Discover Jørstadvågen: Rock Art on Ombo, Hiking on Bandåsen

In the area around Jørstadvågen, Ombo offers two very different experiences: rock art and a hike to Bandåsen, with ship figures carved into rock and a route through open mountain terrain. Stavanger adds urban history, lakes, and island nature as a destination in its own right. When planning your trip and searching for a vacation rental, it helps to consider what mix you are looking for: archaeological motifs, a hike, or urban culture and landscapes.

Ombo: Ship Figures with a Distinctive Line Design

On the western side of Ombo, close to and above the sea, there is a rock art field with at least five ship figures. The depictions show slanted, continuous lines between the keel and the gunwale. This design is unique among the rock carvings in Rogaland. If you are interested in rock art, you can pay particular attention to these lines and the structure of the ships.

The rock art field can be reached via a waymarked hiking trail through the terrain. There is no designated parking, and the area is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. Trail conditions may change, so check them before your visit. Ombo can be reached by express boat from Fiskepiren or by car ferry from Judaberg or Hjelmeland. Check the current departure times before travelling.

Bandåsen: Hiking Trail and Panoramic Views

On Ombo, Bandåsen offers a different focus. At 513 metres above sea level, it is the highest mountain peak in the Ryfylke islands. The hike runs from Tjeltveit via the old road, Sjoarveien, to Helgeland. The trail passes through open mountain terrain and areas of active agriculture. Weather-appropriate clothing, sturdy footwear with good grip, and staying on the marked trail are recommended for the hike.

From Bandåsen, the view extends to Stavanger, the Ryfylkeheiene, and Jelsa, Nedstrand, Hjelmeland, and Fister. The two Ombo experiences therefore differ mainly in character: at the rock art field, attention is drawn to the lines of individual motifs; at Bandåsen, the route and open mountain terrain shape the excursion.

Stavanger: Urban History and Nature

In Stavanger, the wider travel destination, the focus is on historic buildings and urban landscapes. Trehusbyen comprises approximately 8,000 houses in 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. Sverd i fjell is a monument at the end of Hafrsfjord in the municipality of Stavanger and commemorates the Battle of Hafrsfjord in 872. Museum Stavanger – MUST comprises eight museums in Stavanger.

Lakes and islands also shape Stavanger. Byparken surrounds Breiavatnet in the city centre; the lake is a habitat for swans, ducks, and several species of gull. As of 15 August 2025, Mosvatnet has been a protected nature reserve with important natural values, including for birds and bats. Stavanger’s island landscape includes large and small islands with beautiful nature, good swimming spots, barbecue areas, and mountain peaks.

Choose the Right Focus

When looking for a vacation rental in Jørstadvågen, you can first decide what kind of holiday you want: should the focus be on rock art and hiking on Ombo, or would you prefer to give greater emphasis to Stavanger’s urban and island attractions?

Discover More Destinations

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

Return to the main travel overview: Finnøy.