The Rogaland landscape is full of contrasts. From its idyllic fjords, towering mountains, and gently undulating moors to the beautiful, white sandy beaches and the pebbly ones too, to the fantastic archipelago. The North Sea Cycle Route through Rogaland is not dangerous, difficult or particularly demanding, except for the stretch from Flekkefjord to Ogna, but the scenery is impressive. Many of Norway's best-known painters were drawn to this mystical landscape and spent their summers trying to capture the strangely beautiful quality of light one finds in seascapes. Indeed, it was from here the Norwegian poet Arne Garborg drew inspiration to write the wonderful nature studies in his book "Haugtussa".
Exciting opportunities for island-hopping by bike!
Take the ferry out to one of the Ryfylke islands e.g. Kvitsøy or Finnøy. The North Sea Cycle Route runs through many of the main towns in Rogaland; Egersund, Stavanger, the bike city of Sandnes and Haugesund, all boasting a diversity of activities and cultural highlights easily accessible to the cycle tourist. Cycling along the Rogaland coast is a journey through history. The stone fences bear witness to the back-breaking toil put into clearing the soil before it could be cultivated. Each graveyard has a story to tell, and the many lighthouses are like monuments over a dramatic coastal culture.
The North Sea Cycle Route through Rogaland runs through the southernmost tip of "fjord Norway" to Egersund. From here on, you cycle along the old abandoned west coast highway to Ogna where you meet the first of many sandy beaches, then follow the coast onto the old Kongeveien, through Brusand and Vigrestad to the Old vicarage at Hå. The route northwards is dotted with beautiful, sandy beaches. From Sola, you have the choice of cycling inland to Sandnes and then along the Gandsfjord to Stavanger or following the coast through Sola to Tungenes lighthouse. From Stavanger, travel by speed boat to Nedstrand and cycle from there towards Haugesund.
