Things To Do
in Høyland

Located in Rogaland county, Høyland is a residential district on the outskirts of Sandnes just south of Stavanger. It blends quiet, family friendly neighborhoods with easy access to fjord landscapes and rolling farmland. The area serves as a gateway to dramatic hikes and scenic day trips along the Lysefjord and nearby hills.

Visitors will find a relaxed Norwegian vibe with local cafes, markets and access to cultural sites within reach by car or bus.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Orientation
morning
:

You arrive at Sola Airport early in the morning and feel the crisp Scandinavian air fill your lungs. A local guide greets you for a short orientation walk through Høyland’s charming streets and shares stories of the area’s rich history. The journey winds past artisanal bakeries and flower-lined squares, setting the tone for an immersive Norwegian adventure.

afternoon
:

After settling into your cozy guesthouse, you visit the tourist information center to gather maps and insider tips. You stroll along the Sandneselva riverbank and admire traditional wooden houses painted in vibrant hues. A quick stop at a local café provides a taste of freshly brewed coffee and homemade pastries.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, you dine at a nearby family-run restaurant serving hearty Norwegian fare. Soft lamplight and the murmur of conversation create a warm atmosphere. You return to your lodgings to rest up for the days ahead.

day 2
Historical Landmarks
morning
:

Today begins with a visit to Vitenfabrikken, an interactive science center housed in a historic building. You engage with hands-on exhibits that reveal Norway’s contributions to science and technology. The lively atmosphere sparks curiosity and offers insight into local innovation.

afternoon
:

Crossing the fjord by ferry, you explore the medieval ruins of Utstein Abbey, Europe’s best-preserved monastery. A guided tour reveals tales of monks, ancient rituals, and the abbey’s strategic maritime role. You wander the cloister gardens and imagine life in centuries past.

evening
:

Back on the mainland, you sample traditional fish cakes at a waterfront bistro while watching the sun dip behind distant hills. The gentle lapping of waves against the quay provides a soothing soundtrack. A short evening stroll through the harbor district caps off the day.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
🍽️Three-course meal for two (mid-range)$60-120
Coffee or tea$3-6
🏨Hotel room per night$120-250
🚆Public transit ticket (one-way)$3-6

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Safe and well-organized destination with high living standards
  • Stunning coastal scenery and accessible hiking nearby
  • Excellent public transport and efficient services
  • Family friendly with a calm, welcoming atmosphere
  • Relatively high prices for meals and accommodations
  • Limited late-night options in smaller towns
  • Weather can be unpredictable and rainy outside summer
  • "Hei" - Hello
  • "Takk" - Thank you
  • "Vær så snill" - Please
  • "Hvor ligger ...?" - Where is ...?
  • "Kan jeg få regningen?" - Can I have the bill?
  • "Snakker du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Unnskyld" - Excuse me

Places to Visit in Høyland

Visit one of these nice places.

Gamle Stavanger

Iconic white wooden houses and narrow cobbled streets offering classic Norse lighting and reflections.

Vågen Harbor

Colorful boats, old quay architecture and harbor reflections ideal for sunset shoots.

Lysefjord vantage points near Stavanger

Scenic fjord views with steep cliffs and dramatic natural light, especially striking at golden hour.

Culinary Guide

Food in Høyland

Rogaland cuisine emphasizes seafood, dairy and locally grown produce. Expect fresh catches from the coast, farm-to-table ingredients and hearty Norwegian classics, often enjoyed with bread, berries and dairy products.

Høyland Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Brunost (Brown cheese)

A sweet, caramelized whey cheese sliced thinly and enjoyed on bread or crackers.

Must-Try!

Gravlaks

Dill-marinated salmon served with mustard-dill sauce and flatbread or rye bread.

Fiskesuppe

Creamy seafood soup featuring local fish and shellfish, ideal for cooler days.

Rakfisk

Fermented trout or char, typically served thinly sliced on flatbread with onions and sour cream; seasonal and regional.

Spekemat

Assorted cured meats and aging cheeses often served with bread, pickles and flatbread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Stavanger Torget

Historic city market square with seasonal stalls offering local produce, seafood and snacks.

Stavanger Market Hall

Indoor market hall featuring seafood, prepared foods and Norwegian specialties from multiple vendors.

