Sports & Outdoors

Region Stavanger
Region Stavanger is the official DMO (Destination Marketing Organisation) working to promote the Stavanger region. Region Stavanger is also responsible for running the Tourist Information offices in Stavanger and Sandnes.

inStavanger
inStavanger is your ultimate guide to events, experiences and activities in Stavanger and surrounding areas. Discover what's on right now or coming up in the next few hours. Never be bored again!

Guidecompaniet
Get an overview of all tours for individual travelers.

SUGGESTED DAY TRIPS

Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock), the most famous tourist attraction in Ryfylke, towers an impressive 604 metres over the Lysefjord. Preikestolen is one of Rogaland county’s most visited attractions, and one of the country’s most spectacular photo subjects. Preikestolen has been named one of the world’s most spectacular viewing points by both CNN Go and Lonely Planet. It rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord.

Hike to Kjerag
1084 meters above Lysefjorden, a giant boulder is wedged in a mountain crevasse. This is Kjeragbolten, a popular peak to hike.

Boat sightseeing on the Lysefjord
Enjoy a 3 hrs. tour of idyllic islands, the majestic Lysefjord, the Pulpit Rock, waterfalls, breath-taking scenery and lots more!
Tickets: at rodne.no. 

Flor & Fjære
Flor & Fjære is a chance to experience a true paradise island with a blossoming garden full of exotic plants and palm trees. Enjoy the peaceful tranquillity, colourful flowers, good food and ocean views.

Sirdal Husky Farm
Sirdal Husky Farm offers summer and winter wilderness activities:
In summer: canoeing, hunting, fishing, horses and dogs, photography, and hiking.
In winter: dog sledging with Siberian huskies. Day-trips and five-day excursions with accommodation in snow caves and hunting lodges.

Geopark in Egersund
Magma Geopark project is a regional development project. Geopark is short for Geological Park. It is a territory encompassing one or more sites of scientific importance, not only for geological reasons but also by its archaeological, ecological or cultural value. The focus in a geopark is first and foremost humans and nature. A list of numerous marked trails and destinations are compiled to encourage people to get out and discover the resources in their local area. The park focuses at schoolchildren, as well as providing detailed information for people with an interest in geology. The marked trails are generally meant for walking, but there are also tours for bicycles and canoes going past selected geo-sites.

Arquebus War History Museum
Arquebus War History Museum is one of Norway’s largest museums exhibiting artefacts from the Resistance during WWII. Covering more than 2000 m2, the museum takes visitors through the dramatic history of the occupation on April 9th 1940, until the liberation in 1945. 

Nordvegen History Centre and The Viking Village
At Nordvegen History Centre in Avaldsnes, you can learn about the sovereigns that controlled the coast of Norway. Some of them are known from kings’ sagas and old songs. Others are known through archaeology. You will also get a glimpse of the magic world that people once believed to be real. Make sure to also visit the Viking village, just a 10-minute walk from the history centre. Here it is possible to see and experience how the Vikings lived.

Old Town Skudeneshavn – A white haven by the sea
The charming town of Skudeneshavn is situated at the southernmost tip of the island Karmøy. The “old town” consists of 130 well-preserved wooden-white houses originating from the 1800’s, when the herring fishing was at its peak.

Åkrafjorden and Langfoss
CNN voted Langfoss in Åkrafjorden to be one of the ten most beautiful waterfalls in the world in March 2011. With its 612-m drop (2008 feet), Langfoss is the fifth largest waterfall in Norway. It is located at the end of Åkrafjord. There is an easy-to-climb footpath all the way to the top, where the views are magnificent.

Kongeparken Family Park
Western Norway's largest amusement park and Rogaland's most popular attraction.

Haugaland Zoo
Haugaland Zoo is a 4-hectare animal park near Torvestad on Karmøy. The park contains approximately 250 animals, birds and reptiles and is steadily expanding. At Haugaland Zoo, you will see many exiting animals such as antelopes, lamas or grass snakes.

Frønsdal Activity Farm
There are 12 horses on the farm, several easy hiking trails, a pier by the Eikelandswater, big sami tent for party and barbequing with up to 50 people. There is a forest track for paintball and more fun activities like bow and arrow shooting, horseshoe throwing and beach volleyball court.

