Jørstadvågen – Rock Art and Hiking Trails in the Surrounding Area

Topics range from rock art and hiking trails to urban history and nature. This lets you focus your travel planning on the things that interest you most.

Rock Art on Ombo

On the western side of Ombo, just above the sea, the rock art site features at least five ship figures. Their diagonal lines run continuously between the keel and the gunwale; this design is unique among rock carvings in Rogaland. So the number of motifs is not the only point of interest: their distinctive lines also set the figures apart in regional comparisons.

The rock art site has neither a designated car park nor an accessible layout. In the wider region, it can be reached via a hiking trail through the terrain and is signposted. As trail conditions can change, check the current situation before your visit.

Bandåsen: Hiking Trail and View

At 513 metres above sea level, Bandåsen on Ombo is the highest mountain peak in the Ryfylke Islands. From there, the view extends to Stavanger, the Ryfylkeheiene mountains, and Jelsa, Nedstrand, Hjelmeland and Fister. These places give an idea of how far the view from the summit reaches across the surrounding landscape.

The hike runs from Tjeltveit to Helgeland along the old Sjoarveien transport route. Along the way, the trail crosses open mountain terrain and areas of active agriculture. Weather-appropriate clothing and shoes with good grip are recommended; follow the marked trail. The route therefore includes both an old transport route and open landscapes and areas used for agriculture.

Connections to Ombo

Ombo can be reached by express boat from Fiskepiren or by car ferry from Judaberg or Hjelmeland. Travel options therefore vary by mode of transport and departure point. Check the current timetables before travelling if you plan to use one of these connections.

Stavanger as a Wider Travel Destination

Architecture and urban history are among the possible areas of focus in Stavanger. Trehusbyen comprises around 8,000 houses, with architectural styles ranging from Empire and Art Nouveau to Functionalism. Stavanger Cathedral is the only medieval cathedral to have preserved its original architecture. It was probably built in 1125, after Sigurd Jorsalfarer declared Stavanger a cathedral city; services have been held there since 1125.

Museums and natural sites also add to the picture of Stavanger. Museum Stavanger – MUST comprises eight museums in the city. Mosvatnet is a protected nature reserve with significant natural values, including for birds and bats; it was designated a protected area on 15 August 2025. The wider travel destination therefore brings together a range of themes: historic architecture, museum visits and protected nature.

Discover more destinations: Nord-hidle, Sjernarøy, Talgje, Ombo, Fogn, Finnøy.

Back to the wider travel overview: Finnøy.