Vågen street food stalls

Seasonal outdoor stalls along the waterfront offering quick bites and regional flavors.

Climate Guide

Weather

The region has a temperate maritime climate with mild winters and cool summers. Expect frequent rain and overcast days, especially outside summer, with foggy mornings near the coast. Year-round layering is recommended.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and personal space

A firm handshake, direct eye contact and a polite greeting are standard; respect personal space and quiet spans of conversation in public places.

Punctuality

Being on time is valued for appointments and gatherings; plan travel with some buffer for weather.

Bathrooms and etiquette

In public spaces, follow posted rules; in homes, remove outerwear and greet hosts politely.

Safety Guide

Safety

Norway is generally very safe for travelers with low crime rates. Use standard precautions for personal belongings in crowded areas and be mindful of weather changes near the fjords and water. In emergencies, dial 112 for police, 113 for medical emergencies and 110 for fire.

Tipping in Høyland

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not obligatory in Norway; rounding up or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is common in tourist areas.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common; cash is still used but less frequent.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with mild temperatures around 15–22°C; peak outdoor activity, boat trips to Lysefjord, and lively harbor atmosphere.

Autumn

Mild to cool weather with vibrant fall colors; good for hiking and photography; watch for rain and changing conditions.

Winter

Short daylight hours and cold temperatures; calm coastal scenery; occasional snowfall in higher elevations; daylight is precious for outdoor activities.

Spring

Rising temperatures and increasing daylight; blooming landscapes and emerging outdoor markets.

Nightlife Guide

Høyland at Night

Stavanger offers a variety of bars, pubs and live music venues with a relaxed but lively atmosphere. In Sandnes, nightlife tends to be more low-key with cozy cafés and wine bars. Most venues close around midnight to 2 AM, with later seasonal events possible during festivals.

Hiking in Høyland

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Iconic cliff overlooking Lysefjord; typically a 4–5 hour round trip; best in clear weather.

Kjeragbolten

Challenging hike to a boulder wedged between rock faces above Lysefjord; long day hike requiring good footing and stamina.

Flørli 4444 stairs

Historic wooden staircase along a mountainside with panoramic fjord views; combine with a ferry return trip for a full day.

Airports

How to reach Høyland by plane.

Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG)

Main international gateway for Rogaland; typically 20–30 minutes to central Sandnes by road.

Haugesund Airport, Karmøy (HAU)

Regional airport serving Haugesund and surrounding areas; about 1.5–2 hours by car to Høyland.

Oslo Gardermoen (OSL)

Major national hub with domestic connections; practical for international connections via a longer regional hop.

Getting Around

Walkability

Stavanger and Sandnes town centers are highly walkable with compact cores; Høyland is more residential and hilly, best explored by foot or bike from central areas. Public transport is reliable for longer trips, making it easy to combine city and fjord experiences.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Suburban neighborhoods like Høyland attract families with schools, parks and safe streets.

Students and young professionals

Near Stavanger and Sandnes, with easy access to education and job opportunities.

Tourists and outdoor enthusiasts

Year-round presence drawn by fjords, hiking and coastal scenery.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely played and followed; local clubs and casual games are common.

Cross-country skiing

Popular in winter in higher scenery and forested areas surrounding Rogaland.

Hiking and sea kayaking

Favored activities given proximity to fjords and coastal landscapes.

Transportation

Traffic

The region has a solid road network and a reliable bus system (Kolumbus). Traffic is generally light to moderate, with heavier flows during peak commuter times in larger towns. Parking is common in outskirts but can be paid and limited in city centers.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Høyland.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available in many venues; look for egg, dairy or plant-based dishes and ask about meat-free broths or stock.

Gluten-Free

Many restaurants can accommodate gluten-free diets; communicate dietary needs clearly and verify cross-contamination in seafood or bakery items.

Dairy-Free

Dairy-free options exist in market stalls and many restaurants; request non-dairy milks and dairy-free sauces when ordering.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Norway provides universal healthcare; travelers should carry travel insurance. Local clinics and hospitals are available in Stavanger and Sandnes, with emergency numbers 112 for police, 113 for medical emergencies and 110 for fire.

Discover Norway

Read more in our Norway 2025 Travel Guide.

Norway Travel Guide