Climbing Park in Nedstrand
Høyt og Lavt Klatrepark (High and Low Climbing Park) is situated in Nedstrand and is Rogaland’s only climbing park with 70 apparatus and 5 courses. The courses are adapted to different age groups and what challenges you may wish, and there is a children’s course for the younger ones and harder courses for those who want an extra challenge.

Tarzan Park in Skudeneshavn
Skudenes School and Recreational Park is known as an Eldorado for active children who like challenges. The park has acquired the name “The Jungle” and can provide many exciting and challenging activities related to balance and climbing. If one is brave enough, one can try the “Tarzan Leap” and swing from rope to rope.

Soma Gård
Children’s farm with barbecue facilities. Children’s parties can be arranged.

Leo’s Lekeland
Children’s play park.

SUGGESTED WEEKEND TRIPS

Trolltunga
Trolltunga is no doubt one of the most awe-inspiring cliffs in Norway, situated about 1100 meters above sea level and hovering some 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The hike to Trolltunga (literally "the troll’s tongue") in Skjeggedal is 23-27 kilometres long, with an ascent of about 900 meters. It will take you up to 10 hours in total, but it is worth the effort – along the way you pass many attractions, for example the Ringedal dam and mountain potholes. 

Bø Summerland
Bø Sommarland is a water park with over 100 attractions for children and grown-ups alike. There are fast and exciting rides for older children and a fun playground for the younger ones. It’s a great family park on a sunny weekend. The park is located 372 km drive from Stavanger, with many accommodation alternatives.

Mountain Cabins
To experience the Norwegian mountains, you can try hiking or cross-country skiing from cabin to cabin. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has a network of cabins and marked trails in different mountain ranges throughout Norway. Skiing is a very popular pastime, especially in late January until Easter if there is still enough snow, or hiking in July until late September when the autumn colours are brightest. The cabins vary from self-service two-bunk cabins to staffed cabins with a simple to good standard. Membership gives lower prices for accommodation and access to more cabins. 

Kristiansand Zoo
Kristiansand Dyrepark, around 245 km from Stavanger, is a combined zoo and amusement park, including a rain forest and a water park. The zoo has an impressive range of animals living in conditions close to their natural habitat. As darkness sets, you can watch the pirate and adventure stories of Kaptein Sabeltann (Captain Sabertooth) on the outdoor stage.

Norway in a Nutshell
“Norway in a Nutshell” offers a variety of roundtrips across the country by train, bus and boat, all year round. No matter which tour you choose, you will experience some of the most breath-taking scenery of steep mountains and narrow fjords. This is one of the best ways to see some spectacular Norwegian landscapes.

Rallarvegen (The Navvies’ Road)
While the mountain railway between Oslo and Bergen was being constructed, the navvies working on the line used this road for transport. Today, Rallarvegen and its hilly terrain is one of the most spectacular cycle routes in Norway. Make sure you pack suitable clothes, as the weather in the mountains can be rough and unpredictable.

Sjoa Rafting
Sjoa Rafting is an all-round activity company with white-water rafting as its specialty. They tailor the experience to suit you, catering for families, seasoned pros, schoolchildren and corporate “outings”. Sjoa Rafting is located just over one hour’s drive north of Lillehammer. 

Ski Resorts
The main sky resorts within 2 – 3 driving hours from Stavanger are the following: Brekko, Sirdal, Ådneram and Sauda.
More info can be found if you visit their websites:
www.jarenfri.no/no/turomrader/brekko/
www.sirdal-skisenter.no/en/
www.aadneram-skitrekk.no/
www.saudaskisenter.no/

Sorrisniva Igloo Hotel
Fly two hours north from Oslo to Alta for a very special experience. For the last 12 years, the Ice Hotel in Sorrisniva, 20 km from Alta town center has been rebuilt by the finest artists each winter. The entire hotel, including beds, rooms, artworks, lounges and even the glasses in the bar are made of ice. You might also get to see one of nature’s greatest works of art; the Northern Lights. Warm clothes and wool underwear is a must. 

