From island kingdom to deep fjords and high mountains; Ryfylke and the Lysefjord area are known for the mountain formations Kjerag and Preikestolen (the Pulpit rock). The hike to Preikestolen is one of Norway´s hiking icons.

The 42 kilometer long Lysefjord is located in the county of Rogaland, near Haugesund and Stavanger, south in Western Norway.

Season and Safety

Many of the activities and attractions mentioned on this website are open only in summer and are closed in winter. This also applies to many of the roads and accommodations mentioned. Season and opening time will vary. It depends on where it is and what activity, attraction, road and accommodation it is, it usually opens in the summer and closes in the autumn, depending on i.a. the amount of snow and the risk of avalanches in the area. Hikes mentioned in this website have different seasons. See links to the various hikes to read more about the hikes and season. Read more about season, important safety information and your own responsibility…

Important information about roads in western Norway: Many roads in western Norway are prone to landslides and avalanches, especially in rainy and snowy weather. There might also be a chance that some of the roads are closed in short periods, especially during winter, due to weather and danger of rock- and snow avalanches and other dangerous conditions. Winter tires are required in winter. Read more about Tyre Requirements in Norway...

Many of the roads in western Norway are closed during winter! These roads usually opens early summer and close in autumn, depending on the amount of snow and the risk of landslides and avalanche in the surrounding mountains. This also applies to many of the National Tourist Routes and the Road Trips described in this website.

There are restrictions on the length of vehicles on many of the National Tourist Roads and on other roads in Norway. This also applies to many of the roads and road trips described on this website.

This website is not a guide or a travel planner, and the information on the pages should not be used accordingly. Marked and mentioned routes and maps are not accurate and will also often change for various reasons, always look for updated information.

Region Stavanger

Region Stavanger is the official destination company for the Lysefjord Area.

Some highlights from the Lysefjord area

FJORDS NORWAY - Enjoying the view from Preikestolen towards the Lysefjord. — Enjoying the view from Preikestolen towards the Lysefjord.

From island kingdom and the flat coastal area on Jæren to deep fjords and high mountains; Rogaland with Stavanger, Jæren, Dalane, Ryfylke and the area around the Lysefjord are known for the mountain formations Kjerag and Preikestolen (the Pulpit rock), Trollpikken (the Troll´s dick), Solastranden Beach and Flor og Fjære.

Preikestolen is a flat mountain plateau raging 604 meters above the Lysefjord. The plateau measures only 25 times 25 meters and with three of the edges going vertically straight down into the fjord.

Stay overnight in new innovative cabins while exploring the Ryfylke area. Go on a fjord safari or take a fjord cruise on the Lysefjord. Drive Ryfylkevegen and Jæren National Tourist Routes.

Flørli is located deep into the spectacular Lysefjord, at the base of the Kjerag plateau. Flørli is popular for its 4444 steps right up the mountain, the longest wooden stairway in the world.

Lysevegen road runs from Lysebotn at the innermost part of the Lysefjord to Sirdal.

The Lysefjord is 42 kilometers long and 422 meters at its deepest and is located in the county of Rogaland, near Stavanger, which is a great starting point for experiencing Ryfylke and the Lysefjord, Jæren, Egersund og Dalane and the other areas of Rogaland.

The Swords in Mountain Monument at Hafrsfjord outside Stavanger.

Hike to Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock)

Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) in Ryfylke is one of Norway´s great hikes, and the view towards the Lysefjord is epic. Preikestolen is a mountain plateau raging 604 meters above the Lysefjord. The four kilometer long hike and 330 meter climb takes 2-3 hours one way. You start at Preikestolen Mountain Lodge and follow the marked path to the summit which is one of the best views in Norway.

Guided Hike to Kjerag Mountain above the Lysefjord

At 1084 meters above the fjord, Kjerag towers above the other peaks along the Lysefjord. It has become increasingly popular to walk up the path to the Kjerag Plateau. Enjoy the view of the Lysefjord from the plateau itself , but for most of the hikers, the climax is to see and take photographs of Kjeragbolten, a round rock wedged solidly in a mountain crevice.

Flor og Fjære outside Stavanger

You have probably heard of the Garden of Eden. But did you know that it is located on an island outside Stavanger? You can visit the garden yourself to look at all the beauty, it’s like a little wonder. Flor og Fjære is a wonderful place for those who love flora and fauna. You have to take a boat from Stavanger to the northern tip of the island Sør-Hidle to experience this paradise on earth.

