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.
Region Stavanger
Region Stavanger is the official destination company for the Lysefjord Area.
Some highlights from the Lysefjord area
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 Swords in Rock monument at Hafrsfjord, five kilometer south-east of the center of Stavanger in Rogaland. This is the place where the battle of Hafrsfjord took place in year 872, when the Viking King Harald Fairhair gathered all of Norway under one crown.
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 and the other areas of Rogaland.
The hike to Mt Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock)
Mt 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 trail to the summit which is one of the best views in Norway.
Mt Preikestolen is a popular goal for both Norwegians and foreign tourists. In the high season, it can be crowded on the flat plateau that measures only 25 times 25 meters and with three of the edges going vertically straight down into the Lysefjord.
The trail to Mt Preikestolen is one of the selected National Hiking Trails in Norway. We recommend you to join a Guided Tour to Preikestolen.
Here you can see a 360 panorama from Preikestolen and the Lysefjord. At the bottom of the panorama, you will find navigation buttons that allow you to “travel” around and focus on places you want to take a closer look at. Some panoramas allow you to “jump” to other locations.
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.
The trail to Kjerag is one of the selected National Hiking Trails in Norway. We recommend you to join a Guided Tour to Kjerag.
The beaches at Jæren – The surfer’s Paradise
Jæren – with open skies, wide horizons and endless seas. Kilometer upon kilometer of sandy beaches and dunes.
Jæren is widely known for being Norway’s food basket, but just as well known are the wonderful beaches that lie there in a row. The beaches are used for recreation, swimming, surfing and other activities. Remember sunscreen with a high factor. The most famous beaches are (from the north) Solastranden, Hellestøstranden, Borestranden and Orrestranden.
Boretunet is an activity center at Borestranda with accommodation, a café and its own surf school. The surf school is suitable both for those who have never surfed before, but also for the more experienced surfers.
Sola Strand Hotel is located between the dunes at Solastranden beach at Sola outside Stavanger. The hotel has 135 rooms, a first-class restaurant and Nordsjøbadet Spa. Nordsjøbadet Spa offers spa treatments and spa facilities, all inspired by the fantastic surroundings.
The Jæren National Tourist Route is a 41 kilometer stretch of road that runs through this area with its intensive agriculture in a flat, vast and well-kept cultural landscape.
Here you can see a 360 panorama from the three kilometer long Borestranden beach. At the bottom of the panorama, you will find navigation buttons that allow you to “travel” around and focus on places you want to take a closer look at. Some panoramas allow you to “jump” to other locations.
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.
The story of Flor og Fjære started in the 60s when the Bryn family bought the northern tip of the island Sør-Hidle in Boknafjorden, northeast of Stavanger. The family was above average interested in gardens and flowers, and three generations later the weather-beaten islet has turned into an idyllic oasis of beautiful flowers, exotic trees, trickling streams and ponds with fish.
A visit to Flor og Fjære must be booked in advance. Transport by boat from Stavanger to Flor and Fjære with return back to Stavanger is included in the booking.
Here you can see a 360 panorama from Flor og Fjære. At the bottom of the panorama, you will find navigation buttons that allow you to “travel” around and focus on places you want to take a closer look at. Some panoramas allow you to “jump” to other locations.
Solspeilet – The Norwegian Stonehenge
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.
Go Lysefjord and Preikestolen
This fjord cruise from Go Fjords takes you from Stavanger to the Lysefjord and Preikestolen in Ryfylke. Here you can see the famous tourist attraction Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) from the fjord. Preikestolen in Ryfylke is a flat plateau at about 25 times 25 meters, raging 604 meters vertically above the fjord. From Preikestolen you have a magnificent view across the Lysefjord and the Lysefjordheiene mountains.
This fjord cruise starts from Stavanger. Season: See Go Fjords website. Video by Go Fjords.
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.
Video from Mt Preikestolen and the Lysefjord
Hotels and Accommodation in the Rogaland and Lysefjord area
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.