Forsand

Forsand municipality is a mainland community located at the southern entrance of the Ryfylke. The municipality is 780,2 km2, extending from Lysefjord towards East and West Agder counties. Forsand has approximately 1.120 inhabitants.

Although it is on the mainland, short ferry trips are necessary to reach North Jæren in the West, and the rest of the Ryfylke in the North. However, this will soon be a thing of the past, since a new project to bridge Høgsfjord using the latest in underwater technology.

The township has a wealth of nature. The main attraction, the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), has been a magnet for tourists for over 150 years. The Lysebotn road has become another great tourist attraction, almost through coincidence; it was built as part of the power station project and not with tourists in mind. Øygaardstøl Cafe with a fantastic cenery lies on the top of Lysebotn road. The road has 27 hairpin curves and a drop of 950 metres. The last section of road passes through a 1100 metres tunnel.

Hunting, fishing and outdoors activities are all available and snow is plentiful in the mountains. A rich cultural life is also available, being one of the township's prime concerns. The dominant industries today are sand quarrying and power production, but the past few years have also seen a development of large fish farming centres, of which Aqua-Trading in Eiane is the largest. A factory at Helle, makes staircases with the aid of computerised technology. A number of smaller firms are also in business.

Experiece the journey of your dreams on the Fjord Road (RV 13) through Fjord Norway. Ryfylke, an area of bottomless fjords and lofty mountains. Follow the Ryfylke Road. From here a short detour brings you within walking distance of the Pulpit Rock and dizzying views of the Lysefjord, another offers the improbable vertigo of Kjerag and its hanging rock. There is nothing like it!

THE PULPIT ROCK

"Preikestolen" is no doubt the best known tourist attraction in the Ryfylke region and in Rogaland county. The characteristic mountain shelf 604 metres over Lysefjord has been visited by hundreds of thousands throughout the years. From the Preikestolhytta, a 7 km traiI climbs the rest of the 350 metres to the top. Good shoes and physical health are necessary for the 3 - 4 hour hike. In June - August there are daily buses from the ferry quay at Tau to the cabin. You can also enjoy the Pulpit Rock from the ferries and express boats on the fjord.

KJERAG

The Kjerag mountains rise majestically 1000 metres above the innermost part of the Lysefjord, offering a stupendous view of Lysebotn and the fjord. One attraction is Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged into a crack in the mountain. The trail from Øygardsstøl by Lysevegen road above Lysebotn is demanding. Allow 4 - 6 hours for the 1O km hike, which climbs 570 metres. Good shoes and physical health are advised. The truly adventurous climb up the precipitous rock faces or parachute from the top. Enjoy their stunts standing safely on the deck of a boat.

THE LYSEFJORD

The famous, 40 km long Lysefjord, surrounded by impressive mountains carved out during the Ice Age is the dominant feature. Ferries and sightseeing boats call on many of the exiting towns and villages along the fjord.

THE LYSE ROAD

The road which winds through 27 bends from Lysebotn to the mountain - engineering at its best. Lovely views over Lysebotn and the fjord.

LYSEBOTN

Innermost in the magnificent Lysefjord lies the village of Lysebotn, the perfect base for exploring the fjord and nearby mountains. Lysebotn power station, experience at close hand how Lysefjord's waterfalls are turned into electrical energy.

LYSEFJORD CENTRE

The centre pesents the "Lysefjord Saga", an unique multi-media experience invoking film, light, writings and pictures of Lysefjorden's culture, geology, nature and history. You can experience the history of the Lysefjord - how it was created and its culture throughout the ages - all organised in an exciting, exhibition and adventure centre. The Lysefjord centre is also the Tourist Information Office for Forsand and Ryfylke.

FORSAND CHURCH

The church is situated in the centre of contemporary Forsand about 1 km from the ferry berth. It was built in 1854 to the drawings of local church architect Tollag Gudmestad from Nærbø.

FORSAND CULTURE CENTRE

Forsand Kulturhus is about 3 km from the ferry quay heading for Helle. The complex was opened in 1990 and features a 25 metres pool, therapeutic baths, cinema, gymnasium, Iibrary, meeting rooms and cafe.

WATERSIDE WAREHOUSE

The waterside warehouse at Bergevik dates from the mid-1800s. It is about 1 km from the quay at Forsand. Tours by arrangement, enquire at Forsand Culture Office.

LANDABU SETTLEMENT

The remains of the Landabu settlement are to be found at Fossanmoen, a unique find in Norwegian history and archaeology. Esmark moraine, the end moraine at Fossanmoen, on the outer edge of the Lysefjord, a relic of the Scandinavian Ice Age. Continuously inhabited for more than 2.000 years, from around 1.000 BC to 600 AD, the only grew to village size in its later period. The first Bronze Age house was restored in 1995. Historical refreshments in Gildehallen. Building work will continue for many years to come, until the village, with its associated agricultural environment and outdoor activities, is complete. Your can view the reconstruction work. Guided tours and participation in activities.

UBUREN

A look-out area above Høgsfjord and the outer part of Lysefjord. 440 metres above sea level.

HIKING

Hiking paths in the woods at Rossavikheia (Forsand) and Lerang (Meling). Forsand Hobby og Husflidssenter (Arts & Crafts Center) is located in an old restored school building.

MARINAS

Lysefjorden Marina, a marina at Bergevik in Forsand. Forsand Handelslag (Trading Association), a marina near Forsand quay in Forsand.

BATHING

Fossanhagen near the town centre and Lysefjordcentre; sandy beach. Forsand Kulturhus, 25 metres long swimming pool.