

Egersund is one of Norway's best-preserved wooden villages, with lots of character, history and charm. At Grand Hotell Egersund you'll find the ever-pleasant Eigra Kjøkken & Bar, which offers everything from small dishes to 5-course meals. This is quality food that can brighten up a day - or set the mood for a party with good friends. You can go on a trip to the amusing icon Trollpikken in Magma UNESCO Global Geopark, and much more. Egersund also operates a floating sauna in the harbour basin, with its own pool of cold water on the outside. Fresh!

The versatile cultural venue, Ogna Scene, has hosted many a concert since it opened more than twenty years ago. The stage is located in Grønefed Kulturtun's cosy and retro premises, and in addition to concerts, everything from lectures and quizzes to history evenings and flea markets is organised here. See the culture calendar for events.

You can find unusual accommodation at Trekronå at Ogna. To protect nature, the cabins are set on stands between the trees - and 4-5 metres above the ground, you can sleep comfortably and wake up to birdsong and the sound of the stream.

Are you ready for a historic hotel? Then I can recommend the Grand Hotell Egersund, which has an atmosphere from the 1870s - but with highly modern rooms and facilities.