Egersund is a harbour town on the south-west coast of Norway, with about nine and a half thousand people, a working fishing fleet and a layout of streets and quays that is easy to like. The old centre is a grid of white wooden houses, mostly low and neat, along a main street named Strandgata, and the harbour is lined with boats, cranes and fish processing plants. The town grew rich on herring and later on a famous faience factory, which produced fine ceramics from the 1840s until the late twentieth century, and a museum in town shows examples. Egersund pottery is still collected and sold in antique shops.
The town sits at a natural gap in the coast, with an island, Eigerøy, sheltering the harbour. A lighthouse stands on the far side of the island, reached by a bridge, and the road out is a pleasant ride with open views and a sense of the sea. The island is a good place to walk, with paths along the shore and plenty of birds. The fishing industry is still the basis of the local economy, and you will see trawlers and supply vessels in the port, along with ferries and fishing boats.
The road to Egersund runs along the coast through Jæren, a flat and windswept country, and then through low hills and forest as it nears the town. It is easy riding, with long straight sections and gentle bends, though the wind can be strong. Traffic is light to moderate, and heavier in summer. The E39 passes close, and heavy lorries use it, so take care on the junctions. Rain is common, and the roads can be wet and slick.
Because it is a real working town, Egersund has everything you need: fuel stations, supermarkets, banks, repair shops and a good selection of cafés and restaurants. It is the largest place for a good distance in either direction, which makes it the sensible place to fill up, eat and rest before the next leg. The harbour is a pleasant place to sit with a coffee and watch the boats, and a few restaurants serve fresh fish at reasonable prices. Try the local fish soup. Hotels are available, and the town is quiet in the evening, with the harbour lights reflecting on the water.