Lysefjord

Visit the “light fjord”, which is said to be derived from the light coloured granite rocks along its sides.

Located just a day trip from Stavanger is the beautiful Lysefjord. The name translates to “light fjord” and is said to be derived from the light coloured granite rocks along its sides. End to end, it measures 42 km (26 mi) with rocky walls falling nearly vertically over 1,000 metres (3,000 ft) into the water.

As well as the unbeatable scenery of the fjord itself, there are a few notable attractions along its length: Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, an impressive cliff towering 604 metres (1,981 ft) over the fjord; Kjerag Mountain, a popular hiking and base jumping destination with spectacular drops from its 1,084 metres (3,556 ft) top; and the 400 metre (1,312 ft) Hengjanefossen Waterfall.

Because of its rugged terrain, the Lysefjord is sparsely populated with just two villages—Forsand and Lysebotn—and the few people who do live here travel mainly by ferry, as the slopes are too steep for roads. The exception is Lysebotn, where an impressive mountain road rises almost 900 m (2700 feet) over a series of 27 hairpin bends and one spiralling road tunnel. Near the top is the “Eagle's Nest” (Øygardstøl), a rest area with cafe and trailhead for the 5-6 hour hike to Kjerag.