Heddå walk

Description

You can start from Jåtten community hall, cross over Heddeveien and feel your pulse increasing as you ascend Heddå (76 metres above sea level). If you look, you will find benches and great viewpoints between the trees.

The hilltop has a story all its own, since on 3rd. May 1916, a German Zeppelin L20 ran out of fuel after dumping its payload over the UK, and sought refuge in Norway. The marine airship was 160 metres long, had two gondolas hanging underneath and was no doubt an impressive sight in the sky. It dipped down first in the Gandsfjord, jettisoning eight crew before gaining lift and height. However, this was not enough and with some speed, it crashed straight into Heddå, losing one gondola and a further four crew. A little later it came down in Hafrsfjord and washed ashore at Sunde. The entire crew were saved and the dangerous journey made the international press.

Emerging safely from the woods around Heddå, venture up the slope between the buildings at Kviebakken, before Eikeberget (79 metres above sea level) awaits your conquest. Green corridors form an attractive backdrop to the pathway between the houses down towards Forus harness racing track.

Turning north, you can see up towards Ulsberget (75 metres above sea level). Oak trees adorn the southern slopes and have done so for some time, judging by their size. There was once a fort at the top during the migration period. There were also defences here during the Second World War to protect the airfield at Forus and parts of these are still visible at the summit.

Your journey continues up the slopes towards Nådlandsberget and Knudamyrå sports ground. With Dykjelbakken under your belt, your pulse will continue to increase up Gauselbakken where you tread cautiously through Stavanger's only land-based nature reserve, Gauselskogen. The area covers some 53 hectares and has been a protected area since 1984 in order to maintain the lush temperate deciduous forest and its rich birdlife in an otherwise urban area.

You pass the Viking grave of a rich and influential lady known as "Gauseldronninga", even though only a sign marks the spot where it was discovered. Beneath the current houses, there are remains of many buildings with living quarters and barns, ironmongery and several graves of rich and influential people. From Gauselhøyden, it's been possible for people to observe the landscape from all directions and they have had ships and boathouses in both Hafrsfjord and Gandsfjord.

You arrive at delightful Gausel outdoor farm where you can experience fram life for a while. The burial site at Husaberget (88 metres above sea level) or the bunker at Kvieberget is worth a visit before you complete the walk through the woods and down towards the finishing point. 

Accessibility

The entire walk is passable with a stroller, although there are some steep climbs.

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