Sandnes

Sandnes municipality is situated centrally in the Jæren region, at the innermost point of Gandsfjord. It has an area of 304,5 km2 of which 298,0 km2 is dry land and 6,5 km2 are islands and sea. Sandnes has approximately 62.050 inhabitants. It is one of the fastest growing municipalities in the country. Of the people living in Sandnes, 60% works in service industries and 30% in industry and construction.

Safe bicycle paths will take you to the Rogaland Arboretum the country's largest covering 60 hectares. So far, 13.000 trees and bushes of 1.300 different species have been planted. An idyllic oasis of roads and paths with a rich animal and bird-life. For art enthusiasts, Sandnes Kunstforening (Sandnes Art Association) has an indoor and outdoor summer exhibition in the park at Skeianetunet. It is situated on the outskirts of Sandveparken, a gem for ramblers and cyclists. Under the green countryside lies clay, a raw material which has created traditions in Sandnes.

Visit the Pottery and Brick Works Museum. Havanna Badeland, a swimming pool and leisure centre, on the eastern side of Gandsfjorden is a favourite among children and young people. Old and young alike can enjoy tropical water temperatures all year round. Water slides, a wave pool, canals and waterfalls are just a few of the things on offer. Ten minutes south along the E18 is Kongeparken with its figure of Gulliver measuring 85 metres in length. Did you know that Kongeparken has Norway's longest summer bobsleigh run? And whilst we're on the subject of records, Norway's largest shopping centre, Kvadrat, is also situated in Sandnes.

THE BICYCLE TOWN

In 1892, two brothers, Jakob and Lars Øglænd, decided to produce the new means of transport of the day: the Velocipede. Many bicycles have been produced over the years, and if you would like to study development over the past 100 years, you can visit Jonas Øglænd Bedriftsmuseum. Or, for a reasonable price, you can rent a bicycle and go exploring on your own. Few towns are as bicycle friendly as Sandnes.

SANDNES CULTURE CENTER

The first of January 2000 is the date when Sandnes received its millennium gift: the new Culture Center that we all had been waiting for. It's an experience you shouldn't miss! Great acoustiks, dance, music and theatre make for thrilling cultural events. Watch for events announced in the media or on the Internet. Monthly schedules are available from Sandnes Cultural and Tourist Information.

HAVANNA WATER PARK AND PLAY LAND

Scandinavia's largest indoor swimming facility. Our 7,000 square metres of pools hold a total of 1 mlllion litres of water. There are plenty of adventures and challenges waiting for you. A splashing great time can be had by all. "Moffevigå" for the little ones, speed and excitement for the more daring, and the Turkish Bath for adults looking for some tranquillity. Play land wlth activities for children from O to 14.

HOVE FUGLEPARK

Hove bird sanctuary is located only a few minutes from downtown Sandnes. Here birds and animals of all sizes lead a very content life. Small pleasant ponds between gravel paths and grassy meadows, colourful parakeets and peacocks make the bird sanctuary a colourful experience. The bird sanctuary is located right behind Hove nursery, making it possible for the family to satisfy several wishes at once.

ROGALAND ARBORETUM

Rogaland Arboretum is a lush park area with more than 1400 different trees and bushes from a number of countries. The Arboretum is an excellent area for walks - in any weathar and during all seasons - for people of all ages, in particular for those that take a special interest in plants. With its 150 acres, this is Norway's largest arboretum. Open year rourd. Signposted.

SOMA FARM

Visit a Norwegian farm. Halp feed the animals or ride the tractor around the farm. Soma Gård has most Norwegian farm animals, and the barn has plenty of soft hay for tumbling. Open Sundays from May to September. Opening hours: 10:00-17:30. Admission fee.

KROSSENS HAVREMØLLE MUSEUM

Oats are part of the North Sea cultural heritage! The museum is a national, industrial cultural monument and showcase oat processing and the signifificance of the oat mill to the region and nation. The mill is an industrial museum on facinating premises. The museum is located in downtown Sandnes and has its own cafe.

SANDNESMUSEET

Brickworks and potteries have left their mark on Sandnes for more than 200 years. The pottery and brickworks museum showcases the clay´s path from the ground to finished producted. In addition, you get an introduction to the significance of Sandnes´industrial development with woodworking trades, prefabricated houses and furniture.

ØGLANDMUSEET

The significance of the Øgland Family for more than 125 years is showcased by the company museum's trade, ready-made clothing and bicycle exhibition. Øglaendmuseet is unique in Norway because of its collection of bicycles and motorcycles produced in Norway during the past 90 years.

FIGGJOMUSEET

The Figgjo Faience Factory's company museum demonstrates techniques and the development and manufacture of ceramics, faience and porcelain. Here you can find familiar and beloved patterns from the past. The factory outlet and museum are located in Figgjo.

MELSHEI

Perhaps the best location in Sandnes for outdoor life. Plenty of opportunities for training and skiing on the lighted trail. Well suited for baby carriages and wheelchairs. There is elso an extensive network of smaller trails.

BRÅSTEINSVATNET LAKE

Excellent swimming by the HV cabin in Bråstein. The area is equipped with benches and toilets. Ample parking. Swimming dock and raft.

EDLANDSVATNET LAKE

Sandy beach, dock, large grassy area for sunbathing. Not far from downtown Ålgard.

EIKENESET BY OLTEDALSVATNET LAKE

Area off Oltedalsvatnet lake surrounded by an oak forest. Good picnic and swimming area with parking and toilets.

HOGSTADVIKA

Suited for disabled persons. Toilet and parking. Camping area for caravan members. Several lakes with good swimming areas. Route 13 at Lutsivannet lake.

HOLMAVIKA

Nice sandy beach at the Gandsfjord off Route 317 to Dale. Benches and tables. Toilet facilities and large parking area.

THE BEACHES OF JÆREN

Solastranden, Ølberg, Vigdel, Hellestø, Borestranda, Orre, Brusand and Revtangen beaches. As exotic as the Riviera, although usually a bit colder, but marvellous during calm or stormy weather. Sunbathing, swimming, wind surfing, wave surfing and miles and miles of white sandy beaches.

FISHING

Excellent fishing lakes/rivers: We have the lakes Stokkelandsvatnet, Bråsteinsvatnet and Lutsivatnet, as well as the river Figgjoriver to mention but a few.

FISHING

You do not need a fishing license to fish in the sea, and you do not need to go far in Sandnes to find a spot where you cen use a fishing rod. Fishing is excellent along the entire Gandsfjord. Ask the locals for advice and you will get a good fish tale thrown in for good meesure.

Anyone older than 16 fishing for salmon, sea trout or freshwater fish, must purchase a fishing license each year. You are allowed to fish in the verious lakes and rivers either by buying a fishing license or by making agreements directly with the property owners. It is not always easy to determine whom to contact, but inquire at the Sandnes Tourist Board and we will assist you to the best of our ability.