RYFYLKE

Feel the forces of nature

Ryfylke lies on the southwest coast of Norway, just north of Stavanger, and is the ideal destination to experience dramatic mountain landscapes and breathtaking fjords.

Explore deep canyons and incredible rock formations perched hundreds of metres above sea level, such as iconic Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjeragbolten.

Hop on a boat to visit the region's islands and the famous Lysefjorden, or discover spectacular viewpoints on foot or by car.

The region is also home to plenty of fascinating architecture.

Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

The hairpin bends of the Lysevegen road in Ryfylke in Fjord Norway

Hiking to Kjerag in Ryfylke in Fjord Norway

A woman standing on the famous Kjeragbolten rock on Mount Kjerag in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway

The Pulpit Rock in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway

Can you really drive up here? Yes, you can!

And we bet that you will love it. Lysevegen’s 27 hairpin bends take you from Lysefjorden …

… to these rolling, smooth rocks …

… and the mountain massif Kjerag 1,084 metres above the fjord.

This is where you can see the round boulder Kjeragbolten, the rock that is wedged in between two mountains. Make sure your mountain hike is safe, though.

A bit further out in the Lysefjord you’ll find the equally dramatic Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock).

Situated 604 metres above the fjord, this peculiarly square cliff has been named one of the world’s most spectacular viewpoints by Lonely Planet.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

Sand
Salmon Safari in Suldalslågen in Sand
On a salmon safari with Mo Laksegard in Sand, Ryfylke, you'll float down the Suldalslågen river in a dry suit while seeing wild salmon and sea trout up close underwater.
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Sauda
Guided tours Allmannajuvet, Sauda
Join a guided tour in Allmannajuvet in Sauda, Ryfylke. It will be daily guiding throughout the summer season. Listen to the story of the mining adventure and get a taste of how life inside the mines was in the late 1800's.
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Forsand
Horseback riding to Uburen in Forsand
Fossanmoen Islandshestsenter arranges horseback riding to Uburen in Forsand. The trip takes 3-4 hours and you are rewarded with fantastic views at the top.
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Sauda
Swimming facilities in Sauda
Saudahallen in Sauda in Ryfylke consists of an indoor swimming pool and outdoor swimming facilities.
Hebnes
Wine tasting and farm shop at the vineyard Hebnes vingard in Ryfylke
Hebnes vingard is idyllically located by the fjord at Hebnes, Ryfylke. Here you can join a guided tour, taste their products and visit the farm shop.
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Jørpeland
Preikestolen Golf Club near Jørpeland
Preikestolen Golfklubb, which is located near the iconic Preikestolen in Ryfylke, has a challenging and spectacular 9-hole course in scenic surroundings.
Jørpeland
Floating Saunas at Preikestolen BaseCamp
Enjoy a perfect start to the morning, or unwind after a day in the mountains, aboard one of Preikestolen BaseCamp's floating saunas, close to the trail to Preikestolen.
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Hjelmeland
Cider tasting and farm shop at Apal Sideri at Hjelmeland
Apal Sideri near Hjelmelandsvågen, Ryfylke, produces apple juice and apple cider. You can join a guided tour of the apple orchard, taste the products and visit the farm shop.
Sand
Suldal Bad at Sand
Suldal Bad at Sand in Ryfylke contains several pools, sauna, climbing wall and water slide, and is an activity paradise for the whole family.
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Person hiking the Flørlitrappene strais by the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway

Ryfylke is made up of mighty nature with fjords and mountains, from the Lysefjord in the south to the Ryfylke Scenic Route and Sauda in the north.

The main attraction is the magnificent nature, which provides numerous opportunities for an active holiday.

Take on the 4,444 steps from the roadless hamlet Flørli …

… or admire this kind of scenery on countless other hikes in the area.

