Coming from the south, you meet the fjords in Ryfylke. The Lysefjord with Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock), Kjerag and a range of other walking destinations, await. You will also find National Tourist Route Ryfylke along rv. 13 and fv. 520. With a car you will quickly get to great areas for hiking, usually with a beautiful view of the fjords.
To see a 360-degree view of the Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) click here.
Hiking in southern and central Ryfylke
Explore the mountains around Hjelmeland in central Ryfylke. Nearby you will find two of Norway's most famous hikes, to Preikestolen and Kjerag. Base yourself at Spa-hotel Velvære in Hjelmeland and enjoy the spa facilities after your walk. All rooms have sea view and free access to the spa.
Walking suggestions:
Preikestolen: A two-hour walk to one of the most famous mountains in Norway.
Kjerag: At 1084 metres, Kjerag towers above the other peaks along the Lysefjord. It has been traditional to admire this mountain face from the fjord, but in recent years, it has become increasingly popular to walk up the path to the plateau. The big boulder wedged between two rock walls is a much photographed sight.
Skomakernibba and Jøsenfjorden: A five-hour return trip.
Trodla-Tysdal: Four hours return. Beautiful walk through forests and mountains.
Hiking in Sauda
Sauda in the north of Ryfylke has a varied terrain – from beautiful rural areas to high mountains.
Walking suggestions:
Maldal near the centre of Sauda offers great fjord views on the walk towards Maldalsstølen, a hike suitable for all ages. The well-marked trail passes eight picturesque old hay sheds, and goes through gentle, varied terrain.
The walk to Hustveitsåta at 1,187 metres above sea level, starts by Jonegarden. The Jonestølen Mountain Farm is open for an overnight stay up on the mountain.
From Rondehauen, 480 metres above sea level, you can see the majority of Sauda and the fjord. It is possible to swim in the Tjødnane lakes (by making a detour).
Central Sauda-Lona: Easy walk in rural surroundings around the Storelva and in to Lona.
Hiking in Suldal
Suldal offers walks to suit walkers of all abilities, regardless of fitness or age.
Walking suggestions:
Erøy in Erfjord offers a two-hour family-friendly and varied hike in easy terrain near the National Tourist Route Ryfylke in Suldal.
Gullingen – a family-friendly walking area, offering both cultural history and summit climbs. Also the gateway to Ryfylkeheiane with for example Stranddalen DNT cabin, "the gem of Ryfylkeheiane", some 1,000 metres above sea level.
Combine a bit of shopping in Sand with a walk to the Sandsfossen Waterfall, where you can see salmon jump up the waterfall.
Experience Suldalsosen on an atmospheric walk by the Ritlandsvatnet Lake, or a summit climb with a great view from Stråpanuten.