Safe summer hike to Kjerag

Dynamic Variation:

Summer 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, 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

Dynamic Variation:

Proper hiking equipment

Pack a 30-litre backpack to be sure that you have enough room for everything you need in the Norwegian mountains. A map and compass, first-aid equipment, a fully charged mobile phone, and a headlamp are just some of the things we recommend you keep in your backpack. Scroll down the page for a complete packing list.

Warm, suitable clothing

Always bring suitable footwear. Hiking boots are recommended. The hike to Kjerag goes across rough terrain, and you will need ample foot and ankle support. Occasional strong gusts can occur at Kjerag, so please use wind and waterproof outerwear. An extra set of clothes including a cap, a scarf, and gloves or mittens belong in your backpack.

How to get there

You can take the car ferry from Stavanger to Lysebotn and continue from there to Øygardsstøl by car or taxi. You can also drive towards Lysebotn via Sirdalen. In the summer, there is a bus service to Kjerag/Øygardsstøl from Stavanger. The bus departs early in the morning and returns to Stavanger in the afternoon. Explore the alternatives for getting to Kjerag and around.

See Kjerag tourist information on Facebook for the latest updates.

Emergency telephone numbers

The Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) has the overall operational responsibility during mountain search and rescue operations.

51 51 70 00 – JRCC Southern Norway
75 55 90 00 – JRCC Northern Norway

For other emergencies:

110 – Fire
112 – Police
113 – Ambulance
120 – Emergency at sea
22 59 13 00 – Poisons Information Center
1412 TDD (textphone for the deaf or hearing impaired)

Kjerag.
Photo: CNES / Airbus / Bleed / Google Earth

Food and drink

Always bring enough food and drink when you set out on a trip. It is important to have enough refills to make sure your energy reserves last all the way.

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.

Other hiking routes in the area

There are many other hikes around Kjerag and in the nearby areas, including easier options. Check out the hiking alternatives in the area.

Kjerag.
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS / www.fjordnorway.com

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.

Weather forecast from Yr, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK). Download Yr’s free weather app for iOS or Android.

A man in proper mountain hiking gear is standing above Lysefjorden in Fjord Norway

Summer hiking packing list.
Photo: Kristian Paulsen (selvestepaulsen.no) / Bleed / Visitnorway.com

Summer packing list – What to prepare for your hike

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Packing list for your summer hike

With a good backpack filled with the right equipment, you have a great base for a wonderful experience in the mountains. Choose a backpack with a volume of 30 litres to be sure to have enough space for everything.

Clothing

hiking boots
wind and waterproof jacket and trousers
wool underwear and a wool sweater
an extra set of clothes and socks
cap, scarf and gloves or mittens

Equipment

enough food and drinks for the whole trip
a fully charged mobile phone in a plastic bag to avoid water damage
a small headlamp and extra batteries
sunglasses and sunscreen
plastic bags for garbage and other things
first-aid kit and extra blister plasters
map and compass
pocket knife
Nordic walking poles for maintaining your balance in rough terrain
reflexive vest in case you need rescuing

Tourists hiking in the Norwegian mountains with umbrellas

Top mistakes tourists make.
Photo: Film production: Kristian Paulsen (selvestepaulsen.no) / Bleed / Visitnorway.com

Top mistakes – Experiences from hikes during summer in Norway

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Dynamic Variation:

Emergency telephone numbers

The Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) has the overall operational responsibility during mountain search and rescue operations.

51 51 70 00 – JRCC Southern Norway
75 55 90 00 – JRCC Northern Norway

For other emergencies:

110 – Fire
112 – Police
113 – Ambulance
120 – Emergency at sea
22 59 13 00 – Poisons Information Center
1412 TDD (textphone for the deaf or hearing impaired)