Sola: Coast, Trails and History

The municipality of Sola is located in North Jæren and has a coastline with long sandy beaches and surf breaks. Water sports, trails and historic sites add to the seaside experiences. These varied attractions can help you plan your stay, from time at the beach to cultural history.

Beach and water sports

Solastranden is a long sandy beach next to Stavanger Airport. Ølbergstranden has a kiosk, restaurant, playground and beach volleyball court; these amenities may change. Hellestø is suitable for surfing, although conditions vary by season. The Sola Activity Center, behind the dunes at Solastranden, rents surfing equipment and offers lessons for beginners and advanced surfers. The Sola Brett- og Vannsportforening, meanwhile, offers windsurfing lessons in Hafrsfjord and is based in Sømmevågen.

Coastal trails and hiking destinations

The Kyststien runs for about five kilometers from Solastranden to Vigdel, passes the harbor at Ølberg and is marked in blue. The municipality updated its route description in July 2026.

The Solabu day-trip cabin is open to everyone year-round. From the parking lot, a gravel path about one kilometer long leads to the cabin, which is accessible with a stroller or wheelchair. Compared with the Kyststien, this path is shorter and leads to a set destination rather than connecting Solastranden with Vigdel.

Another trail leads from Sømmevågen to Ormen Lange. It is lit and can be used year-round. There are wooden and stone benches along the route, and steps lead to fishing spots.

Museum and history

The exhibitions and entrance at the Flyhistorisk Museum Sola are on ground level. Two large stone crosses stand in the old cemetery at Tjora and are among the earliest material traces of the Christianization of Norway. The medieval Sola Ruinkyrkje church was built in the 12th century and has been a venue for concerts and other gatherings. The crosses and the church represent different historical points of reference: early Christianization and medieval church architecture.

Activities for different age groups

Behind Tananger senter is an activity park with two obstacle courses: one for children and another for teenagers and adults. The courses are therefore designed for different age groups, while the surfing lessons mentioned above are geared toward beginners and advanced surfers.

More hiking routes in Rogaland

The wider Rogaland destination also has independent hiking routes. The hike to the shelter at Ritlandskrateret starts in Kleivaland in Vormedalen, in Hjelmeland. It is approximately 3.5 kilometers long, takes about two hours and has an elevation gain of 370 meters. At approximately 3.5 kilometers, it is shorter than Sola’s Kyststien, which is about five kilometers long.

Discover more destinations: Tananger, Tjelta, Røyneberg, Ræge, Lund, Hjelmeland, Rennesøy, Sandnes.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Rogaland.