Natural attractions

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke is one of the longest fjords in Norway. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Kjerag, and the Flørli stairs are the major attractions, and fjord cruises from Stavanger are a popular activity.

The mesmerising mountains surrounding Lysefjord were sculpted by the massive ice sheets that covered Norway during the Ice Age. Along extensive stretches of the fjord, the mountains soar over 1000 metres above sea level. The intricate geological features, landscapes, and loose sediments make Lysefjord a distinctive and unparalleled natural phenomenon.

Lysefjord holds the certification for Sustainable Destination, a quality mark for destinations that systematically work to reduce the negative impact of tourism on local communities.

Learn more about the Norwegian fjords:
- Norway’s fjords – the most famous fjords
- What is a fjord?
- The little-known fjords you mustn’t miss
- The best fjord cruises in Fjord Norway

Facts about the Lysefjord

  • Length: 42 km long
  • Minimum depth: 19 metres deep
  • Maximum depth: 456 metres deep
  • Nearby cities: Jørpeland, Sandnes, and Stavanger
  • Villages along the Lysefjord: Lysebotn, Flørli, Songesand, Forsand, Oanes
  • Most famous hikes: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Kjerag, Flørli stairs, and "Lysefjorden rundt" (hike around Lysefjord)

Fjord cruises from Stavanger

You can experience Lysefjord all year round with fjord cruises departing from Stavanger by Rødne Fjord Cruise. Gliding through the majestic fjord, surrounded by towering cliffs, and passing landmarks like Hengjanefossen fall, Fantahåla, and the renowned Preikestolen standing 604 metres above, creates enduring memories. During the summer, you can join a day trip from Stavanger to the remote village of Flørli, where you can ascend the world's longest wooden staircase with 4,444 steps.

Ferries on Lysefjord

Kolumbus operates regular ferry services between Lauvvik and Lysebotn throughout the year.

The express boat MS Rygerfjord has room for 92 passengers and 10 bicycles. The boat arrives at Lauvvik, Forsand, Bratteli, Bakken, Songesand, Kallali, Flørli, Håheller and Lysebotn. Tickets must be pre-booked at billetter.kolumbus.no.

The car ferry MS Sveio can accommodate 146 passengers and 26 cars with a length of 108 metres. The ferry arrives at Lauvvik, Forsand, Songesand, Flørli and Lysebotn. Tickets must be pre-booked at billetter.kolumbus.no.

If you approach Ryfylke and Lysefjord from the south, you can take the ferry from Lauvvik to Oanes, where the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke begins. The car ferry operates on a fixed timetable, and there is no need to pre-book tickets.

Preikestolen and Kjerag

Lysefjord is an ideal destination for hiking. The most renowned mountain hikes in the area are the iconic rock cliff Preikestolen and the boulder at Kjerag. Both hikes are designated as Norwegian Scenic Hikes.

"Lysefjorden rundt" (hike around Lysefjord) is a highly popular signature hike meticulously selected, quality-assured, and warmly recommended by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). Additionally, Flørlitrappene and Kallaliklumpen in Flørli are worth visiting.

Accommodation along Lysefjord

There is an extensive range of accommodation options available across all price ranges along Lysefjord.

The impressive The Bolder, designed by Snøhetta, is situated in a breathtaking location offering spectacular views of Lysefjord.

Close by, in Forsand, you will find Gøysa Gard, where you can stay in farmhouse lodgings or rent cottages with fjord views. Another option is Lysefjorden Marina, providing waterfront apartments.

At the innermost part of Lysefjord, you will discover the DNT cabin Lysefjorden Turisthytte. This colourful tourist cabin, which features a restaurant with full service, is just 50 metres from the pier.

In the remote village of Flørli, located midway along the fjord, you can rent apartments, stay in a hostel, or spend the night in the old radio hut. There is also a campsite in the area in front of the café.

Across the fjord, you will find Songesand Camp, which can accommodate 11 people and offers space for both tents and campervans.

Preikestolen Camping, Wathne Camping, and Landa Park Camping are campsites within driving distance of Lysefjord.

Lysebotn, Flørli, and Songesand

The power-producing village of Flørli has transformed from an agricultural and industrial community into a cultural village. Join a historical village walk through the area and listen to the incredible stories about the power station, water pipes, and the 4,444 steps along the pipeline. Hike up the Flørlitrappene (Flørli stairs) or explore the spectacular Kallaliklumpen. There are cafes and plenty of accommodation options in Flørli.

At the innermost part of Lysefjord lies the power-producing village of Lysebotn, which has supplied electricity to large parts of the country since the 1950s. This small village has around 10 permanent residents but Kjerag attracts a multitude of tourists and BASE jumpers from all corners of the world during the summer season. In the village, you'll find accommodation, cafes, a local shop, and tourist information. Here, you can rent bicycles, kayaks, and fishing equipment.