FJORDS NORWAY - Flor og Fjære is an oasis on the island of Sør-Hidle in Boknafjorden outside Stavanger. — Flor og Fjære is an oasis on the island of Sør-Hidle in Boknafjorden outside Stavanger.

Solspeilet – The Norwegian Stonehenge

FJORDS NORWAY - Solspeilet on Klungholmen is made by the artist Stian Heimlund Skjæveland from Jørpeland. — Solspeilet on Klungholmen is made by Stian Heimlund Skjæveland.

Solspeilet on Klungholmen is made of stainless steel by the artist Stian Heimlund Skjæveland from Jørpeland. The work of art was completed in 2016.

Solspeilet is shaped like an eight-metre high obelisk and is decorated with historical symbols, runes and ornaments, some of them from the Viking ship Oseberg. Solspeilet is surrounded by twelve standing stones and can be seen from Jørpelandsholmen off the Ryfylke National Tourist Route.

Klungholmen has a pier that makes it possible to dock with a boat, kayak or similar to go ashore and study the artwork up close. Solspeilet can also be seen from the hiking trail on Jørpelandsholmen outside Jørpeland.

FJORDS NORWAY - Solspeilet on Klungholmen outside Jørpeland in Ryfylke. — Solspeilet – “The Norwegian Stonehenge” on Klungholmen outside Jørpeland in Ryfylke.

Private Cruise on the Lysefjord

Private Cruise is a private cruise & charter company in Stavanger. They deliver daily private sightseeing cruises in the Lysefjord area as well as delivering a service which is completely customized, unique and personal. A perfect way for you and your family to experience the Norwegian fjords.

CEO and owner Helge Ljones carries unrivalled knowledge and experience which comes as a result of a countless of hours in Stavanger’s surrounding fjords. Video by Private Cruise.

Lysevegen Mountain Road

This popular tourist road goes from Lysebotn, a small village at the innermost end of the Lysefjord, to Sirdal. The steep mountain road has 27 hairpin turns and it´s highest point is at Lake Andersvatnet at 950 masl. At 640 masl lies the Øygardstøl Panorama Restaurant and the car park/starting point for the hike to Kjerag. During winter, the Lysevegen Road is closed.

The village of Flørli

Flørli is a small roadless hamlet serviced by four ferries per day, and is best known for the old power station, the old pipes leading up to the mountain lake and, above all, the wooden staircase connected to the pipeline. FLØRLI 4444 – Flørli has rental apartments and Flørli Historic Hostel, all with fjord view. It lies deep into the Lysefjord, close to the Kjerag Bigwalls. Flørli is popular for its 4444 steps right up the mountain – the longest wooden stairway in the world. Video by Flørli.

Ryfylkevegen Scenic Road

Driving to the Lysefjord from either the north or the east gives you the opportunity to experience the beautiful Ryfylkevegen National Tourist Route. The road goes between the roads “Road 13” and “Road 520”, stretching from the Oanes ferry quay in the south and Røldal in the north. At Ryfylke, idyllic green skerries and cultural landscapes are suddenly replaced by rockslides, polished cliffs, mountains and fjords. Along the 183-kilometer long road you pass villages, towns and cultural attractions. The drive is also a trip through the Norwegian Industrial History.

Mo Laksegard (Salmon Farm)

Mo Laksegard by the famous salmon river Suldalslågen offers Salmon and Trout Fishing, River Expeditions and Salmon Safari. They also have their own Farm Brewery.

Rock carvings at Solbakk

Down by the shore at Solbakk, just beside the Ryfylke Road, lies a prehistoric rock carving site. The find, first discovered in 1923, it dates from around 500 BC.

The prehistoric village of Landa

Fossanmoen in Ryfylke is the site of extensive remains from Landa, a remarkable and unique chapter in Norwegian history.

The Old Tou Mill

Three well-preserved wooden mill buildings in their natural setting on the seafront at Tau, right beside the modern Tou Mill, make up the Old Tou Mill.

Horse Riding

Go riding with Fossanmoen Islandshestsenter or Tjøstheim Ridesenter.

Hauand Bed & Breakfast – Lysebotn

Hauand Bed & Breakfast is an old farm in Lysebotn at the innermost part of the Lysefjord, consisting of a farm house, a barn and an “eldhus”. They offer a good nights sleep in a made bed, a tasty traditional Norwegian breakfast, set in a rural and scenic environment. A great place to stay when you visit the Lysefjord area.

Høiland Gard Farm Hotel

Restored farmhouses and hotel rooms with a beautiful view towards the Årdalsfjord await you at Høiland Gard Farm Hotel.

The Lysefjord – Map Overview

LYSEFJORD AND RYFYLKE