Ombo – Rock Art, Fjord Landscapes and Island Nature

Rock art, a neoclassical church, steep mountain slopes and lakes define Ombo. The island offers different ways to shape your stay: you can focus on culture and history, explore trails and landscapes, or make water and fishing the main attractions. When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to first consider which aspects of Ombo you would most like to experience.

Rock Art and Building History

The Trettestykkje rock art site contains at least five ship figures. Their distinctive feature is the continuous, sloping lines between the keel and the gunwale. This form is considered unique among the rock carvings in Rogaland, making Trettestykkje a special destination for anyone interested in prehistoric depictions. Access is via a nature trail through the terrain, and the path is signposted on site. There is no car park or accessible route.

Another cultural destination is Jørstad Church. Built in the neoclassical style, it was consecrated as a chapel on 14 October 1928. Services are held in the church about once a month. Its architecture and consecration give the building a clear historical significance, while the services also reflect its religious use.

A hillfort lies on Borgaråsen and is among the best-preserved hillforts in Ryfylke. The Holmavatnet–Borgaråsen route includes a short detour to the site, where the remains of the walls are clearly visible. Anyone interested in historic sites can make this detour a destination in its own right. There is also another rock art site near Løland, close to Eidssund—separate from Trettestykkje.

Mountains, Lakes and Outdoor Activities

Bandåsen is the highest mountain in Stavanger. The landscape around Bandåsen on Ombo combines a steep mountain slope with small-scale farming by the fjord and botanically diverse vegetation. These contrasts shape the character of the area: mountain scenery, cultivated land and plant diversity all come together here. At Jakobstjørn there is a beach made with sand from the Beach Volleyball World Championship.

Ombo’s lakes each have their own character. Holmavatnet is surrounded by pine and birch trees, and has sparkling streams and small rapids. Near the Ombo oppvekstsenter, a marked trail runs along an old school route by Lauvåsvatnet. Vatlandsvatnet has a designated bathing area. Ombo also has many places where visitors can fish. This means you can take different interests in water and nature into account when planning your stay, without combining them into a single outing.

Families considering places to play and be active may also enjoy the Turboklubben area near Medåstjørn, which has a trampoline, a climbing jungle, a lake, swings and other facilities. On the nearby island of Eidsholmen, the Friluftsrådet has a site for mooring, camping, swimming and fishing. These destinations appeal to different interests and can help guide your choice of activities.

Getting There and Choosing What to See

Ombo can be reached by express boat from Fiskepiren or by car ferry from Judaberg or Hjelmeland. For those arriving by car, the access point at Ombo oppvekstsenter serves the whole island; there is a quay and a car park there. If you are looking for a holiday rental, you can use the travel options described and your preferred activities as a guide when choosing where to stay. Solbergfjellet is an easily reached viewpoint from Eidssund.

More places to explore: Finnøy, Jørstadvågen, Talgje, Sjernarøy, Fogn and Nord-hidle.

Back to the main travel overview: Finnøy.