The breathtaking Lysefjord is not far from Stavanger, only forty-five minutes by car. Experience fantastic nature, fjord cruises, and unforgettable hikes.
Lysefjord
Heavenly hikes and fjord cruises
Wow! No wonder Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) is famous far beyond Norway's borders, all the way to Hollywood!
This challenging hike is 8-kilometer long, takes about 4 hours (round trip) and is suitable for most people in reasonably good shape.
Remember to wear proper hiking clothes and hiking shoes with good grip.
But this is not the only amazing hike in the area.
How fast can you climb the 4,444 steps of the world's longest wooden staircase in the roadless village of Flørli?
Would you like a real challenge? Head to Kjeragbolten! The trip is very demanding, and the path leading out to the rock is very narrow, and you really have to keep your wits with you if you’re climbing out to it.
Or see the mountains from a more relaxing point of view: from the fjord!
Join a day cruise from Stavanger, a guided kayak trip, or ride the passenger ferry that goes all the way to ...
... Lysebotn!
Trollstigen is nothing compared to the turns that guide you up the dramatic Lysevegen.
Stay at a hotel here in Lysefjorden, in Flørli, in Forsand, or near Preikestolen. But for the most spectacular morning ...
... you should check in to The Bolder Sky Lodges!
The unique cabins Skåpet and Preikestolen mountain lodge are also good options for those who like cutting-edge architecture as much as beautiful nature.
Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) in Ryfylke is one of Norway's biggest attractions and among the world's most famous viewpoints. The four–kilometre hike is considered moderately demanding and takes you to the famous rock formation 604 metres above sea level. Tom Cruise is featured in a spectacular scene on Preikestolen in the movie Mission: Impossible – Fallout! The trail is open all year round, but it is recommended to go with a local guide in winter.
If you would like a more challenging trip, you can hike to the famous Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged in a deep mountain gorge hundreds of metres above the fjord.
Or fight your way up the 4,444 steps in the world's longest wooden staircase, the Flørlitrappene (The Flørli stairs), which takes you 740 metres above the fjord in less than two hours. Once you are back down you can treat yourself to something delicious in the old power station café. Spending a few unforgettable nights in the small, roadless village of Flørli is also recommended. Here, you can relax and feel the magical calmness of the fjord and choose among several tours.
You can also experience the landscape from a completely different perspective in a kayak or on a beautiful fjord cruise. Most start in Stavanger and cruises to Lysefjorden in about three and a half hours. In the summer, a passenger ferry sails from Lauvvik and Forsand to Flørli and Lysebotn, which also takes a small number of cars (not motorhomes and caravans, though). Note: tickets must be booked in advance.
If you have your car or bike with you, try driving or biking up the 27 famous turns up from Lysebotn to the car park at Øygardstøl, which is the starting point for the hike to Kjerag.
Lysefjorden has achieved the label for Sustainable Destination. Although thisdoes not mean that the destination is completely sustainable, it means that it has committed to work systematically to reduce the negative impact of tourism and to strengthen its positive ripple effects.
Find more inspiration on the official websites for Stavanger and Ryfylke.
Hiking
Unique experiences
Where to stay
Food and drink
Travel information
More detailed travel information can be found on Ryfylke's official website. Plan your trip to Lysefjorden with Entur.
By train
Take the Sørland railway from Oslo via Kristiansand to Stavanger in around 8 hours.
By plane
Stavanger/Sola Airport has 45-minute flights from Oslo and many other domestic and international connections. Go by ferry or car in 1 hour from Stavanger to the Lysefjord area.
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By boat
A ferry takes you from Stavanger to the port of Tau by the Lysefjord in about 1 hour. A tourist ferry services the whole length of the Lysefjord.
By car
From Oslo: Take the E18 motorway to Kristiansand, the E39 to Sandnes and the FV4505/FV508 to Lauvvik. From Bergen: Take the E39 motorway to Stavanger. From Stavanger: Cross to Tau from where there is a 20-kilometre drive to the Preikestolen car park.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
By bus
There are many options if you want to experience the Lysefjord by boat and bus. Find more information on Lysefjord's official website.
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Safety in the mountains
Return to hike another day
Norway is an incredible place to explore, with untamed mythical landscapes, mountains, valleys, and fjords. Before you enter the outdoors, get familiar with the nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code to help you stay safe.
- Plan your trip and inform others about the route you have selected.
- Adapt the planned routes according to ability and conditions.
- Pay attention to the weather and the avalanche warnings.
- Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips.
- Bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others.
- Choose safe routes. Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
- Use a map and a compass. Always know where you are.
- Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
- Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.
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See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
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