Rogaland's best hiking route

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the North Sea with its islets, lighthouses and skerries, wander through the magical forest past small streams, and the remains of an old cabin with lanterns in the trees. This is a great trip with a historical flavour.

It is not without reason Hestnes hiking route in Egersund beat five other hiking routes to the punch. The route's natural character and the opportunity for nature experiences in the immediate vicinity of urban centres in Egersund were factors that made Hestnes the best hiking route in Rogaland. In addition, the route has several interesting vantage points where visitors can look out towards the sea or natural stopping points where visitors can enjoy a packed lunch under the treetops in a quiet cove. What's more, the Hestnes hiking route isn't just for locals, but also for travellers.

Take in all the detours

If you take all the detours, you can see "Erna" - an old gun post from the war. The detour to Hyseberget leads you to a bench that Ove Randen of Egersund Skog- og Treplantingsselskapet made 20 years ago. Here there is a view of the mountains, the Aker shipyard on Søre Eigerøy and Viberodden lighthouse to the left.

- "People have always fished at Hyseberget. It was a much-used fishing spot for those who didn't have ocean-going boats," says Egil Mong of Dalane Friluftsråd. Don't forget the enchanting detour that leads you into an evergreen moss-covered "primeval forest". The moss covers the ground and tree trunks, bringing out both the wild and the magical in the forest.

"It's important to thank those who carried out the volunteer work. The team from the tree-planting company has done a fantastic job of signposting and improving the trail. This is a great hike to do in all seasons!"

- Previously, there was not a single tree to be seen here. 100 years ago, a forest was planted by the tree-planting company, and in 1935 the trail was begun. Here, two people barely manage to hold the trunk of the noble fir in the forest," says Mong.

Historical replenishment

At Rosshagen, only the foundations of an old cabin remain. Here, children can try their hand at swinging in the trees, while the adults take a breather. Instead of following the signs and returning to the starting point at the school, you should take the detour that leads out along the strait on an old stone path. Here you can see the remains of the German checkpoint and sit on the rock where a shelter has been carved out - perfect for a food break in the rain.

- From here, it's up hills and stairs, and eventually you see the sign for the school," says Mong.
The 25,000 from the county council and the Gjensidige Foundation was used to build several footbridges over particularly wet sections, totalling 140 metres. This makes the trail perfectly suited for hiking all year round.

- It is important to thank those who carried out the volunteer work. The team from the tree-planting company has done a fantastic job of signposting and improving the trail. This is a great hike to do in all seasons," says Mong.

Hestnes hiking route in Egersund