Waterworks walk

Description

Experience Stavanger's waterworks.

From the new Sørmarka arena, you wander through lush grazed fields and over Hinnahøyden with a great view of the city and Ryfylket. Continuing down towards Auglend and in between the many embankments, the pine woods create a canopy overhead before Vannassen dam reveals itself, sparkling in front of you.

The waterworks here are still visible and the path follows the dam. Water from Vannassen was to supply the southern part of Hillevåg from around 1915. If you search a little along the northeastern water's edge, you can experience Latvian moonbeams in the form of stone sculpture exhibits by Indulis Ranka in the park area by Øveråsveien.

You step into urban landscape on a journey of discovery in streets reminding you of other Bekkefaret pioneers. Passing the Våland allotment gardens, you walk up the slopes towards the Våland tower that stands so proudly on top of the reservoirs beneath the ground.

The tower was built in 1895 to supply the townspeople living in lower-lying areas with pumped water from Mosvatn lake at a higher pressure. It has since been renovated, since the original flat roof leaked. The building has also served as an observation tower for the fire brigade and was operational up until Stokkavatnet lake became a potable water source in 1931.

Passing under the crowns of beech trees in Våland woods by the E39 main road, you have a view out across Mosvatnet lake that was Stavanger's drinking water source for over 65 years. The town fire of 1860 resulted in the first waterworks in 1865. The lake water level was raised and water pumped up to Våland hill. The lake also hosts Stavanger's biggest "T" stone sculpture near to the pumphouse as well as the town's richest birdlife with over 140 different registered species. This is also Stavanger's most popular park area with well over half a million users per year. 

The walk continues through pretty green spaces in Saxemarkå. An adventurous streak grabs you as ascend Ullandhaug and indeed, the streets here are also named after the Norwegian Trekking Association's many mountain cabins. You pass through "Poor Farm Woods" that were planted and maintained by the poor farm and where Stavanger municipality later planted oak trees after many of the pines were uprooted during a storm. Hedènstien, the path named after Einar Hedèn ("the father of old Stavanger"), guides you safely down again.

Accessibility

The walk is passable with a stroller with the exception of the steps at Våland tower. Instead, follow Jørgen Moes gate. A short part of the walk through Sørmarka is on a track, although this is passable.

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