Stave: Nature, Coast and Routes

Stave is defined by its protected Plant Protection Area and distinctive coastline. It also offers two different route profiles: a running course that passes through Stave and a circular cycling route that passes by it. If you are planning a stay, this page provides practical guidance on the landscape and routes.

Stave’s Protected Area and Coast

The Stave Plant Protection Area is protected to preserve its species-rich and diverse flora and the plants’ growing sites. The designated land area covers approximately 80 daa. It extends from Trihaugodden in the west to Stavstø in the east, and also includes marine areas down to a depth of 6 metres. The protected area therefore includes both land and a precisely defined marine area.

The coastline is characterised by a beach of stones and boulders. In technical terms, it is classified as a moraine coast and a moraine cliff coast. These terms describe the coastal landforms, while the area is protected to safeguard its plant life and growing sites. The coast and the conservation purpose therefore give Stave two closely defined but distinct landscape features.

Running and Cycling Routes Compared

The “Helmaraton tidligstart” course runs through Vere to Stave, then towards Verevågen and along the Kyststien to the car park at Lista Lighthouse (Lista fyr). The full route is 42,195 metres long, relatively flat and has only minor elevation changes. More than a third of the course follows gravel roads alongside idyllic bodies of water and through cultural landscapes. The route may change in future editions, so check the details for the relevant edition before taking part.

A different perspective is offered by the “Rundtur på Flat-Lista” circular cycling route. It follows a paved road past Vere and Stave and is classed as a moderate route. Whereas the long running course is relatively flat, the cycling route’s difficulty rating provides a specific guide to its profile. The two descriptions therefore differ in their mode of travel, route character and stated difficulty.

Regional Context: Farsund

The natural and landscape context of the wider Farsund destination extends beyond Stave. In 2009, Vest-Lista was designated one of Norway’s nationally selected agricultural cultural landscapes. The Listastrendene Landscape Protection Area was established in 1987 to preserve a unique natural and cultural landscape with distinctive beach types and high conservation value for geology, botany, zoology and cultural history. The Lista wetland system was awarded Ramsar status in 1996. More than 400 bird species have been observed on Lista; bird sanctuaries protect important resting, breeding and wintering grounds.

Farsund also offers various regional points of interest for hikers: the municipality has a wide range of hiking trails throughout its area. The old path between Havik and Spindsodden can be walked in either direction. It includes a sunken lane marked with blue waymarkers, which is automatically protected under the Norwegian Cultural Heritage Act. These hiking trails are part of the wider regional context and should not be confused with the running and cycling routes described as passing through or by Stave.

Cultural History in Farsund

The wider Farsund destination brings landscape and cultural history together. Nordberg Fort was built by the German occupying forces in 1942; its original structures and communication trenches have been preserved. Concerts and various cultural events are regularly held there. If you are planning to attend on a particular date, check the current events calendar.

At the Listeskøyta Coastal Culture Centre, visitors can go aboard the 1907 Listeskøyta “Linda,” see the “VA-92L” escape boat that sailed from Lista across the North Sea in 1941, and visit exhibitions on cargo transport, fishing and shipwrecks. Another historical point of interest is Huseby kongsgård, a farm in Farsund with roots in the Middle Ages that has been continuously farmed ever since. These attractions add to the wider picture of Farsund; they are not features of Stave itself.

Discover more destinations: Vanse, Åpta, Farsund, Vestbygd, Borhaug

Back to the main travel overview: Farsund.