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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

More accommodation alternatives

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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