Sandnes is one of Norway’s fastest-growing cities. Once a modest industrial town, it has transformed in recent decades into a modern, family-friendly hub that is closely tied to Stavanger yet proud of its own identity.
With a population of more than 85,000, Sandnes is now the country’s eighth-largest city and a popular choice for people moving to the Stavanger region.
Its appeal lies in the balance it strikes: close enough to benefit from the jobs and cultural life of Stavanger, but with a calmer atmosphere, lower housing costs, and unrivalled access to the outdoors.
The city has a reputation as Norway’s bicycle capital, a legacy of its industrial past, but today it is better known for its lively pedestrian street, thriving shopping centres, hands-on science museum, and nearby hiking trails.
For new arrivals, it offers a welcoming community in a part of Norway known for innovation, energy, and outdoor living.
Where is Sandnes?
Sandnes lies at the southern end of the Stavanger urban area, just 15 kilometres from the city of Stavanger itself.
Together, the two cities form the country’s third-largest metropolitan region, with Sandnes often considered the quieter counterpart to its bigger neighbour.
Getting between the two is simple. Trains run every 15 minutes on weekdays, taking just under 20 minutes, while the drive on the E39 motorway is about the same. Stavanger Airport, Sola, sits between the two cities, making international travel easy.
A Growing City
Once a small town, Sandnes has experienced remarkable growth in recent decades.
With a population now exceeding 85,000, it has become one of Norway’s fastest-growing cities, attracting young families and professionals who work in Stavanger but prefer a slightly more relaxed lifestyle.
The city’s history is rooted in industry. For generations, brickworks, pottery and bicycle production dominated the economy. The bicycle heritage is still celebrated today, with Sandnes once carrying the official title of “Norway’s bicycle city.”
Outdoor Life in Sandnes
If there’s one thing Sandnes offers in abundance, it’s access to the outdoors. The nearby Jæren region is home to some of Norway’s best beaches, including Solastranden, a favourite for summer swimming and windsurfing.
For hiking, the local favourite is Dalsnuten, a short but steep climb rewarding walkers with sweeping views across Sandnes, Stavanger and the North Sea. Other popular routes include Stokkelandsvatnet, an easy family walk around a lake, and Bynuten, a longer day hike into the surrounding mountains.
The Rogaland Arboretum is another highlight. With more than 140 species of trees and plants, it is both a research site and a recreational area, perfect for Sunday strolls or picnics. Check out this article for more on hiking in the Stavanger region.
Cyclists will also find plenty to enjoy. Beyond the city’s heritage, the surrounding flat coastal plains and rolling hills provide excellent routes for both road cycling and mountain biking.
Culture and Attractions
While many cultural events and nightlife options are found in Stavanger, Sandnes has its own attractions. The standout is the Science Factory (Vitenfabrikken), an interactive museum with hands-on exhibits covering astronomy, technology, and science, making it especially popular with families.
The Kulturhus (Culture House) by the harbour hosts concerts, theatre productions, and community events throughout the year. Sandnes also has a cinema, bowling alley, and several family-friendly cafés and restaurants.
For thrill-seekers, Kongeparken is just outside the city. Rogaland’s largest amusement park draws families from across western Norway.
Shopping and Eating Out
Sandnes has a lively shopping scene. The pedestrian street Langgata is one of the longest in Norway and the heart of the city centre. Here you’ll find independent shops, cafés, and regular small events such as markets and street performances.
Just outside the city, Kvadrat is one of Norway’s largest shopping malls, with more than 170 stores, a wide range of eateries, and frequent events.
The restaurant scene is modest compared to Stavanger, but a growing number of cafés and international eateries have appeared in recent years, reflecting the area’s increasingly diverse population.
Events and Festivals
Sandnes is firmly on the map for sports and cultural events. Each summer, the city hosts the Blinkfestivalen, one of the world’s biggest roller ski festivals, attracting elite athletes as well as amateurs. The city is also a stop on the Tour des Fjords cycling race.
Food lovers can look forward to Sandnes Matfestival, where restaurants and producers showcase a wide variety of local and international dishes.
Sandnes as a Cruise Destination
While Stavanger is the main cruise port in Rogaland, a handful of smaller lines, including Ambassador Cruise Line, occasionally dock in Sandnes instead.
For passengers, the difference is minimal, as excursions typically cover the same regional highlights: Lysefjord boat tours, hikes to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), and Stavanger city sightseeing.
The main difference is that independent travellers have a slightly longer journey into Stavanger, but frequent local trains and buses make the trip relatively straightforward.
For those who prefer to explore on foot, Sandnes itself offers a pleasant pedestrian street, good shopping, and easy access to hiking trails.
Is Sandnes For You?
For many, Sandnes offers the best of both worlds. Residents enjoy easy access to Stavanger’s jobs and cultural life, while benefiting from a more relaxed pace at home. Housing tends to be more affordable than in Stavanger, and the abundance of green spaces appeals to families.
With its combination of urban growth, strong transport links, and proximity to nature, Sandnes has developed from a sleepy industrial town into one of Norway’s most attractive places to live.
Sandnes is one of the most interesting places in Norway, among with the other big cities. If I ever have the chance to live in Norway, this is one I will consider for a possible location.
I grew up minutes from Sandnes and have fond memories of times spent there. Over the years we have visited my sister and her family and everywhere we go has a definite beauty, awesome mountains, breathtaking fjords, scenic drives through towns large and small and not to mention the farms. Have you thought about writing a story about Ålgård, this is a growing area and have so much charm minutes from Kongeparken.
It is also on the way up to Sirdalen a popular ski area. I hope to read your story one day soon.