My hometown - Sandnes - TravBuddy

Sandnes is a great base to explore the west coast of norway from.
Allthough other destinations may have one or two great attractions, Sandnes is never more than an hour transport from a vast variety of Norwegian nature, culture, entertainment; we have it all... ;-)
Great hikes nearby include the pulpit rock, the kjerag bolt, several waterfalls, mountaintops and lakes. Hiking and staying at mountain cabins or in your own tent is cheap/free.
Cruises also venture into the fjords to enjoy the mountains from below.
Along the coast we have some amazing beaches, allthough the summer is short, the water will be ok for vikings july-september. The longer, unspoilt beaches are fantastic for hikes any time of the year.
Sandnes is situated only 10 min. by train from the larger city stavanger with busteling nightlife, restaurants, museums and cultural offers , sandnes is a smaller but also has a good offer. Nightlife in Norway is generally quite expensive.
We have lots of good childrens activities, theme parks, indoor "waterworld".... And we have Norways largest Mall :-)