Spas
Visiting a relaxing spa is a popular weekend activity. They can be found both in the city and in more secluded, picturesque locations. Below are a few suggestions:
Farris Bad Hotel 
Holmsbu Spa 
Son Spa and Resort 
Frafjord Spa 

TREKKING AND HIKING

Regions in Rogaland
Rogaland county consists of several regions; Dalane, Haugalandet, Jæren, Ryfylke, Sirdal and the Stavanger-region. All of them have their own websites where the regions and the different organizations share information on where to go to use the beaches, mountains, tracks and trails.
www.norskfriluftsliv.no/
www.regionstavanger-ryfylke.com/
www.visithaugesund.no
www.fjordnorway.com
www.visitnorway.no/reisemal/sorlandet/sirdal/
www.visitnorway.no
www.ryfylke.no
www.naturogidrett.no
www.reiselivsbasen.no

Here are some useful organizations offering trails, maps and ideas for trekking and hiking:
Friluftsrådet Vest 
Jæren Friluftsråd 
Dalane Friluftsråd 
Ryfylke Friluftsråd 

Norwegian Trekking Association
The DNT national website 
The DNT has two main offices in Rogaland: Stavanger Turistforening and Haugesund Turistforening 

International Hiking group at PWC (People who Connect)
Join the happy hikers for stunning and exhilarating local walks both in the countryside and in the city.

SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES

Bowling
Metro Bowling 
Harbour Bowling
Lucky Bowl (Åsen and Hanna) 

Baseball
Baseball is played from April to the end of the school term and basketball from September until March at the International School of Stavanger. Registration is around March and the active period lasts until September. 

Cycling
Syklistenes Landsforening 
Sykkelby 
Cyclists Welcome
North Sea Trail (biking trails and hikes) 
CK (cycling club) Haugaland 

Basketball
Stavanger Basketball Club. There is a club organized by the International School of Stavanger as well.

Canoeing and Kayaking
Stavanger Kayak Club http://www.stavangerkajakk.no/index.php/en/
Alsvik Natursenter www.visitnorway.com/listings/alsvik-nature-centre/1723/
Ryfylke Kajakk www.ryfylkekajakk.no
Oppkoma www.oppkoma.no
Rogaland Aktiv www.rogalandaktiv.no/

Climbing
Stavanger Climbing Centre (Klatrefabriken) www.klatrefabrikken.no/
Mountain Forum www.fjellforum.no
SiS Sportssenter www.sissportssenter.no
Sørmarka Arena www.sormarka-arena.com

Curling
Norwegian Curling Association www.curling.no
Sørmarka Arena www.sormarka-arena.com
Stavanger Ishall www.stavanger-ishall.no

Cheerleading
Stavanger Diamonds 

Dancing
Salsa www.salsanor.no
Stavanger, Sandnes, Haugesund and Egersund Swing Club www.komogdans.no
Swing Cats www.swingcats.no (Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston and Boogie Woogie)
Nord Jæren Sportsdanseklubb www.njs.no
Steps Dansestudio www.steps-dansestudio.no

Fishing
When fishing for salmon, sea trout and sea char inland and at sea, everyone over the age of 16 is required to have a National Fishing Licence (fiskekort) which costs NOK 200 (NOK 320 per family). It can be obtained from Posten (the post office) or via the internet. Valid from April 1st to March 31st, both days inclusive, it must be carried while fishing and produced on request. The license also gives you permission to fish for inland fish and crayfish. Fishing is illegal closer than 200 meters from a fish farm. The use of live fish bait is prohibited. To prevent the spread of fish diseases and undesirable species all equipment that has been in contact with water in one river system must be completely dry before entering another one
www.inatur.no
www.fjellogfiske.no
www.regionstavanger.com
www.visithaugesund.no
www.nrshf.no

Fitness Centres
Many companies have arranged discounts or free workouts for their employees. Larger companies will often have their own gyms, which are free of charge. Most large fitness centers offer monitored play rooms for children. You will be able to choose various forms of group workouts such as aerobic classes, spinning classes, Pilates and of course the standard gym equipment.

