Welcome to Sola!
Sola township has an area of 68,0 km2 and a population of about 19.850 people. Historically and traditionally, the economy of Sola township has been tied to the primary industries of agriculture and fishing. A gradual change has taken place, particularly in recent times, as a consequence of the development of the oil industry. Although agriculture is still important, it is the other industries that dominate now with their growth potential, development of new jobs, production and economy.
As examples we can name the airport with its attendant activities, the oil refinery, service bases for the oil industry, docks, workshops, service companies, etc. The township's administrative and commercial centre is located at Solakrossen. There are other urban areas within the municipality as well: Tananger, Sørnes, Grannes and Tjelta. Sola beach is particularly noteworthy as this is where bathers flock to, whenever Rogaland's summer weather permits.
THE SWORD
The Sword in Stone at Mollebukta (“Sverd i fjell”) monument at Hafrsfjord is a powerful memorial of the decisive battle that took place here in the year of 872, when King Harald Hårfagre made Norway one kingdom. The battle itself was, according to Snorre, fought at Ytreberget. There is a strange tranquillity at the monument here and a tangible aura of history.
The church ruins at Sola, and the stone crosses at Tjora are also monuments to the Viking age.
ONE KINGDOM
Where Norway became one kingdom. In 872 AD, a bloody battle was fought in Hafrsfjord. On the one side stood an ambitious, long-haired king from the Ringerike district, on the other local chieftains and noblemen. It was an away win, and King Harald Harfagre (Harald Fair Hair) could finally keep his oath. Having united Norway, he let his flowing locks fall to the barber's knife.
BEACHES
Sola also offers some of the finest sandy beaches in Norway. Sola beach is well known throughout the country, especially for its windsurfing, and the summer paradises of Olbergstranda and Hellesto are not far behind.
The beach is excellent for windsurfing, which is done year around. Three leisure centres for youth between 14-18 are also run by the municipality.
Tourists who visit Sola will appreciate the attractive beaches. Sola beach is particularly noteworthy as this is where bathers flock to, whenever Rogaland's summer weather permits. The beach is excellent for wind surfing, which is done year around. Sola municipality is rich in archaeological sites as well. Public access to the most interesting of these is being improved at present.
KITE FESTIVAL
An annual kite festival is held at Hellestø, a riot of colours that is not to be missed. The Sola Aviation Museum is close to the seaplane port, near the main airport. Rogaland War Museum is located at Soma on Rv 509.
GOLF
Sola Golfclub is a golf course with 18 holes and a variation of difficulties near Forus.
Sandnes and Sola Golfclub is a golf course with 18 holes and a variation of difficulties against the airport.
