Although Sandnes appears to be a small and quiet city, it is actually the eighth largest in Norway. Home to about 70,000 residents, it is a fully serviced urban city where most get around on bicycles. Located in the northern half of the Jaeren district in Rogaland County, Sandnes is also a coastal city. Situated right in the waters of the fjord Gandsfjroden, Sandnes is known to be a surfer’s paradise, even during the winter!
However, there is so much more to this coastal city than its waters. Rich in natural flora and fauna, the beautiful Sandnes has much to offer, if you are hoping to enjoy the great outdoors on your next vacation. Here are just five of the best things to do that will have you loving the outdoors in Sandnes, Norway.
1. Dalsnuten
With an altitude of 324 meters (1,100 feet), Dalsnuten hill offers a breathtaking view of Jaeren, the peninsula of Stavanger, and the islands that surround it. Getting to the summit of the hill is a moderate climb. Although the terrain is varied, they are largely easy and of a good standard.
One may begin their hike at Gramstad or Dale, although the graveled tracks make the hike from Grimstad to Kubbetjorn easier to navigate. The path from Grimstad to Kubbetjorn offers a more scenic view. One also may set up a picnic or bathe at the Revholsjorn pond, upon reaching Kubbetjorn.
If you would like to go further up north to Dale from there, however, it is advised that you wear comfortable shoes. The climb from Dale to the summit of Dalsnuten hill will require about four hours, for a roundtrip. One may also bathe in the coasts of Bymarka and Dalevatn along the way. Parking spaces are readily available at the start of the each path, although one may also reach Dalsnuten by bus or by train from Sandnes.
Dalsnuten
Address: 4329 Sandnes, Norway
2. The Rogaland Arboret
Spanning over 7 hectares (19 acres), the Rogaland Arboret is the largest arboretum in Norway. It is extremely rich in biodiversity, with over 1400 varying species of plants and trees growing in its lush forests. There is much to be enjoyed at the Rogaland Arboret, for all ages.
The arboretum features over 15 kilometers (9 miles) of hiking trails, for those who would like to take a walk amongst the trees. Their trails are graveled and easy to walk. They are also highly accessible, even for individuals in wheelchairs.
There are also plenty of benches and tables scattered throughout the park, where families can set up a picnic. Barbecues and bonfires, however, are not permitted in the arboretum. The arboretum is open to visitors throughout the year and is accessible both by car and by public transport. There is no admission fee, but a minimum donation of 5 NOK per person is suggested
The Rogaland Arboret
Address: Rogaland Arboret, Espelandveien 240, 4337 Sandnes, Norway
Website: The Rogaland Arboret
3. Bynuten
Measuring at about 670 meters (2,220 feet) above sea level, Bynuten Mountain is the highest peak in all of Sandnes. Located northeast of Oltedal, right at the border of Sandnes, it is one of the most popular climbs among visitors in Sandnes. One may also hike to Selvikstakken, one of the lower nearby peaks, from Bynuten. The climb itself will take about five hours. Although the climb to the top is quite a challenge, the breathtaking view of Lysefjord and the entire city of Sandnes make it well worth the trek.
Bynuten
Address: 4333 Oltedal, Norway
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4. Tryggvi Icelandic Horsefarm
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Located just outside of Stavanger in Rogaland, Tryggvi Icelandic Horsefarm is a charming farm that houses 40 Icelandic horses, so horse lovers are sure to enjoy a visit here. This place is best known for its riding school, where they routinely offer horse riding lessons throughout the year. Therapeutic riding lessons are also offered twice a week for people with disabilities.
They offer guided riding trips and weekend courses for both beginners and experienced riders, which are divided into different levels on the weekends and during school holidays. It’s a suitable activity for riders from about 3 to 80 years old. The trips take place in the lush forests that surround the farm.
Tryggvi Icelandic Horsefarm
Address: Vaglemoen 12, 4323 Sandnes
Website: Tryggvi Icelandic Horsefarm
5. Vølstadskogen Cabins and Camping
Vølstadskogen Cabins and Camping is a modest year-round campsite located about five minutes from Sandnes. Located just 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the city center of Sandnes and 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Stavanger, the campsite still maintains a quiet and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway. At the campsite, one may opt to pitch up a tent and set up a campfire or park their motor home at the available outlets. Cabins and apartments of various sizes may also be rented by larger groups, although visitors with pets are not permitted to stay in the cabins. The campsite itself is also a suitable starting point if you would like to take a hike to various peaks, such as the Lysefjord, Preikestolen (or the Pulpit Rock), and the mountain of Kjerag.
Vølstadskogen Cabins and Camping
Address: Gamle Austvollvei 5, 4312 Sandnes, Norway
Website: Vølstadskogen Cabins and Camping
Things to do near Sandnes, Norway
6. Sandnes Camping Mandal
Located just 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) from the Mandal Town Center, the Sandnes Camping Mandal is an open campground where guests can enjoy the view of the tranquil Mandaselva River. With over 3.5 kilometers (2.2 miles) of guided hiking trails, visitors can also explore the peaceful forests that surround the area and bathe in the small riverside beaches. For those would like to go fishing, licenses may be also purchased and boats may be rented at the campsite.
The campsite itself is immaculately clean and accessible to handicapped individuals. It is fully equipped, with a kitchen, washing room, sanitary facilities and even a baby room. Telephone, WiFi, and mail services are also available on site.
Sandnes Camping Mandal
Address: Holumsveien 133, 4516 Mandal, Norway
Website: Sandnes Camping Mandal
Enjoy the wonders of nature
If you’re itching to get outdoors and go on your next adventure, Sandnes is the perfect place for you to explore. You can go on a climb to the summits of Dalnuseten or Bynuten, explore the rich forests of the Rogaland Arboretum, go camping under the stars, or learn to ride Icelandic horses at the Tryvggi Horsefarm. You are sure to enjoy the wonders of nature that Sandnes has to offer.
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