Beautiful, sandy beaches are within easy reach of Stavanger.
When most people think of Norway they picture vast fjords and towering mountain ranges, but there is also the less talked about sandy beaches.
Only a short drive from Stavanger, massive rock boulders lie scattered in open fields. They have been left behind by mother nature as glaciers made their way towards the coast at the end of the last Ice Age.
These flat open expanses in the Stavanger region are also home to another wonder, their famous sandy beaches.
Ideal place for walking
I really enjoy being outdoors walking or hiking and Norway is the ideal place for these types of activities.
I arrived in Stavanger on the 20th October, but it was't until my second weekend in the region that I decided it was time to take part in the traditional Sunday afternoon stroll.
I set off with a friend early in the morning to Hellestø strand and the coastal walk at Båtmannsvika. The 21 kilometre journey south west of Stavanger took us just 25 minutes to drive.
The weather was a little overcast but calm with no noticeable breeze. Because the walk is flat, it really is a gentle, scenic walk.
The beach at Hellestø is a popular place for surfers and windsurfers, which provides the beach with an active, thriving atmosphere.
After a short one minute walk from the car park, you are greeted by a long stretch of golden sands. A few Kilometres out in the sea, the Lighthouse on Feistein Island is also visible.
Stavanger beaches
After Hellestø Strand, you meander your way through sand dunes. On this section of the walk you are given views of the old shipwrecks, most of them fairly close to shore ready to be investigated.
My friend tells me this part of the coastline is particularly dangerous because of its shallow rock beds which prove treacherous to the ships that sail these waters.
You can continue onward and out to the next beach – Borestrada, but we choose to rest a little at Tangartsø harbour before making our way back.
This is a nice walk and one that is perfect for the traditional Sunday afternoon stroll (when it isn't raining!). I can recommend it highly if you are in the region. Next time I will tackle Borestrada and beyond!
