The North Sea Road

From Kristiansand in the south to Haugesund in the north, this renowned coastal route treats you to magnificent and varied views of the North Sea. After leaving the town of Kristiansand, head northwest. You will soon leave behind the gentle landscape of Southern Norway and enter into Fjord Norway proper. The North Sea Road climbs as it winds its way past the dramatic Jossingfjord. It continues to Egersund, a major fisheries and ferry port. Further northwards are miles and miles of rough-hewn terrain that finally yield to the wide expanses of Jaeren. Here, as far as your eye can see, are cultivated fields and sand dunes, and beaches covered with sand or pebbles. The North Sea Road continues into lively Stavanger, European City of Culture in 2008. You can continue by ferry to the charming fishing village of Skudeneshavn on Karmoy. A little further, at the end of the journey, lies Haugesund, with a memorial to Harald Fairhair, who in 872 gathered Norway into one kingdom.