The Norwegian fjords have been rated among the most beautiful travel destinations in the world. In a survey of the most popular World Heritage sites conducted by National Geographic Traveler Magazine and National Geographic Center for Sustainable Destinations, Norway's western fjords emerged as the winner.
The Stavanger Region has many beautiful fjords. One of the most famous fjords in the region is the Lysefjord. The fjord is 42 kilometres long with rocky walls falling nearly vertically over 1,000 metres into the water. Not only is the fjord long and narrow, it is in places as deep as the mountains are high. You can experience this magnificent fjord on a fjord cruise from Stavanger all year round. This is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Norwegian nature.
The Lysefjord is home to two other major attractions Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag.
Preikestolen is located 600 metres above sea level and is the most visited attraction in Rogaland county. Preikestolen can be seen from the Lysefjord, but is even more impressive from above. After a spectacular two-hour hike you will have a magnificent view of the fjord.
Kjerag is another major attraction in the area. Its highest point is 1,110 metres above sea level, but its northern drop to the Lysefjord attracts most visitors. The drop is 984 metres above sea level and is just by the famous Kjeragbolten, a big stone which is plugged between two rocks. It takes two and a half hours to hike to Kjerag. Be prepared for a strenuous hike, however absolutely worth the effort.
If you enjoy hiking, but prefer shorter hikes, the beautiful and magnificent waterfall Månafossen is definitely worth a visit. Månafossen has a free fall of 92 metres and is the biggest waterfall in Rogaland county. It is also the ninth tallest free fall waterfall in Norway. The waterfall is protected and is one of the biggest attractions in Rogaland county.
Gloppedalsura consists of avalanche boulders that are piled on top of an end moraine. Some of the boulders are as big as houses.
The Stavanger region does not only offer beautiful fjords and majestic mountains but also stunning beaches. Here you can visit the longest sandy beaches in Norway. In the article Best Holidays 2004, The Sunday Times ranked Solastranden as the sixth best beach in the world. The journalist David Wickers was so enthusiastic that he rated the beach ahead of beaches both in Spain and Thailand. Spend time here for any purpose - sunbathing, swimming, kiting or surfing. The lighthouses along and just off the coast are also open for tourists, and some of them offer accommodation and food.