Pac-Man or Hvalkjeften on Eigerøy

Charming and family-friendly small towns

On northern Eigerøy, surrounded by heather moorland, rocky outcrops and fresh sea air, lies one of the most charming and family-friendly small peaks in the area: the characteristic rock formation that both children and adults have given an astonishing number of nicknames. Here we meet PacMan, Habna feathers, Stone bits, The agony, Whale mouth - one and the same stone, but seen through many different eyes!

This is a hiking destination that combines a low threshold, beautiful surroundings and a good dose of humour. Which is why it has become a little cult favourite in Egersund.

The tour is approximately 2 km round trip, and is suitable for most people - from families with children and grandparents to keen little adventurers who love rocks with personality. The trail starts from the same car park used for the trip to Haga Waters. A simple search for «Hvalkjeften Egersund» on Google Maps will take you straight to the right place.

From the car park, follow the path that leads to the west side. It was originally designed to provide access to the cabins in the area and is therefore smooth and easy to follow. After a short distance, you'll come to a junction with a sign pointing you towards the rock. If you lose the path, don't worry - the large, gaping rock formation is visible from a good distance.

Rarely does a stone get so much attention, but the PacMan stone is the kind that sparks creativity. Depending on where you stand, how the light falls, and what you - or the kids - associate the shape with, the stone can resemble:

• PacMan - the classic game character that voraciously «eats» his way through the screen
• Whale mouth - a huge mouth that seems to gape over the landscape
• Stone bits - with its large, round «jaw»
• The agony and Whales - a rock that looks like a sea creature on land
• Habna feathers - the more traditional local name

This is precisely what makes the trip extra fun for children: they can decide for themselves what the stone resembles, and perhaps give it their own name.

The rock station itself is located on a small hill and offers a great view of the surrounding terrain. The area invites you to play and explore - there are small rocks to climb, exciting rocks to explore and plenty of space for a snack break.

This is also a great place for photos, as the stone is as photogenic as it is curious. Many people take the obligatory PacMan photo where the stone «eats» a person, a jacket or a handbag.

The trip to PacMan/Hvalkjeften is a reminder of how much uniqueness and character there is in the local landscape. It's a quick and easy nature experience, but also a good dose of laughter and wonder - just the way small trips should be.

It's one of those trips that not only offers views, but also fantasy, and where nature's own sculptures are allowed to be playful and vibrant.