Some examples are:
Arena www.arena-treningssenter.no
SATS Elixia www.satselixia.no/
SiS Sportssenter www.sissportssenter.no
EVO fitness www.evofitness.no
Aktiv www.aktivtreningssenter.no/
CrossFit Centrum www.crossfitcentrum.no/
Reshape www.reshape.no/
House of Movement http://house-of-movement.business.site/
Sky Fitness www.skyfitness.no/
Xfit www.xfit-stavanger.no/
Toppform www.toppform-treningssenter.no/
Kampsporthuset https://www.kampsporthuset.no/

For a complete list, look up “fitness centers Rogaland” in the yellow pages www.gulesider.no

Football
There is an abundance of clubs in Rogaland for all ages and for both men and women. Go to www.idrettsforbundet.no for a complete list of all the clubs. There are more than 60 clubs in Rogaland alone. It is by far the most popular sports activity for children.

Golf
If you are a golf enthusiast, the region is in no lack of options! Here is some of the golf courses available, and chances are there is one close to you.
Sandnes Golfklubb www.sandnesgolfklubb.no
Haugesund Golfklubb www.haugesundgolf.no
Randaberg Golfklubb www.randaberg-golf.no
Bryne Kro og Hotel www.bryne-kro.no
Jæren Golflubb www.jgk.no
Ogna Golfklubb www.ognagolf.no
Preikestolen Golfklubb www.prgk.no
Randaberg Golfklubb www.randaberg-golf.no
Stavanger Golfklubb www.sgk.no
Sola Golfklubb www.solagk.no
Solastranden Golfkubb www.solastranden.no
Egersund Golfklubb www.egersund-golfklubb.no
Haugaland Golfklubb www.haugalandgolf.no/

Gymnastics
Stavanger Turnforening www.turnforening.no/

Handball
www.idrettsforbundet.no
Norway’s Handball Association www.handball.no

Horse Riding
Horse riding is a very popular sport, and you will find several horse farms at www.gulesider.no and clubs at www.idrettsforbundet.no

Rogaland Riding Club http://www.rogaland-rideklubb.no/
Vikinghest http://vikinghest.no/
Sandnes and Jæren Riding Club http://sjr.no/
Stall Friheten http://www.stallfriheten.no/
Tryggvi Gård www.tryggvi.no
Hindal Gård www.hindal.no

Hunting
In Norway the land is either state or privately owned. Landowners have sole hunting and trapping rights on their land. Permission to hunt on state owned land must be obtained from Statsskog. Rules are different depending on whether you are a visitor to Norway or a resident. If you have not hunted before, you must take a hunting test (jegerprøven) and then register in the Hunting Register (jegerregister).
www.statsskog.no - (permits and hunting tests)
www.inatur.no - (permits and hunting tests)

Ice Skating
Stavanger Ishall www.stavanger-ishall.no
Sørmarka Arena www.sormarka-arena.com
Nærbø IL www.kunstlop123.blogspot.no/2012/09/publikum-skyting.html

Jazzercise
Several classes are held in the region. The website gives addresses and contact details: www.jazzercise.no

Judo
Sandnes www.sandnesjudo.no
Stavanger www.stavangerjudo.no
Sola www.solajudo.no

Ju Jitsu
Stavanger Ju Jitsu Klubb www.sjjk.no

Karate
Stavanger Karate Klubb www.stavangerkarateklubb.no
Seiken Karateklubb (Stavanger) www.seikenkarateklubb.no

Kung Fu
Little Idea Win Chun Gung Fu Centers in Stavanger and Haugesund
www.facebook.com - Little Idea Ving Tsun

Lacrosse
www.amerikanskeidretter.no/lacrosse/#hva-er
SiS Lacrosse www.uisi.no/lacrosse/

Netball
http://stavangernetball.webs.com

Orienteering
There are many local clubs in the area, which have a joint league (Nærløpskarusellen). Rogaland Orienteringskrets www.orientering.no. Here you find links to many clubs in the region.

Pilates
Pilates Bodywork www.houseofmovement.no/

Rugby
Stavanger Rugby Club www.stavanger-rugby.no/

Rowing
Stavanger Roklub www.stavanger-roklub.no

Track and Field Running
For information on running on track and field, you can contact Løplabbet, a shoe store renowned for its expertise in running equipment and knowledge about running clubs and running events (marathons) all over Norway. Many locations in Rogaland can be found through www.loplabbet.no. To find track and field clubs go to www.friidrett.no.

