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Fjord · Stavanger, Rogaland
Lysefjorden
The 42-km fjord between granite walls east of Stavanger, with Preikestolen and Kjerag above, waterfalls such as Hengjanefossen and the village of Lysebotn at the end; explored on boat tours.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Lysefjorden
The Lysefjord, the fjord of light, is about 42 km long and begins at Forsand, east of Stavanger. The name comes from the light-colored granite walls, which rise almost straight from the water up to over a thousand meters. There is no road along the shores, and almost all settlements on the fjord are reached only by boat.
Boat trips depart from central Stavanger and take about three hours round trip. The boat passes islands, the Lysefjord bridge, and enters between the cliffs until it is beneath Preikestolen, 604 meters above. Further on it stops by the Hengjanefossen waterfall, close enough to feel the spray, and passes the Vagabonden cave, where, according to local story, a wanderer once lived.
In summer, the ferry that continues to Lysebotn at the end of the fjord takes about four hours and allows you to disembark there and continue along the Lysevegen road, with 27 hairpin turns, up to the mountain top, or to hike the Kjerag trail. On some stops the ferry lets visitors off at the Flørli staircase, with more than 4,400 wooden steps alongside an old plant pipe.
Goats often appear on the slopes in summer, and seals on the rocks near the fjord mouth.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 3 hours for the round-trip tour from Stavanger; a full day if you take the ferry to Lysebotn.
Best time
From May to September, when there are more boat departures and the ferry to Lysebotn runs. In winter, tours are usually less frequent. Confirm schedules before you go.
How to get there
Tours depart from the quay in central Stavanger, by the port of Vågen. The ferry to Lysebotn usually leaves from Stavanger and from Lauvvik in summer.
Tip
Combine the boat trip with the Preikestolen hike on different days: one shows the Pulpit from below, the other the fjord from above. Bring a jacket for the deck, even on sunny days.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Lysefjorden
How long does the Lysefjord trip last?
About three hours for round-trip tours leaving from Stavanger. The ferry to Lysebotn takes about four hours one way.
Does the boat pass under Preikestolen?
Yes, and it goes close to the Hengjanefossen waterfall. Preikestolen stands 604 metres above the boat.
Do the tours run in winter?
They usually operate with fewer departures. Check before you go.
What is Lysebotn?
The village at the end of the Lysefjord, from where the 27-curve road and the Kjerag trail start.