The Gå på tur hiking club at Livet vil vinne Stavanger began in early 2025 to get outdoors, discover Norway together and build a community where everyone matters. So far we’ve walked 12 km to Utstein Monastery, visited Fjøløy Lighthouse, tried kayak/canoe on Stokkavatnet, and cheered biathlon stars at the Blinkfestival in Sandnes. We’re open to new participants — come to unwind, make friends and explore. Organizers: Olga Stepushyna and Volodymyr Stepushyn.
Utstein Monastery: history you feel underfoot
We started classic: 12 km of scenic paths to Utstein Monastery — Norway’s best-preserved medieval monastery (late 13th century) on Klosterøy, Stavanger municipality. Along the way: glimpses of fjords, stone walls and quiet farms; on the grounds stands Utstein Church. Gentle terrain, rich views — ideal for our first group hike.
Fjøløy Lighthouse: wind, horizon and light
Next stop: Fjøløy fyr. The first lighthouse here was built in 1849, automated in 1977, and in 1983 replaced by a smaller modern structure. About 7 m tall and 17 m above sea level — we came for the ocean view and left with stories of seafaring and the guiding light on the coast.
Kayak/canoe on Stokkavatnet: first strokes
For many it was a first time on the water. We paddled Stokkavatnet in kayaks and canoes, discussed water safety, and clarified the basics:
-
Canoe — open hull, single-blade paddle.
-
Kayak — more closed cockpit, double-blade paddle.
The essence is the same: you and the water — rhythm and calm. More routes are coming; watch for announcements.
Biathlon & Blinkfestival: meetings that inspire
Our group includes many biathlon fans, so we travelled to the show race in Sandnes. We met Ukraine’s head coach Juraj Sanitra and supported our athletes Dmytro Pidruchnyi and Taras Lesiuk, who, thanks to a wildcard, went straight to the supersprint final. Norwegian stars were there too — Sturla Holm Lægreid, Johannes Dale-Skjevdal, Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen — a true celebration of sport and friendly encounters.
Format & what’s next
We alternate hiking, water activities and cultural outings. Organizers: Olga Stepushyna and Volodymyr Stepushyn coordinates the group and announcements (routes, meeting time, gear). Want to join? If you want to join, respond to the upcoming announcement from Olga and Volodymyr.
Why we go
To release stress, meet people, discover Norway — and ourselves. Shared pace, conversation and nature make us stronger.
Join us
Be part of Gå på tur Stavanger at Livet vil vinne — come to your first hike, follow the updates, suggest routes. If you’d like to help with logistics, ping the organizer - in Facebook Olga Stepushyna and Volodymyr Stepushyn.
Photos
See the gallery from our trips below.
