Cities
Norway Stavanger Rogaland Forest

Sørmarka

About

Sørmarka is one of Stavanger’s largest and most inviting natural areas, a gently rolling landscape where forest, open meadows and rocky outcrops create a sense of escape within the city limits. Its network of trails draws walkers, runners and cyclists throughout the year, offering routes that shift from quiet woodland to broad viewpoints overlooking the surrounding districts. The atmosphere is unhurried, shaped by birdsong, the scent of pine and the feeling of space that contrasts with the urban rhythm nearby. Families come for picnics, outdoor play and winter sledding, while fitness enthusiasts use the varied terrain for training. Sørmarka’s blend of accessibility and wilderness makes it a rare urban asset, a place where residents and visitors can reconnect with nature, enjoy fresh air and experience Stavanger from a calmer, more expansive perspective.

Stavanger Norway
Sørmarka
Location

Sørmarka is Stavanger's largest continuous green area, located about 4 km south of the city center in the Hillevåg and Hinna districts, spanning roughly 370 hectares of mixed forest and open land bisected by the E39 highway tunnel. This expansive woodland serves as an ideal gateway to a cluster of nearby attractions blending nature, culture, and history, all easily accessible by foot, bike, or short drive from its trails. Dominating the northern edge, Ullandhaugtårnet rises 279 meters above sea level on Ullandhaug hill, offering 360-degree panoramic views of Stavanger, the fjords, and distant North Sea from its observation deck and restaurant— a top spot for photos and sunset dinners just a moderate 7 km loop hike away through Sørmarka's dense pines and meadows. Adjacent lies the Stavanger Botanical Garden, showcasing thousands of plants from five continents in themed sections like rock gardens and herb collections, perfect for serene strolls amid exotic flora year-round.

Stavanger City Museum Stavanger City Museum Museum Norwegian Petroleum Museum Norwegian Petroleum Museum Museum Stavanger Maritime Museum Stavanger Maritime Museum Museum Norwegian Canning Museum Norwegian Canning Museum Museum Workers Cottage Workers Cottage Museum Museum of Archaeology Museum of Archaeology Museum Kunsthall Stavanger Kunsthall Stavanger Museum Stavanger Art Museum Stavanger Art Museum Gallery Holmeegenes Museum Holmeegenes Museum Museum Breidablikk Museum Breidablikk Museum Museum Ledaal Museum Ledaal Museum Museum Reidar Berge Museum Reidar Berge Museum Museum Rogaland Teater Rogaland Teater Theatre Stavangeren Stavangeren Theatre Stavanger Konserthus Stavanger Konserthus Concert Hall Valbergtårnet Valbergtårnet Tower Ullandhaug Tower Ullandhaug Tower Tower Sverd i fjell Sverd i fjell Monument Stavanger Cathedral Stavanger Cathedral Cathedral St. Petri Church St. Petri Church Church St. Johannes Church St. Johannes Church Church Hetland Church Hetland Church Church Øvre Holmegate Øvre Holmegate Street Gamle Stavanger Gamle Stavanger Tourist attractions Flor og Fjære Flor og Fjære Garden Mosvannet Mosvannet Lake Byparken Stavanger Byparken Stavanger Park