Travel guide · Norway
Sandnes, Norway: a short guide to the cycling city
Sandnes sits at the head of Gandsfjord, a short hop south of Stavanger on Norway’s west coast. Expect Kvadrat shopping centre, hiking right outside town and easy day trips to Jæren and Preikestolen.
Stavanger region
Sandnes and Stavanger almost meet around Forus.
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Sandnes at a glance
Sandnes is the second-largest town in Rogaland, sitting where Gandsfjord ends, about 15 kilometres south of Stavanger. It likes to call itself the cycling city, and fjord, hills and footpaths are never far from the centre.
Things to do in Sandnes
Kvadrat: one of Norway’s largest shopping centres, at Forus between Sandnes and Stavanger.
Dalsnuten: a short hike with views over Gandsfjord and Jæren.
Vitenfabrikken: a science centre in town, good with children.
Hinnamarka: a hiking area with trails and lakes just outside town.
[Preikestolen](story:en-gb/picolo/destinations/europe/norway/preikestolen-pulpit-rock-hike@e1820b42-dc46-4f0c-9f21-d00bccff4fc1): the cliff-top plateau above Lysefjord makes a great day trip.
Quality Hotel Pond
One of the Sandnes hotels with its own restaurant.
Where to stay in Sandnes
For work, shopping or an early flight, Forus is the practical choice. If you would rather be close to central Sandnes and the hiking areas, look further south.
[Smarthotel Forus](story:en-gb/picolo/destinations/europe/norway/stavanger/sandnes/smarthotel-forus@aabe4e5c-b1f7-471f-bcac-29669288c0b4): a simple hotel four minutes from Kvadrat, with breakfast from 5am. Check availability and prices
Quality Hotel Pond: a hotel with its own restaurant, a short drive from Kvadrat and Hinnamarka. Check availability and prices
Clarion Hotel Air: right by Stavanger Airport Sola, a short drive from Sandnes. Check availability and prices
Sandnes: frequently asked questions
Where is Sandnes?
Sandnes is in Rogaland in south-west Norway, at the head of Gandsfjord, about 15 kilometres south of Stavanger. The Forus business district lies between the two.
Where should I stay in Sandnes?
Forus is handy for work, shopping and the airport, for example at Smarthotel Forus. If you want to be near the hiking areas and the town centre, a hotel in Sandnes itself suits better.
How do I get to Sandnes?
Stavanger Airport Sola is the nearest airport. Trains and buses run between Stavanger and Sandnes, and the drive from Stavanger takes around 15 minutes outside rush hour.