Varhaug Old Churchyard to Kvassheim Vandring

This coastal hike is one of Jæren’s best, starting at arguably Norway’s most scenic graveyard and finishing at Kvassheim’s picturesque lighthouse and harbor. The trail passes by farmland with with grazing sheep and cattle that greet you as you pass. Further on, the trail comes closer to the ocean leading over the stony shore past towards Madland Harbor and meeting Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren at Hårr.

The churchyard is the southern end of the Kongevegen trail from Hå Old Vicarage (8.2 kilometers). From the lighthouse a trail continues south to Ogna (8.7 kilometers).

Hiking this trail is easiest with two cars unless you want to hike back again. Park one car at Kvassheim Lighthouse and then drive the other to Varhaug to start the hike. Both the lighthouse and the churchyard are a short detour from Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren.

To reach the lighthouse drive along Road 44 between Vigrestad and Brusand and look for signs to “Kvassheim fyr”. There is a parking lot between the small harbor and the lighthouse.

For the churchyard, follow Road 44 towards Varhaug. Look for the large signs to “Kongevegen” opposite a large barn. There is a small parking lot.

Train

You can take a local train from Stavanger to Varhaug. From there, it’s a 3 kilometer walk to the Old Churchyard. The closest train station to Kvassheim is in Vigrestad, a 4 kilometer walk.

The trail is a mix of roads, stony beach and grassland. There are stiles for climbing over some of the fences. It can be wet in parts so sturdy, waterproof footer is a good idea.

After visiting the small churchyard at Varhaug, follow the gravel road towards the ocean along the south fence. Look for the blue “Kongevegen” sign pointing to the trail to Madland Hamn (3 kilometers) and Hårr (6 kilometers).

The road bends to the left, heading south along the coast through lush farmland. When you reach a left-turn in the road climb the stile directly ahead of you and continue along the trail. Follow the coastline, passing the boathouse at Husvegg and crossing the bridge over the small creek. Note that there are electric fences running towards the shore, so climb them carefully.

Shortly after you’ll arrive at Madland harbor. After a brief break, continue south, crossing the small creeks. The road creeps closer to the shore over the next 3 kilometers until you reach the viewpoint at Hårr with its rounded stones of all sizes.

The final stretch towards Kvassheim harbor and lighthouse is about 2.5 kilometers. 

• Free parking
  
• Café and toilets at Kvassheim