Popular hikes

Try some of the top hikes in Ryfylke

Hjelmeland
Ritland crater
Hike to a lean-to shelter with a view of Ritlandskrateret in Hjelmeland, where a meteorite crash landed 500 million years ago.
Sand
Hellandsnuten - hike in Suldal
Hellandsnuten (740 masl) towers majestically over the centre of Sand in Suldal, Ryfylke. It's a challenging hike with great views of the area's five fjords.
Hjelmeland
Skomakarnibbå - hike in Hjelmeland
Skomakarnibbå is a unique and demanding hike in Hjelmeland, Ryfylke. At the top, you stand on a rocky outcrop that hangs 741 metres above the Jøsenfjord.
Forsand
Hike to Kjerag in the Lysefjord
Kjerag is called the majesty of the Lysefjord, Ryfylke. Most people are content to enjoy the fjord view, but for many, Kjeragbolten is the highlight.
Jørpeland
Hike to Preikestolen in the Lysefjorden
Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, and is one of Norway's biggest attractions. The view at the top is stunning.
Jørpeland
Lysefjord Panorama Trail
The hike from the unique cabins at The Bolder to Preikestolen BaseCamp offers several spectacular viewpoints over Lysefjorden, such as Seiajuvet, Skjerajuvet, Hatten, Fantapytten, and Fantagjuvet.
Saudasjøen
Hovlandsnuten - hike in Sauda
Hovlandsnuten in Sauda, Ryfylke, is an easily accessible hike suitable for most people. Highlights are Eventyrskogen, the Sherpa steps and the cabin at the top.
Nesflaten
Nipe - hike in Suldal
The hike to Nipe in Suldal in Ryfylke is sometimes demanding, but because of the fantastic view of Nesflaten and Suldalsvatnet it is absolutely worth it.
Årdal I Ryfylke
Family-friendly hike to The Fairytale Forest in Årdal
Awaken your senses in the Fairytale Forest in Årdal, Ryfylke. During the child-friendly hike, you'll meet gnomes and trolls in the mysterious forest.

Find more attractions

Diving on a salmon safari in the Suldalslågen river in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway

Plan your trip to Ryfylke in Fjord Norway and taste apples at the farm Grønvik Gard

The flower garden Flor & Fjære on the car-free island Sør-Hidle in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway

Have fun in the water too!

Glide through the archipelago or along narrow fjords in a kayak, or greet the king of the river on a salmon safari.

And be sure to get a taste of nature. The word Ryfylke comes from “rye”, but the local pantries are stocked with many other goodies too.

Bite into yummy, juicy apples or enjoy award-winning apple cider. Here you will also find the only winery in Fjord Norway, Midtsommar.

The climate on some of Ryfylke’s islands is surprisingly mild. On car-free Sør-Hidle, even palm trees thrive in the park Flor & Fjære.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

Hjelmeland
Smaken av Ryfylke in Hjelmeland
The restaurant Smaken av Ryfylke in Hjelmeland, Ryfylke, serves delicious dishes using local ingredients. The food is enjoyed with a beautiful fjord view.
Jelsa
The restaurant at Jelsa Hotell
At Jelsa Hotell you can enjoy the view of the village Jelsa in Suldal, Ryfylke, while eating a delicious meal of local ingredients.
Forsand
Lysefjordsenteret by Lysefjorden
Lysefjordsenteret is a waterfront dining at the inlet to Lysefjorden.
Sør-hidle
Have dinner among palm trees at Flor & Fjære
Flor & Fjære is a colourful and thriving restaurant and garden located on the island of Sør-Hidle in Ryfylke.
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Flørli
Café & kiosk in Flørli
Kraft Kafé & Kiosk in Flørli i Lysefjorden is an intimate and original café serving coffee, cakes, waffles, lunch and traditional Norwegian dinner.
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Årdal I Ryfylke
Ryfylke bakeri & konditori in Årdal
The cafe Ryfylke bakeri & konditori in Årdal is located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke. They have a large selection of breads, salats and pastries.
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Sand
Restaurant Elvaosen - Ryfylke Fjordhotell
Ryfylke Fjordhotells restaurant Elvaosen is located right by the sea on Sand, Ryfylke. Enjoy the meal to a view of the marina, the fjord and the mountains.

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Farm life anno 1850 at the farm Haukali 33/3 in Ryfylke in Fjord Norway, which offer farm stays

The Høsebrua bridge above the Suldalslågen river in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway

The hydropower station at Nesflaten in Suldal in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway

A boy doing a jump on a snowboard in Sauda

Ryfylke also has a rich history.

Find out what everyday life was like on the mountain farm Haukali 33/3 in the 1850s.

In other places, you can experience history in the making.

Go on a road trip on the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke and see how modern architecture enhances the nature at Høsebrua, Høllesli, and Svandalsfossen.

At Allmannajuvet, you can both explore new and innovative design and go back in time in the zinc mines.

