Klepp between sand dunes, birdlife and cultural history

Klepp lies in the heart of Jæren, 25 kilometres south of Stavanger. The landscape combines rolling farmland and a mild coastal climate with shallow lakes and long sandy beaches. This gives you several sides of the area to consider when planning your trip: the open coast, important wetlands and historic sites.

Coast and birdlife

Borestranda is a protected landscape and one of the country’s longest sandy dune beaches. Orrevatnet reveals another side of nature in Klepp: the lake is a nature reserve and part of the Jæren Wetland System, Ramsar site 309. It is also an internationally important stopover, wintering and breeding area for wetland birds. A protected area and bird habitat come together here, making it a notable destination for anyone interested in Jæren’s landscape and wildlife.

The Revtangen Ornithological Station is also closely connected with Klepp’s birdlife. Founded in 1937, it is operated 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; the number can vary from year to year. The station thus offers a long-term perspective on the birds along the coast.

Traces from different eras

Krosshaug is one of the important archaeological sites in Jæren: during the Migration Period, it was one of the region’s largest and richest burial grounds. A stone cross was erected there around the year 1000. The two remains represent different historical periods at this site.

The old Jæren house at Haugabakka is Klepp’s local history museum. Built in 1852/1853 as a schoolroom and teacher’s residence, it was the first schoolhouse in Klepp. Visitors can see numerous interesting tools and other objects from rural society more than a hundred years ago. The complex also includes Folgehuset, which is used, among other things, for art exhibitions, meetings and cultural evenings. The history of the school, the local history collection and its present-day cultural use give Haugabakka several different facets.

The old church of Orre dates from the mid-13th century. This medieval church of brick and wood is the oldest building in the area. It is closed; visits are possible by arrangement. Please arrange your visit in advance. Another archaeological point of interest is the bones of a bull found at Stangelandshelleren, which provide evidence of Norway’s oldest domestic animal.

Hiking and getting around

The circular Kleppevarden rundt trail runs through the western parts of Klepp. In clear weather, the summit offers views over most of the municipality. As visibility depends on the weather and trail conditions can vary, it is worth taking both into account before setting out. There is a car park and information boards at Helleberget.

The road layout also helps with navigation: near Kleppe, County Road 510 branches off County Road 44 to the northwest, towards Sola and Stavanger. Traffic conditions can change, so take them into account when planning your drive.

During your stay, you can explore Klepp according to the topics that interest you most: sand dunes and coastal scenery, birdlife and wetlands, or history from the Migration Period to the medieval church. This lets you choose experiences to suit your own travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Vågan, Klepp, Voll, Orre, Kleppe, Eigersund, Strand, Time.

Back to the main travel overview: Rogaland.