From Lysebotn and Flørli, you can take the ferry to Songesand. Here, you can spend the night or drive through the magnificent mountain landscape to Nes in Årdal. You can also drive the Lysevegen road, with the 27 hairpin bends, to Sirdal from Lysebotn (winter closed road).

Travel inspiration

Activities along Lysefjorden

Flere folk som er på platået til Preikestolen.

Outdoor activities and nature

Hike to Preikestolen in the Lysefjorden

Preikestolen

Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, and is one of Norway's biggest attractions. The view at the top is stunning.

nature, mountain formations in norway, famous kjerag mountain and kjerag boulder

Outdoor activities and nature

Hike to Kjerag in the Lysefjord

Lysebotn

Kjerag is called the majesty of the Lysefjord, Ryfylke. Most people are content to enjoy the fjord view, but for many, Kjeragbolten is the highlight.

Lysefjordcruise

Sightseeing

Fjord cruise to the Lysefjord and Preikestolen from Stavanger

Stavanger

Rødne Fjord Cruise offers a must-try fjord cruise to breathtaking Lysefjord from Stavanger. Highlights include Preikestolen and Hengjanefossen waterfall.

Outdoor activities and nature

Guided hike to Kjerag and Preikestolen

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

Join Rygr Tours on a guided hike to the icons Kjerag and Preikestolen, located on either side of the mighty Lysefjord in Ryfylke.

Sightseeing

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke is one of the longest fjords in Norway. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Kjerag, and the Flørli stairs are the major attractions, and fjord cruises from Stavanger are a popular activity.

Hårnålsvingene fra Lysebotn til Sirdal, og utsikt over Lysefjorden.

Outdoor activities and nature

Cycle around the Lysefjord in Ryfylke

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

The bicycle route "Lysefjordruta" consists of seven stages, which connect all gateways, cozy towns and exciting attractions around the Lysefjord in Ryfylke.

Flere personer på Preikestolen.

Outdoor activities and nature

Guided hike to Kjerag, Preikestolen and Trolltunga

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

Join Rygr Tours on a guided hike to the iconic Kjerag, Preikestolen and Trolltunga. Here you will walk along both the Lysefjord and the Hardangerfjord.

En person som sitter på et berg foran Lysefjorden.

Outdoor activities and nature

From the sea to the summit Preikestolen

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

Join Rygr Tours on a guided mountain hike to Preikestolen by the Lysefjord in Ryfylke. The package tour includes two nights in the boathouse RoaldPieren outside Stavanger.

Outdoor activities and nature

Guided hike to Preikestolen and Trolltunga

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

Join Rygr Tours on a guided hike to the icons Preikestolen in Ryfylke and Trolltunga in Hardanger. Here you will walk along both the Lysefjord and the Hardangerfjord.

How to get here

Ryfylke is best known for the iconic mountains Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) and Kjerag, which are both on the spectacular Lysefjorden. But when you drive along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, between Lysefjorden in the south and Hårå in Røldal in the north, you will experience lots of contrasts among majestic mountains and deep fjords.

Getting to and around Ryfylke

Dining and accommodation along Lysefjorden

  • Flørli 4444

    Accommodation

    Accommodations in Flørli

    Flørli

    Flørli 4444 has four rental apartments, Flørli Historic Hostel and Special Rooms with shared facilities. All houses and most rooms have a fjord view.

  • Accommodation

    Bakken gard in Lysefjorden

    Songesand

    Bakken gard is a wonderful old farm located halfway in Lysefjorden, between Bratteli and Songesand. The Stavanger Trekking Association owns the cabin. 

  • Lysefjorden Turisthytte

    Accommodation

    DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte in Lysebotn

    Lysebotn

    The colourful DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte is the perfect place to start experiencing Lysebotn, Lysefjorden and Kjerag.

You may also be interested in

  • Utsikt over Lysefjorden fra verdens lengste tretrapp i Flørli.

    Flørli

    Midway in Lysefjorden in Ryfylke lies Flørli. The small, roadless village is popular for its stairs of 4444 steps up the mountain, the longest wooden stairway in the world.

  • Oversiktsbilde over Bakken gård omringet av skog og med Lysefjorden i nærheten.

    Songesand

    Songesand is a small village by Lysefjorden, not far from Preikestolen and Kjerag in Ryfylke.

  • Oversiktsbilde over Lysebotn med hårnålsvingene og Lysefjorden mens solen går ned.

    Lysebotn

    Lysebotn is idyllically located at the end of Lysefjorden in Ryfylke. The trail to Kjerag is close by. Here you can have an active holiday both in the mountains and at the fjord.