Explore the powerful hydroelectric architecture at Nesflaten, in Suldal.

Looking for a quick way from fjord to mountains?

In Sauda you can go skiing and swimming in the same day. And don't worry if the sea is a bit too cold for you, the water park is open all the year around and has slightly more comfortable temperatures.

Sauda has also achieved the certification Sustainable Destination, which means that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

Hebnes
Glamping at Tveita in Suldal
At Tveita Adventure at Tveita in Suldal, you can spend the night in a dome with panoramic views of the Ryfylke fjords.
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Saudasjøen
Sauda Fjord Camping
Sauda Fjord Camping is located by the Saudafjord in Ryfylke. The campsite is open all year, but in winter you have to book in advance.
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Hjelmeland
Kleppa Gard og Glamping in Hjelmeland
Kleppa Gard & Glamping is located in a small cove outside Hjelmeland center in Ryfylke. You sleep in a luxury tent close to the fjord.
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Jørpeland
Preikestolen mountain lodge
Preikestolen Basecamp is idyllically located near the shore of Revsvatnet lake and the trail to Preikestolen in Ryfylke, just 30 minutes from Stavanger.
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Jelsa
Jelsa Hotell at Jelsa
Jelsa Hotell is centrally located in the middle of the idyllic fjordside village Jelsa in Suldal, Ryfylke.
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Tau
Lilland Bryggerihotell at Tau
Lilland Bryggerihotell in Tau, Ryfylke, is a self-catering hotel located a short distance from natural attractions such as Preikestolen and the Lysefjord.
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Sand
Mo Laksegard
Located in Sandsbygda on Suldalslågen salmon river in Ryfylke close to the National Tourist Route Ryfylke. The complex is built around an old farm and is an enjoyable holiday place for adults and children alike.
Nesflaten
Energihotellet at Nesflaten
Energihotellet is idyllic located in Nesflaten in Ryfylke, and focuses on local food, culture and the history of hydroelectric power production in Suldal.
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Forsand
Haukali 333 near the Lysefjord
At Haukali 333 in Forsand, close to the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, you spend the night surrounded by unspoilt nature.
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Jørpeland
The Bolder by the Lysefjord
With its distinctive design and location by the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, The Bolder is a unique place to stay. Four of the cabins are designed by Snøhetta.
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Forsand
Accommodation at Gøysa Gard by the Lysefjord
Gøysa Gard in Forsand offers charming accommodation with a spectacular view of Lysefjorden. An ideal starting point for exploring Ryfylke and Stavanger.
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More accommodation alternatives

Skåpet mountain cabin in Ryfylke, one of many architectural cabins in Norway

The Bolder Sky Lodge in Ryfylke, Fjord Norway

The popular hiking cabin Skåpet is managed by the Norwegian Trekking Association. Skåpet was built to blend in with the mountain landscape.

Or would you prefer to spend a night in The Bolder?

In Ryfylke, everything is in place for you to experience the forces of nature. When are you coming?

Get more information on Ryfylke official website.

Fjordnorway.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Ryfylke with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

By train
There are daily train departures from Oslo and Kristiansand to Stavanger. The journey from Oslo takes around 7.5 hours.
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By boat
You can take an express boat from Stavanger to many places in Ryfylke, such as Tau, Jørpeland, Fister, Hjelmeland, Jelsa, Sand, and Sauda. A variety of express boat services are also available within Ryfylke.
By car
The National Tourist Route Ryfylke, a 183-kilometre-long stretch of road between Oanes by the Lysefjord and Hordalia in Røldal, takes you to attractions near Sauda in the north, through Forsand and to the Lysefjord in the south.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
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By bus
Several express coach routes run to Stavanger from cities such as Kristiansand (4 hours), Bergen (5 hours) and Oslo (10,5 hours).
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By plane
Stavanger Airport is Ryfylke’s nearest airport, offering direct flights from several destinations in Norway and abroad. A frequent shuttle bus takes you to and from the ferry terminal where the ferry takes you to Tau in the south of Ryfylke. The bus takes approximately 30 minutes and the ferry 30–40 minutes.
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Discover more

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Norwegian Scenic Routes

A family of three snowshoeing at Aurlandsfjellet

Winter in the fjords

The world’s best toilets
13 scenic bike rides
The Stavanger region

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

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Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
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NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
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