Alpine Skiing
Through the website www.skiinfo.no you will find an overview of popular ski resorts in Norway. Resorts connected to the region are:

Sirdal with five different ski resorts www.sirdal-skisenter.no/en/
Sauda www.saudaferie.no or www.saudaskisenter.no/
Røldal www.roldal.com

Cross-Country Skiing
Weather permitting, cross-country ski-tracks are prepared close to all alpine ski centers. There are also many cross-country ski tracks, which are less than one-hour drive from Stavanger, including Brekko, Hunnedalen, Madland, Melsheia, Rogaland Arboret and Sandnes. Other popular cross-country ski tracks in Rogaland are Røldal and Sauda. Ski conditions can be found at www.skiinfo.no and on the sites of the different ski resorts.

Sirdal Skimarathon
Cross country ski marathon in Ådneram, Sirdal, Vest-Agder. Participants can either go a full marathon of 45 km or half marathon of 23 km. Ski style is classic.The race is audience friendly and it´s easy to view the participants.
https://www.regionstavanger-ryfylke.com/whats-on/sirdal-skimaraton-p4405823

Ski Bus to Sirdal and Ådneram
There are ski buses from Stavanger and Sandnes to Sirdal. Night Skiing is available on Wednesday evenings and daytime on Saturdays and Sundays.
https://www.boreal.no/skibussen/ (NOK 650 - for day pass and transport)

Ski Boat to Sauda
There is a ski boat going from Stavanger to Svandalen Skisenter in Sauda. Tickets include transportation (boat and bus) and a day pass at the ski resort. You can catch the boat every Saturday and Sunday from Skagenkaien in Stavanger. Have a look at www.rodne.no/andre-turer/skibat-til-sauda/ for prices.

Swimming
Delfinen, offering swimming courses for babies, children, and adults with English available: www.delfinen.no
Stavanger Swimming Club, offering training at several pools in the Stavanger area: www.stavangersc.org

Tennis and Squash
There are many racquet sports centres all over Rogaland. Consult www.tennis.no for more information.
Sis Sportssenter or Forus Sportssenter are two of the many fitness centres offering squash courts www.sissportssenter.no or http://forussportssenter.no/.

Volleyball
Norwegian Volleyball Federation www.volleyball.klubb.nif.no/Sider/Hjem.aspx
RIL Volleyball www.randabergvolleyball.no

Public Races

Rogaland hosts well-known athletic events such as:

Sesilåmi: A 56 km cross-country ski race in March every year www.sesilami.no

Nordsjørittet: one of Norway’s largest cycling races, the Nordsjørittet is 91 km long and held in June every year. This event continues to grow in popularity www.nordsjorittet.no

7-nutsturen in Sandnes: www.7-nutsturen.dnt.no/

Djupadalten: Yearly road race with different difficulty levels
www.haugesundil.no/djupadalten/

ThorXtri: is an extreme full distance triathlon based in Southwestern part of Norway www.www.thorxtri.com/

Surfing, Windsurfing and Kiting
Norway's best surf is found along the beaches of Jæren. This stretch of coastline invites you to explore the North Sea for wind and waves. The spots range from easy and gentle beginner beaches, to the more demanding and better boulder rock points, which does not work as often as the beaches.
www.surfschool.no
www.oppkoma.com

PARKS AND ATTRACTIONS

The Rogaland Arboretum
Rogaland Arboret (The Rogaland Arboretum) includes 5.6 hectares of forest and parkland. The collections hold approximately 1400 different kinds of plants from temperate and mountainous areas worldwide. Always open for visitors: www.rogalandarboret.no.

Sandved Parken
The Sandved Park is the green artery of the city of Sandnes and extends 3.5 km along the Storånå watercourse from downtown Sandnes to Stokkelandsvatnet (Stokkeland’s Lake) in Ganddal. Here you’ll find playgrounds and several idyllic rest stops www.sandnes.kommune.no.

