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New local cooperation project in Gloppedalsura


New local cooperation project in Gloppedalsura

Gloppedalsura is the most powerful stone clock in Rogaland county, and among the largest in Northern Europe. The valley sides in the landscape rooms rise steeply and amplify the intensity. Byrkjedal is the crossing point between two valleys, and contains fine, flat gravel terraces from the ice age. Gloppedalsura is now growing again so that the enormous ura is being transformed into a forest where the majestic boulders the size of houses are slowly disappearing. Bjerkreim and Gjesdal municipality together with Magma Geopark, landowners, the County Governor of Rogaland and other partners want to facilitate Gloppedalsura better for tourists, that is to say in the first place to clean the clock so it will again stand out in its old splendor and plan for facilitation. Gloppedalsura is also one of the sites in the Magma UNESCO Global Geopark.
Gloppedalsura is a popular tourist destination by tourists from all over the world and is visited by several tens of thousands during the year (ÅDT across the clock is 200 so more than 70,000 cars pass the clock during the year and a large proportion of these stop).
Gloppedalsura is located between Byrkjedalstunet and Vikeså. The border between the municipalities of Gjesdal and Bjerkreim runs through the clock, which is referred to as Northern Europe’s largest rock pile. Gloppedalsura has an exciting geological history and was created when the glacier melted away from Gloppedalen 10,000 years ago. Gloppedalsura has also played its role during World War II, when Norwegian soldiers used the large boulders as a fortress in an attempt to keep German soldiers away. Has been shown around the world when the outdoor celebrity Bear Grylls took actor Channing Tatum on an expedition in the area.
A preliminary project “Forestry in Gloppedalsura” has been carried out under the auspices of Bjerkreim municipality. The plan with the project is that parts of the clock will be cleared of forest and made more accessible. It is desired to establish a smaller trail network where i.a. one of the goals is that the command center of the norwegian forces becomes accessible and has a universal design. New signs will be erected, a brochure will be made and a (two) larger car park will be planned. It will also be considered the possibility of making a footpath from Byrkjedalstunet and up to ura. Meetings will also be held with local companies to start other activities in the clock so that a larger part of the clock is used and maintained in a more sustainable way. The municipalities of Bjerkreim and Gjesdal will provide annual subsidies so that the clock is ensured annual maintenance after the project period. This will be done according to a management plan that will be developed during the project period with its own budget and priority activities. An official reopening of the clock will also be arranged when the time is right.

Posted on

29/01/2021