Cultural attractions
The
petroglyphs at Nag farm in Strand, discovered in 1923, date back to 500 BCE.
They are located right by the turnoff to Solbakk, down toward the sea. Solbakk
has several areas of petroglyphs, but this is the largest and best known,
consisting of 40 figures, mostly boats and geometric patterns. Some of these
petroglyphs have been cut deeply into the rock and are particularly striking
when the sun hangs low in the sky. Petroglyphs such as these held special
religious significance in the Bronze Age.
Boats are the most common motif, underscoring how important they were to the people who made these petroglyphs during the Bronze Age. In fact, roughly three-quarters of all petroglyph figures found in Rogaland depict boats or ships.
The Solbakk petroglyphs depict two distinct boat types. One has a rounded stem and vertical lines to indicate members of the crew, while the other is shorter and straighter. The long, more rounded boats appear most frequently in the petroglyphs of Southern Norway, and these probably show large, traditional wooden boats of the period. The smaller boats, however, may be of an even older type, perhaps made of treated leather. It is very rare to see both boat types in the same petroglyph field; this may indicate that the Solbakk area was decorated with petroglyphs over a time span of many centuries.
There are also two types of geometric designs here: concentric circles and spirals. No one is sure what these signify, although many experts assume they are symbolic portrayals of the life-giving sun.
A
copy of the Kjølevik stone was made by Kåre Tveit and unveiled in 1982. The
original was found 100 years earlier in the ceiling of a potato cellar in
Kjølevik. A year later, this original stone was moved to the collection of the
University of Oslo, where it is now exhibited. The inscription of Old Norse
runes probably dates back to the time of migrations in 400-450 AD.
The
oldest industrial building in Jørpeland. A restored furniture and wood works
active in 1883-1910, beautifully situated on the canal by the old power station.
There is a great nature path nearby. In addition to the historical exhibition,
this venue is frequently used for concerts, exhibitions, seminars and other
activities.
The
amazing collection of sculptures by the harbour, and throughout Jørpeland, is
the result of the only international artist's symposium on stainless steel
sculpture. Artists came from throughout the world to event - a cooperation
between Scana Steel Stavanger, the Municipality of Strand and Melting Pot.
The
beautiful park by the Director's residence, established in cooperation with the
milling company at Tau, is now open to the public. Brugsløa is an old barn with
craftsmen, a café and other offerings. It is open every Sunday during the
summer. Visit the mill park and the flea market, and enjoy fresh home baking in
unique surroundings.
Two
mills and a drying room are preserved at Tau, together with the surrounding
environment and harbour. These old mill houses are situated near the modern Tou
Mølle (mill), allowing visitors to see the old and modern mills side by side.
Actually the old mills are perfectly functional, and the water channels, water
wheels and millstones are all still intact.
To get here, just drive up the hill from the ferry quay, and turn right halfway up the hill – the old buildings are located 50 m from the turnoff. After heavy rainfall or snowmelt, the waterfall at Tau enhances your impressions.
This area was probably been used for milling for many centuries. This is the closest site to Stavanger where waterpower is plentiful, and the proximity to the fjord made it practical to mill grains here. Before the development of Jørpeland, Tau was the municipal centre, with police, physician’s office and bank, in addition to an administration building.
The
modern church was built in 1969 and was one of the first multifunctional
churches in Norway. Jørpeland Church is used throughout the week by children,
youth and adult members of the congregation. Accommodates 450 people. The church
was renovated autumn 2006.
The church was built in 1874 by Torjus Tengesdal and Johannes Næsset. Strand
Church was the third church ever erected in Strand. An altar piece, pulpit, and
other objects from the old 17th century were moved to the current church.