The four city mountains in Egersund

small peaks, big experiences

Bergen is known as the city between the seven mountains. Egersund may be smaller in size, but it's richer in proximity: here you'll find four city mountains close to the city centre - Varberg, Kontrari, Kråkefjellet and Årstadfjellet. They are visible from the streets, the harbour and the living room windows, and they are part of the city's identity in a way that only Egersundians fully understand.

It is sung in the town song:

«Varberg, Kontrari and Kråkefjell, Årstad on its own»

For visitors, this means one thing: unique viewpoints, short distances and great experiences - all within reach on the same day.

Four peaks - one day.

The special thing about the city mountains in Egersund is not the height, but the accessibility. From the town centre, you can reach all the peaks on short, easy hikes, and with a little planning it's perfectly possible to visit all four in one day.

Each peak provides its own perspective:

• the city and harbour from above
• small wooden houses and narrow straits
• islets, reefs and open sea
• green hills and valleys in the hinterland

This allows you to see Egersund from all sides - like a living map in 360 degrees.

Kråkefjellet - views of the city and harbour

Kråkefjellet is the highest point on Hafsøy and is considered by many to be the best vantage point in the town. Here you can look straight down on the town centre, the railway quay and the harbour basin - and further out to sea.

This mountain has been important for centuries. Its strategic location previously made it a place for fire wardens (“rygler”), used for warning along the coast. Today there is a telescope at the top, and the site is a natural destination for residents and visitors alike.

The trip up is manageable for most people and can be combined with longer laps towards Glovheia for those who want a little extra exercise.

Kontrari - directly opposite the city

The name says it all: Contrarian means «on the other side» - and the mountain is right there, just above Vågen, across from the city centre.

The summit rises 106 metres above sea level and offers a classic, postcard-friendly view of the colourful wooden town.

At the end of the 19th century, the mountain was planted with larch trees by Egersund Skog- og Treplantningsselskap. In 1889, the first wind vane was put in place, and today's wind vane - erected in 1931 - still stands there, pointing out the wind direction for the town.

The walk up to the wind wing is short and popular - almost mandatory for anyone who wants to experience Egersund from above.

Varberg - the city's historic vantage point

Travelling in the city centre Varberg (or Vardberg) rises to 125 metres above sea level. This is perhaps the most accessible of the peaks - and also one of the most historically interesting.

People have been scouting out the landscape here for hundreds of years. First with cairns and warning fires, later as a navigation point for seafarers. At the top you'll find old compass roses from both the 17th and 19th centuries, as well as a bunker from the war years.

Today there are also binoculars here, perfect for studying life in the harbour and ship traffic along the coast.

At the foot of the mountain, in Øvre Prestegårdsvei, there are petroglyphs from the Late Bronze Age - two impressive ships that testify to how long this area has been linked to the sea and traffic.

Årstadfjellet - the family-friendly mountain

A little more secluded, but no less charming, is the Årstadfjellet. This is perhaps the most child-friendly of the city mountains, with short trails and easy access from residential areas.

From the road in Koldalsbakken, it only takes around ten minutes to walk to the top. The view encompasses the town, the Lundeåna river winding through the landscape and Kråkefjellet mountain in the background.

Nearby is the Vannbassengane outdoor recreation area, with hiking trails, swimming areas, barbecue facilities and good picnic spots. On the mountain itself, the tree-planting company has erected a cairn and set up a bench with the name «The king's view» - a natural stopping point for both young and old walkers.

Small mountains - big identity

In Rogaland, not all towns have their own mountains close to the city centre. In Egersund, they are so closely linked to everyday life that they are almost taken for granted - until you move away and miss them.

The city mountains are orientation points, hiking destinations, childhood memories and vantage points. They tell the story of the city, from Bronze Age ship carvings to cairns, wind vanes and modern hiking trails.

What could be better than a historical hike to all four peaks?

One day, four mountains, four perspectives - and a journey through both landscape and local history.

Bring good shoes, a camera and a snack - and experience how many views, tranquillity and experiences can be found just above the rooftops of the colourful wooden town of Egersund.

Egersund is not just a town by the sea. It is also a city between mountains.