Sandnes: Science, Nature and Hiking Trails

Sandnes offers different perspectives on science, urban history, botanical diversity and outdoor activities. At the heart of the city is Vitenfabrikken, a combined museum and science centre. It explores natural sciences, mathematics, energy and astronomy, as well as regional industrial history and the history of Sandnes. The planetarium presents the sky in a 360-degree panoramic view. So alongside hikes and nature experiences, culture and learning are also on the agenda.

Culture, Crafts and History

Figgjo is the only remaining porcelain manufacturer in the Nordic countries. The Figgjo factory shop sells first-quality and second-quality items, as well as surplus stock at reduced prices. The Sandnes Garn factory shop offers hand-knitting yarn, knitting needles, buttons and sewing accessories. The ranges have different focuses: one shop features porcelain, while the other specialises in knitting and sewing supplies. For visitors interested in crafts and local products, the shops offer a direct look at a variety of goods.

A hike can also be combined with cultural history: the route to Storaberget passes older and newer cultural heritage sites. From the summit, there are wide-ranging views in every direction. If you would like to take a circular route, you can extend the hike via Grinavatnet.

Botanical Diversity and Trails

Rogaland Arboret is a botanical garden and a living museum with a scientific collection of more than 1,400 different tree and shrub species. It also has 15 kilometres of hiking and walking trails. The collection and trails appeal to different interests: you can explore the diversity of woody plants or use the trails for a walk.

Dalsnuten, at 323 metres high, offers views of Sandnes and Jæren. On the Gandsfjord, it is known as a family-friendly mountain hike. The shortest route follows a wide trail past Gramstadtjørn and through a small forest with shelters. This gives you a described route to the summit that passes water, forest and shelters.

Gramstadtunet friluftsarena in Sandnesmarka offers activities, hikes and a café, and the arena is open to everyone. Gramstadtunet has compacted gravel paths and around twenty marked routes. For planning a trip, the range of marked trails provides another useful point of reference, in addition to the destination itself.

Water Landscapes and Activities

Natursenter Alsvik is located by Kyllesvatnet in the Lutsivassdraget watercourse. Alsvik is also a starting point for paddling trips in the Lutsivassdraget. The Lutsi-Ims water system extends for about ten kilometres in a straight line and includes several waters suitable for paddling, with numerous places to come ashore and camp. Alsvik has an open-sided, covered barbecue area with seating for around 50 people.

Other active pursuits have different focuses. SkogSprett climbing park is a family park in Melsheia, Sandnes. SkogSprett offers a net park, a climbing park and SUP courses. Tryggvi Islandshestgård organises guided rides on Icelandic horses through varied terrain, at different paces for riders with different levels of experience. It also offers intensive courses, riding for children and a riding school. You can choose between guided rides, other horse-riding activities, and activities on the water or in the climbing park.

Travelling by Train

The Jærbanen railway runs through Sandnes. There are frequent train services north to Stavanger; several trains a day run south to Egersund and Oslo. If rail travel is important to your plans, check the timetable before you depart.

Discover more destinations: Sandnes, Hommersåk, Karmøy, Haugesund, Bjerkreim, Sauda, Kvitsøy, Sokndal.

Go to the main travel overview: Rogaland.