The Western main road

Historic main road, starting in Eigersund

Culture and history

The old Vestlandske hovedvei was part of a network of roads that stretched from Christiania (Oslo) to Stavanger. At the time, it was the only road in Rogaland that was suitable for motorised vehicles. The road was in use for almost 100 years, but had to be closed in 1940 when modern vehicles became too large.

Geology and nature

If you use a bicycle or your feet as a means of transport on the main road in Western Norway, you can experience the characteristic bare landscape of Magma Geopark up close. The landscape here is often called a "lunar landscape". That's because the anorthosite that characterises this landscape is the same rock found on the moon! On a clear night you can see this with the naked eye; the dark parts of the moon are basalt and the light parts are anorthosite.

Anorthosite is the dominant rock type in Magma Geopark. In a global context, anorthosite is a very rare rock, but it is very common here in southern Rogaland. Anorthosite consists mainly of one mineral, plagioclase, which makes it very resistant. This in turn leads to little erosion and thus nutrient-poor soil in the area. This is why there is such a bare landscape in large parts of Magma Geopark.

How to get there?

Follow the RV44 towards Stavanger. Just before Hellvik you will see the sign "Vestlandske hovedvei" on your right. Follow this road and park in the marked car park.
Accessibility: Moderately hard hike. Marked trails.
Duration: Approximately 7 km. 2.5 hours each way.

Show consideration:
Parks in the parking lot, and show respect for the private land.
Pay attention to the animals along the route.
Remember to close gates behind you.
Dogs must be on a leash.
Leave only footprints!

Category:
Active, Egersund, Geopark, Magma Geopark Sites, Suggestions