Hiking to Kjerag

Season

Kjerag is a seasonal hiking destination. Before the county road between Sirdal and Lysebotn opens around the middle of May, Kjerag is considered to be accessible only to guests with special equipment and accompanied by a tour guide. The snow is deep and skis or snowshoes are required. The season ends when the road closes for the season due to snow conditions in October/November.

6–10 hour hike

The hike to Kjerag is around 11 kilometres long and the round trip takes 6 to 10 hours. You need to be in good physical shape before heading out on this mountain hike which has an elevation gain of 800 metres. In some places, you have to pull yourself up and slide down with the help of wires, so it is a demanding hike even for experienced hikers. The starting point is at the parking lot at Øygardstøl. Ask the staff in the parking lot about the current conditions – they will give you all the information you need. Be especially aware if it rains as the trail can get slippery.

Guided hikes

If you are inexperienced or feel unsure about doing the trip, we recommend that you join a guided hike. A good guide can turn a bad day into a fantastic experience.

Safety measures

Rescue operations are triggered by hikers every year. To make sure you won’t be one of them, prepare yourself properly for the hike, and join a guided hike if you’re not an experienced hiker.

Also, read up on mountain safety before you go.

Weather conditions in the mountains

Even if sunshine and fair weather are predicted, the weather conditions can change quickly. Always check the weather forecast before you start your trip, and make sure that you are prepared for changing weather. Do not hike if the forecast predicts strong winds, heavy rain, or fog. Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.