Byrkjedal Candle factory, Stavanger

The candle factory at Byrkedal (pronounced "bershedaal") was originally a cheese dairy. In the late 1980’s they started making candles using an old fashioned method of dipping. The old building is set in a wild yet beautiful location and it’s worth travelling here for the scenery alone. Byrkedal is popular with visitors to the area and locals, both for the shop and restaurant.

The shop sells candles in every shape, size and colour you can imagine. If you want to buy something that is typically Norwegian and typical of this area, then Byrkedal is the place to come. Children (and adults) can try their hand at creating their own multi coloured candles by dipping them into tubs of different dyes. The shop also sells a variety of souvenirs, Norwegian handcrafts and gifts.

The restaurant serves down to earth, homemade, wholesome meals that are always good. The menu (chalked on a board above the counter) will vary according to the season. We can certainly recommend their soups. One treat we like are the lappes (basically a huge scotch pancake) topped with sour cream and jam – mmm! Because of its location, (roughly halfway between Stavanger and the holiday/ski area in Sirdal), many people break up their journey by stopping at Byrkedal for a drink or bite to eat.

There is also an area behind the main building set out as a traditional Norwegian farm from the past, complete with goats (popular with the children). Close to Byrkedal is Gloppedalsura where you can see an amazing boulder field with rocks the size of houses (see separate must see tip).