Sola: Sandy Beaches, Surfing and Culture
Accommodation in Sola
The municipality of Sola in Nord-Jæren combines long sandy beaches with surf breaks and places steeped in history. Solastranden, a long sandy beach next to Stavanger Airport, is a defining feature of this coastal holiday destination. Water sports, marked trails and cultural and historical discoveries are also among the varied experiences awaiting you in Sola. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether to focus on the beach and outdoor activities or on culture and history.
Sandy beaches, coastal trails and water sports
Ølbergstranden has a kiosk, a restaurant, a playground and a beach volleyball court. The beach combines swimming and leisure facilities with opportunities to take a break or play a game of beach volleyball. Solastranden is another notable coastal spot: the long sandy beach lies next to Stavanger Airport and is the starting point of the Kyststien towards Vigdel.
The blue-marked Kyststien runs for about 5 kilometres from Solastranden to Vigdel and passes through Ølberg Harbour. If you want to include a hike in your trip, the route offers clear guidance: its length, marking and course are all specified. Ølberg Harbour lies along the way, and the route ends in Vigdel.
Water sports here include surfing and windsurfing. Behind the dunes at Solastranden, Sola Activity Center rents out surfing equipment and offers courses for beginners and more advanced surfers. Hellestø beach is suitable for surfing. Those interested in windsurfing can find courses run by Sola Brett- og Vannsportforening in Hafrsfjord; the association is based in Sømmevågen. The offerings therefore vary by sport and location.
Traces of history and culture
Two large stone crosses stand in the old cemetery at Tjora. They are among the earliest material traces of the Christianisation of Norway and give Tjora a distinctive historical significance. The medieval Sola Ruinkyrkje was built in the 12th century. It was frequently visited and served as a venue for concerts and other gatherings.
The Flyhistorisk Museum Sola offers a different insight into history. The exhibitions and entrance are at ground level. If you pay attention to this layout when visiting, it gives you a specific indication of how the museum is arranged on site.
Trails and activities for different days
The path from Sømmevågen to Ormen Lange is lit and can be used all year round. There are wooden and stone benches along the path, and stairs lead to fishing spots. This route combines a lit path with places to sit and designated access points to fishing areas. For a different kind of outing, head to the Solabu day-trip cabin: it is open to everyone all year round. The path from the car park to the cabin is about 1 kilometre long, follows a gravel road and is accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair.
Behind Tananger senter is an activity park with two obstacle courses: one for children and another for teenagers and adults. The separate courses are a practical consideration for families planning a trip for different age groups. Another distinctive feature is Flatholmen Lighthouse. It is open to the public, and both the island and the lighthouse complex are accessible to hikers.
When choosing a holiday apartment, you can weigh up your priorities: the beach and surfing, a marked trail, cultural and historical sites, or activities such as the obstacle course.
Discover more places
You can also explore the places Tananger, Tjelta, Røyneberg and Ræge.
For the broader travel overview: Rogaland.
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