Top 10 Nature & Parks in Sandnes, Western Norway

15 km bicycle path from downtown Sandnes to algard. Day trip. The route goes up to Austratt and the Hoyland Church, a well-preserved and protected French Empire-style church. The path then goes on to Brastein and Figgjo and ends up in algard. Use the opportunity to visit Figgjo Faience Factory's Outlet, Figgjo Old Railway Station or Kongeparken amusement park.

From Varlivarden, 386 m, you have a panorama in all directions, overlooking mixed woodlands and deciduous forest contrasting with open areas. There are several starting points for the paths in the area, but if you arrive by car, the best parking is at ovre Hetland, at Myrland and at Maudland. The distance between ovre Hetland and Varlivarden is around 5 km. Many round trips are possible in the district. A round trip from Myrland takes about 1 1/2 hrs. whilst from ovre Hetland about 3 hours. The paths can be both rocky and marshy and therefore unsuitable for prams, pushchairs or wheel-chairs. (Sandnes)

Manafossen is Rogaland's biggest waterfall and Norway's ninth tallest free fall waterfall. From the parking area you proceed on foot along the southeast bank of the river. The path up to Manafossen is steep and rugged in places. The steepest spots have steps and chains that you can hold on to as you climb. From the path you have a fine view over Manafossen, which has a free fall of 92 metres. The waterfall is protected and is one of Rogaland's biggest tourist attractions. You can continue your trip into Mandal and visit Man farm. This was the first farm that was cleared in Fidjadalen valley - probably already in the early Middle Ages. On the lush grassy slopes around the main building there are numerous remnants of the mountain farm that was in use until 1915. Today the restored farmhouse is the only remaining original building. A new building sleeps 34 persons. In the basement you'll find an exhibition featuring the mountain farm's history, the conservation area Frafjordheiene and the work of the Jaeren Recreational Council. The basement also serves as a heated shelter, where you're welcome to warm up while you eat your lunch when visiting Man farm. Access: Follow the signs from the turnoff at E39 by algard, in the direction of Byrkjedal. Parking fee NOK 20. Season: Apr-oct Duration: 2hrs

From Kristiansand in the south to Haugesund in the north, this renowned coastal route treats you to magnificent and varied views of the North Sea. After leaving the town of Kristiansand, head northwest. You will soon leave behind the gentle landscape of Southern Norway and enter into Fjord Norway proper. The North Sea Road climbs as it winds its way past the dramatic Jossingfjord. It continues to Egersund, a major fisheries and ferry port. Further northwards are miles and miles of rough-hewn terrain that finally yield to the wide expanses of Jaeren. Here, as far as your eye can see, are cultivated fields and sand dunes, and beaches covered with sand or pebbles. The North Sea Road continues into lively Stavanger, European City of Culture in 2008. You can continue by ferry to the charming fishing village of Skudeneshavn on Karmoy. A little further, at the end of the journey, lies Haugesund, with a memorial to Harald Fairhair, who in 872 gathered Norway into one kingdom.

Veraland is signposted from Holeveien up to the car park. The landscape is very open wich calls for warm clothes on windy days. There are small lakes for fishing and good opportunities for berry picking. Take Route 13, turn off on Route 316 towards Lauvvik. Round trips marked with signs Easy access from the parking lot at Veraland on Route 316.

Hogsfjord is situated southeast from Stavanger. When you travel by boat from Stavanger to Lysefjord you travel through the Hogsfjorden. The Lysefjorden is one of the two sidefjords to the Hogsfjord, the other one is the Frafjord. There is a car ferry across the Hogsfjorden between Lauvvik and Oanes on Rv 13 twice per hour. When Rv 13 becomes national tourist road, the southern start point will be Oanes.

Sandnes - Egersund -->100 km 2 nights beside the fascinating North Sea Coast. (2 days cycling). A dozen exquisite sandy beaches, rocky promontories, heather-clad moors and Norway's most productive dairy farms form a perfect mix of scenery, interspersed with lively ports both large and small. Day 1: Arrive in Sandnes. Arrive in Sandnes Cycling and bicycles are familiar features in Sandnes. There has been focus on developing and improving bicycle trails and paths, red carpets downtown, signs and bicycle parking in and around the downtown area. The result is a very good network of prepared paths that are well-suited for cycling. Accommodation: Quality Residence Hotel Sandnes in town centre. Cyclists Welcome accommodations are especially equipped with the cyclist in mind - safe cycle parking, bike/tyre repair kits, good laundry facilities are all readily available. Quality Residence Hotel has gone one step further, the concept of being a Cyclist Welcome Hotel is shown also in decor and in the Cycle Restaurant. Day 2: Sandnes - Naerland. 46 km. The coastline varies from sandy beaches to pebbled shores and rocky coasts. Now and then you cycle inland through the rolling landscape of Jaeren where long stone walls separate neat farms. When arriving at Naerland we strongly recommend an afternoon cycling trip (2 kms) to Ha old Vicarage. The Vicarage dates from 1787 and includes several annexes and out buildings. High quality exhibitions of art and regional themes are held here regularly, making the old Vicarage a popular place for family outings and one of Rogaland's most successful cultural ventures in recent times. A Large beach burial field from pre-historical times is located on a beach of round boulders, close to the old Ha Vicarage. Accommodation: Naerland gjestegaard, hotel beside a sandy beach with all facilities where you also can enjoy a 33 C heated swimmingpool. Dinner at the hotel. The hotel is part of a village that has been serving several purposes. It was built at the time when the ideas of spas was strong, then came the depression and it was Now it is being turned into a multi-purpose area that can serve Day 3: Naerland - Egersund. 53 km. 33 Km easy. 20 km unmetalled strenuous. Two salmon rivers meander across the flat fields. In rainy years they are among the country's best. Everywhere is well-kept farms with dry-stone walls. These stones once lay spread around, making farming so difficult that many emigrated to an easier life in America. Whilst the painter Kitty Kielland and her brother, the author Alexander, revelled in the lovely light, Arne Garborg wrote of the murky mainland. Not until the end of the 19th century did merchandise stone clearance and cultivation change the murky mainland into today's green plains, also making Jaeren the country's centre for agricultural machinery. After crossing the salmon rivers of Ha and Ogna an abandoned road leads you over the moors. On the descent you pass a salmon ladder at the narrow Fotlandsfossen falls.