Stavanger Botanical Garden
At Stavanger Botanic Garden it’s possible to experience a small yet still interesting and diverse selection of the world's plants. The garden contains a geographic collection of plants from five continents, as well as a herb garden, vegetable garden and more. The garden is open all day, all year round. Free admission. See the website for more information www.stavanger.kommune.no/botaniskhage

LEISURE ACTIVITIES

Finding a hobby or joining a network are paramount elements for enjoying life in another country. It is through extra-curricular activities that many people make life-long friendships while sharing an interest with others.

Action
Stavanger Karting offers go-carting, paintball, laser games and action-packed activities www.karting.no
Stavanger Kick-Off is a wide-ranging and unique event company that is specialized in customizing all kinds of events, more than 60 different activities.
http://www.stavangerkickoff.no/home/

Mushroom and Berry Picking
Fruit, berry, and mushroom picking are very popular Norwegian pastimes in season. If you are not sure whether your harvest of mushrooms is edible, mushrooms are checked on most Saturdays in September at the Rogaland Arboret and at the botanical gardens.

Bird Watching
Norsk Ornitologisk Forening is an association with Norwegian, American, British, Dutch, and French members www.birdlife.no/

Sailing
If you have your own boat, contact the local boating and sailing association (båtforening) for information about marinas and harbours. Lifejackets must be worn and can be hired from any fire station. Stavanger Seilforening (Stavanger Sailing Association) at Hundvåg: www.stavangerseilforening.no.

Camping
Jæren: www.jarenfri.no/no/steder/lberg-camping-og-friomrade, Ølberstanden
Stavanger: www.stavangercamping.no, Mosvagen Camping
Haugesund: www.hhcamping.com, Haraldshaugen Camping
Kyrping: www.kyrping-camping.no/norsk, Kyrping Camping
Hå: www.ognacamping.no, Ogna Camping, Sirevåg
Egersund: www.hauencamping.no, Hauen Camping
Skudeneshavn: www.skudenescamping.no, Skudenes Camping
Røldal: www.roldal-camping.no, Røldal Hyttegrend & Camping
Bokn: www.kleivaa.no, Kleivå Gardscamping

Scouts and Guides
KFUM/KFUK Guides and Scouts of Norway is the equivalent to the YMCA/YWCA and is open for young men and women ages 6 and up www.rogaland.kmspeider.no
Speiderne Madla (Madla Scouts) www.madlaspeiderne.no
Hundvåg 1 www.hundvagspeiderne.no
Boy Scout Troop 230 (English Speaking):
www.troopwebhost.org/Troop230Stavanger/Index.htm

Meetings for the Stavanger based BSA Troop are held at the International School of Stavanger (ISS). Most of the members attend ISS. The troop's meetings are on Tuesday evenings from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. in the basement during the regular school year. Please visit the website calendar for more information about meetings and events.

Bridge
Rogaland Bridge Club www.rogbridge.org

Chess Club
www.rogaland-sjakk.org

Snooker
Stavanger Biljardklubb 

Choirs
There is an abundance of choirs in every part of the region. Visit www.kor.no to find the choir of your choice.

COOKING SCHOOLS AND COURSES

Kurs Agenten
A useful website for a variety of classes. Look under “Kurs i kunst, mat og kultur" on the main page of the website. Select “Rogaland” for all the courses organised in the region.

Social Cooking
The place where you can learn to cook by socializing and learn to socialize by cooking. Social Cooking gathers people to share great moments, get to know one another and learn to cook a variety of meals, everything from homemade bread and cheese to gourmet dishes that require advanced techniques. We focus on healthy eating and use of local ingredients. Social Cooking is a great place to discover the wide variety of international cuisines represented in Stavanger!

Gladmat
Gladmat was established to promote local food and culture in the region. Professionals in the food industry came together with enthusiastic amateurs and established naturally and exiting connection between them. Stavanger has celebrated the Gladmatfestival since 1998, and the festival has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors. Gladmat is the biggest food festival in the Nordic Countries, and that the organization has become a natural resource centre for food and knowledge in the region. The commitment to food and food quality is great in Rogaland. The ground-breaking work within the agriculture and food industry has gained an important arena in Gladmat.