— Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren
Nature and attractions
Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren
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Last updated 2024-01-30
The geographical area of Jæren is often described with words such as high sky, wide horizons, and endless sea.
It’s characterised by ever-changing weather and light, miles of sandy beaches and dunes replaced by pebbles and salmon rivers. This is Norway’s food pantry with an intensive agricultural activity in a flat, wide-stretched, and well-kept cultural landscape with a mild climate all year.
Into the open sea
The author Alexander L. Kielland stated that Jæren’s nature is not for amateurs. Kielland vacationed at Orre for many years. People from eastern Norway who move to Jæren, claim that it takes years to adapt. In the beginning, all they see are rocks, however, eventually, they discover the beauty of the scenery.
The shore along Jæren faces the open sea and has been considered one of the most dangerous coastlines in Norway. There are no skerries and the underwater currents can be strong.
Lighthouse history
The large-scale development of lighthouses along the Jæren coast began in the middle of the 1800s. The task was to lead the boat traffic on the North Sea safely past the Jæren coast in bad weather, darkness and haze. Over the years, several lighthouses were built, with the lighthouse at Kvassheim being completed in 1912 as the last.
Kvassheim lighthouse is currently operated by Jæren Friluftsråd and is one of the sights on the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren. Friluftsfyret is also a visitor centre with birds as the main theme. At the lighthouse, you can further hear stories of rescue operations and daily lighthouse life. The visitor centre Friluftshuset Orre is moreover an attraction along the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren. The centre portrays the plant and wildlife along the beaches.
Sites worth a stop
Several sites along the scenic route are worth a visit. One of the most beautiful graveyards in the country is Varhaug old cemetery, located at the edge of the ocean. Furthermore, Hå old vicarage at Obrestad merits a stop, and so do the remains from the war – the teeth of Hitler (Hitlertennene) alongside the road. Two of the most iconic beaches along the scenic route are Borestranden and Refsnesstranden. Both beaches have new facilities and parking.