The Best of the South-West

Based on our own experiences, we have composed an itinerary for you, following scenic routes, and connecting the best attractions. See and experience some of the finest nature in the regions of Kristiansand, Stavanger, Ryfylke, and Setesdal. Drive along the coast, fjords and inlets, over some of the most spectacular mountain passes, hike Preikestolen, Kjerag and Flørli, go salmon fishing or river rafting, and visit cozy towns along the way. Experience all the different landscapes Norway has to offer in this doable roundtrip.

You can start this roundtrip anywhere, but Stavanger and Kristiansand are natural starting points, given they have good international ferry connections and airports. Both cities are also located along the main railroad to/from Oslo, as well as the E39 highway to/from Bergen and Oslo.

Starting in Kristiansand, you can drive the scenic North Sea Route (Nordsjøvegen) and National Scenic Route Jæren, following the coastline to Sandnes and Stavanger. Providing you with less-trafficked roads and great fjord and ocean views, it is a great alternative to the E39.The coastline has a distinctive architectural style. Visit Lindesnes, the southernmost point of Norway, and enjoy cozy coastal villages such as Mandal, Farsund, Flekkefjord, Sogndalstrand and Egersund. Longer stretches of the route run through Magma Geopark. Stop to explore and discover fascinating geological and historical sites, such as Brufjellhålene and Jøssingfjord. Along the coast of Jæren, visit lighthouses and sand dune beaches, and go walking, swimming, biking or surfing. 

The National Scenic Route of Ryfylke, part of the historic Discovery Route, provides you with a “Norway-in-a-minuture”-experience, due to it’s great variety in landscapes. From the famous Lysefjord in the south to Røldal in the north, you will travel along and experience majestic mountains and fjords, waterfalls, salmon rivers, cider farms, inlets and islands, and much more. Ryfylke is also a paradise for hiking, kayaking and fishing.

Between Røldal and Haukeli, you will drive over the spectacular Haukelifjell mountain pass. From Haukeli, the picturesque valley of Setesdal follows the river Otra, the 7th longest in Norway, all the way to Kristiansand. Rafting is a popular activity here.