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.
See a 360-degree view of Ryfylke.
When
The hiking season in Ryfylke starts in May and lasts until October, with small local variations. Some hikes can be undertaken year round.
Hiking possibilities
There are plenty of great hikes to choose from in Ryfylke. Why not try one of the following:
A four-hour hike will take you to the top of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and back. This is one of the most popular hikes in Norway, undertaken by over 150,000 visitors in 2012.
Also popular is the five-six hour hike to nearby Kjerag, where the big boulder, Kjeragbolten, wedged between two rock walls is a much photographed sight.
Or take the hike to Skomakarnibba and Jøsenfjorden, Hjelmeland. Allow five hours to get there and back.
Trodla-Tysdal near Årdal in Hjelmeland is a beautiful four-hour hike through forest and mountain terrain.
Another four-hour return hike on the south side of the lower Tysdalsvatnet Lake, Strand, to Mount Reinarknuten affords fantastic views from the top.
Suitable for all ages, the hike to Maldal near the centre of Sauda offers great fjord views on the way towards Maldalsstølen.
The fascinating potholes in Åbødalen in Sauda also make for an interesting hike.
Erøy in Erfjord is a two-hour family-friendly and varied hike in easy terrain near the National Tourist Route Ryfylke in Suldal.
Gullingen in Suldal, a family-friendly walking area, offers both cultural history and summit climbs like the four-five hour walk around Skuteheia moors. The hike goes through high mountain terrain with good swimming and fishing opportunities.
Combine a bit of shopping in Sand in Suldal with a hike to Sandsfossen Waterfall and cross the new Høse Bridge, where you can see salmon jump up the waterfall.
Guided hikes
Guided walks and hires are possible in several of the Ryfylke municipalities. If you are looking for peace and quiet away from the most popular paths, contact Tourist Information or Stavanger Turistforening. Near Hjelmeland, The Shepherd offers guided group walks.
Accommodation
Ryfylke offers accommodation in hotels and guest houses, camp sites and holiday houses by the fjord, or at charming farms. There are hostels and mountain lodges, too.
Stay at Kløver Hotell in Sauda, Energihotellet or Mo Laksegard in Suldal, Spa-hotell Velvære or Solvåg Fjordferie in Hjelmeland, Lilland Hotell, Verkshotellet or Preikestolen Fjellstue in Strand or Hauane Bed & Breakfast or Lysefjorden Tourist Cabin in Forsand.
How to get there
Ryfylke is easily accessible from major Norwegian towns and ports of entry. See the shortest way to Ryfylke by car, bus or bike.
Additional information
There are several tourist information offices in the Ryfylke area where you can get maps, information about snow conditions, festivals, accommodation, dining etc.