A picnic area along the road with two cars parked. View of the open sea at Hårr rasteplass
© Hå kommune

— Hårr picnic area - a stop along the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren

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Travel by car from Kristiansand to Stavanger

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Last updated 2024-11-30

Are you travelling to Norway via Denmark by car ferry? Here's some inspiration for your car journey along the scenic roads from Kristiansand to Stavanger and on to Bergen.

Kristiansand to Stavanger

  • Time to drive (E39): 3 hours and 15 minutes
  • Driving time (incl. Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren): 4 hours and 40 minutes

This stretch along the E39 is a wonderful introduction to Norway's coastal landscape. Start in Kristiansand, where you can enjoy the small-town charm before heading west. Along the way, you'll experience the contrast between southern idyll and dramatic coastlines. Make a stop in Mandal to hike Sjøsanden, which stretches for 800 metres and is part of Furulunden Nature Park. You can also enjoy fresh seafood in one of the small harbours along the coast.

Continuing towards Flekkefjord and Egersund, you'll pass small fjords and green valleys. Take a detour to Helleren in Jøssingfjord, where old houses are spectacularly wedged under a mountain overhang. Continue your journey along the Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren, a scenic road with views of the North Sea and plenty of stops to explore.

The journey ends in Stavanger, a city combining a modern pulse and historic charm. Old Stavanger and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum are perfect stops before further exploring this captivating region.

Stavanger as a base for nature and cultural experiences

With Stavanger as your starting point, you can enjoy iconic experiences such as fjord cruises on the Lysefjord, hikes to Preikestolen and culinary highlights in a food region with several MICHELIN-starred restaurants. Combine this with spectacular surfing adventures along the elongated beaches of Jæren.

Stavangers sjøhusrekke i rødt, oransje og hvite hus med Valbergtårnet som ruver over like bak.
© Brian Tallman Photography

Stavanger is known for its blend of historic charm and modern energy, making it a popular destination for culture lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Sleeping in Stavanger

By car or motorhome? Find accommodation in Stavanger

Stavanger to Bergen

  • Time to drive: 5 hours and 30 minutes with ferries*

This stage is one of Norway's most beautiful drives and a journey between fjords, mountains and islands. The journey includes two short ferry rides that give you time to enjoy the views of the sparkling fjords.

The ferries

  • Mortavika - Arsvågen
  • Sandvikvåg - Halhjem

From Stavanger, you'll drive through a landscape of heather moors and scattered farms before reaching the Ryfylke region. Make a stop at Sand to explore the Høse Bridge and the charming hydroelectric power museum. Then continue your journey through the beautiful Hardangerfjord area, famous for its orchards, especially in spring.

The final leg towards Bergen takes you through winding roads and tunnels that open up to majestic mountains. Bergen welcomes you with cobbled streets, the World Heritage-listed pier and unforgettable views from Fløyen or Ulriken.

* Two options: a fast route via E39: 4.5 - 5 hours or a scenic route via Hardanger: 6.5 - 7 hours.

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