Discover Klepp: History, Culture and Landscape

An old schoolhouse, a cultural pavilion and a viewpoint offer tangible starting points for a trip combining history, culture and landscape. Haugabakka tells the story of the local school; events take centre stage at Kleppelunden, while Kleppevarden offers views across Jæren. The wider Klepp destination adds natural and cultural heritage to these impressions.

School history and culture at Haugabakka

Haugabakka includes an old schoolhouse with a collection of local artefacts. The old Jæren house was built in 1852/1853 as a schoolhouse and teachers’ residence, and was the first schoolhouse in Klepp. This dual function makes the building a vivid point of reference for the history of education and everyday life at the time.

The complex also includes Folgehuset. It is used for art exhibitions, meetings and cultural evenings. This means two distinct cultural experiences sit side by side at Haugabakka: the collection in the old schoolhouse and the activities at Folgehuset. Those interested in regional history will find a different focus here than at a cultural evening or exhibition.

Culture and views at Kleppelunden and Kleppevarden

The music pavilion at Kleppelunden is used for concerts, meetings and other events. Accessibility is another clear point of reference: Kleppelunden is accessible to wheelchair users. The pavilion offers an experience distinct from the historic rooms at Haugabakka, though this does not imply any particular event date.

Kleppevarden was designated a Millennium site. From there, you can enjoy impressive views of Jæren. This gives you two different interests to consider when planning: cultural activities at Kleppelunden and the views from Kleppevarden. Those interested in the landscape will find a fitting focus at the viewpoint.

Nature and cultural heritage in the wider Klepp destination

In the wider Klepp destination, the landscape is shaped by rolling farmland, a mild coastal climate, shallow lakes and long sandy beaches. Borestranda is protected for its natural landscape and is one of the country’s longest sandy dune beaches. The natural landscape ranges from farmland to a protected beach area.

Orrevatnet is also part of this broader natural setting: the lake forms part of the Jæren Wetland System and Ramsar Site 309. It is also a nature reserve in Klepp and an internationally important staging, wintering and breeding area for wetland birds. Those who focus on nature and birdlife will find a different subject here from the architectural and school history at Haugabakka.

The cultural heritage of the wider Klepp area dates back a long way. During the Migration Period, Krosshaug was one of the largest and richest burial grounds on Jæren; a stone cross was erected there around the year 1000. There is a car park and information boards at Helleberget to help you find your way.

Another way to experience birdlife is at Revtangen Ornithological Station. Founded in 1937, it is run by the Stavanger Museum and is considered the oldest bird station in the Nordic countries. Around 6,000 to 10,000 birds are caught and ringed there each year; annual numbers may vary. The station combines a long institutional history with the observation and recording of birds.

The Kleppevarden rundt circular walk also passes through the western parts of Klepp. On a clear day, its summit offers views over most of the municipality. Trail conditions can vary, so check them before setting out. The old church at Orre is closed, but can be opened for visits by appointment; arrange your visit in advance.

When planning a holiday rental, it helps to make a simple distinction: would you like your trip to focus more on cultural history and events, or on the landscape and birdlife?

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Orre, Kleppe, Voll, Vågan.

Go to the wider travel overview: Klepp.