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Drive on the moon
This is one route with four places that are really worth exploring. It can be done in a day, but the real value lies in taking it easy and spending time at each stop. Flekkefjord, Sogndalstrand, Egersund and Byrkjedal combine nature, culture and local character, with suggested full-day programmes adapted to different travel styles.
Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren: A beautiful drive along one of Norway's 18 official national tourist routes, with dramatic coastlines, open sea and striking geological formations.
Four stops in South-West Norway: Flekkefjord, Sogndalstrand, Egersund and Byrkjedal. We suggest starting in Flekkefjord, but the route can be travelled both ways.
Flekkefjord: The Dutch town, shaped by centuries of trade with the Netherlands. White wooden houses, canal-lined streets and merchant history meet contemporary art, where murals turn the old town into an outdoor gallery. The town also offers easy access to Hidra, horse-drawn bicycles on the old Flekkefjord railway and sauna experiences by the sea.
Sogndalstrand: A protected, small village where time seems to stand still, with historic sea houses, wooden houses and a calm rhythm between river and sea. Art, culture and dramatic coastal landscapes, including the neighbouring Jøssingfjord, give the place extra depth.
Egersund: One of Norway's best-preserved wooden house towns, known for its colourful wooden houses, rich cultural history and lively harbour. Short walks, museums, local food and great viewpoints are close by.
Byrkjedal: An inland landscape shaped by ice and stone, with waterfalls, glaciers and mountain peaks. Byrkjedalstunet is a natural starting point for food experiences, culture and outdoor activities.
Explore destinations in Magma UNESCO Global Geopark here.
Do you want a round trip? Fjord Line sails to both Stavanger and Kristiansand.
The Norwegian Scenic Routes are 18 carefully selected stretches of road that run through landscapes with unique natural qualities, along coasts and fjords, mountains and waterfalls. The roads are designed as alternatives to the main roads, where the journey itself is part of the experience.
This route follows parts of the coast, shaped by wind, waves and everyday life. Unlike many other tourist routes, these are working roads used by locals, not just visitors. The landscape is open and raw, clearly characterised by the North Sea, with places that invite you to stop and get out of the car.
Take time to explore side roads and short detours along the way. Coastal towns, heritage sites and viewpoints reveal themselves gradually, often best experienced on foot, rather than behind the windscreen.
From here, the journey continues inland and southwards, linking four carefully selected stops in and around the Magma Geopark, each with its own blend of nature, culture and local identity.
Start your journey in Flekkefjord and stroll through the white Dutch town with its narrow streets, coastal cafés and small shops. If you're staying overnight, head to Hidra, which can be reached by free ferry. The island offers quiet harbours, coastal paths and easily accessible viewpoints, a peaceful detour with a strong coastal culture.
Continue along the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren, where the landscape quickly changes from open cliffs facing the sea to deep fjords. From the south, you can stop in Jøssingfjord to see the houses under Helleren and the dramatic rock walls around the fjord. From the north, you'll arrive at Sogndalstrand, a protected wooden house environment with art, small shops and a tranquil atmosphere along the river.
In Egersund, you can stroll through one of Norway's best-preserved wooden villages, with a rich selection of local shops and eateries. It's a perfect place to set aside some time. Soft colours, narrow streets and varied architecture, from 19th-century facades with Swiss-style details to more modern buildings, give the centre a warm and vibrant character.
On your way to Byrkjedal, you can take a break at Gloppedalsura, Northern Europe's largest rock quarry. Walk among enormous boulders shaped by the last ice age, or try the family-friendly via ferrata for a closer experience of this rare geological landscape. From Byrkjedalstunet, the road continues towards Stavanger through dramatic valleys and striking mountain scenery.
Distances
Egersund to Sogndalstrand is approximately 30 km (45 minutes).
Sogndalstrand to Flekkefjord is approximately 40 kilometres (60 minutes).
We recommend travelling by car or motorcycle. For larger groups it is also possible to hire a bus.
The tour is best suited to spring, summer and autumn. Roads can be slippery in winter.
The historic Tall Ship City
The colourful treehouse city
Hollenderbyen – The Dutch Town
