lysefjord visitor guide

Welcome to the Lysefjord!

As you experience this majestic landscape, remember that your actions hold the power to protect and celebrate our unique destination for all who follow in your footsteps.

Lysefjorden 365 sustainable destination guidelines encouraging visitors to respect nature, support local community, stay safe and choose sustainable alternatives

A Commitment to Nature, Community and Sustainability

Eksotisk utsikt over Lysefjorden med fjellandskap og seilbåter i solnedgang, perfekt for fjordturer og naturopplevelser i Sør-Norge.

Respect Nature

When you visit the great outdoors of the Lysefjord, you take on an important role in protecting its environment. Conservation areas protect unique ecosystems and biodiversity. By leaving no trace, you ensure that the landscape remains as beautiful for future visitors as it is for you today.

Do's
  • Leave no trace:
    take photos, leave only footprints, and carry out all litter, including food scraps.
  • Check whether you are in a protected area and follow local rules.
  • Keep to designated trails and existing viewpoints. Avoid shortcuts, wet ground and areas closed for restoration.
  • Keep dogs on a lead to protect wildlife and livestock. We recommend this throughout your visit. The general legal leash period is 1 April–20 August; additional local rules apply, including where livestock are grazing.
  • Close all gates after passing to prevent livestock from straying.
  • Camp responsibly on suitable uncultivated land, at least 150 metres from an occupied house or cabin. Normally, stay no more than two nights without the landowner’s permission. Check local restrictions and choose established campsites where possible.
  • Use public restrooms whenever possible. If you must go outdoors, keep well away from trails, water and camps, and carry out paper and hygiene products.
  • Follow national and local fishing regulations. For freshwater fishing, obtain the landowner’s permission, usually through a local fishing permit. The national fishing fee applies from age 18 when fishing for salmon, sea trout or sea-run Arctic char in rivers and lakes. It does not apply to ordinary inland trout fishing. Check seasons, closures and local catch limits.
  • At sea, foreign tourist anglers may use handheld tackle only and may not sell their catch. Check protected species, minimum sizes and local restrictions, including near river mouths. Check the current export rules before taking fish out of Norway.
  • Handle fish carefully and make sure you know how to kill fish humanely if you intend to keep them.
  • Dry or disinfect fishing and paddling equipment before moving it to another freshwater system or another part of the same system. Follow any stricter local disease-control rules.
  • If you see wild reindeer, stop, keep your distance and quietly retreat or choose another route.
Don'ts
  • Leave plants undisturbed and avoid removing natural items such as rocks and shells.
  • Do not approach, chase or feed wildlife, birds or farm animals, or disturb nests. Do not share the locations of nests or other sensitive wildlife sites.
  • Respect wildlife and other visitors by avoiding noise and music.
  • Respect fire restrictions: from 15 April to 15 September, fires and barbecues are generally prohibited. Stricter local bans may apply. Don't use disposable barbecues in nature.
  • Do not build rock cairns, which can damage the environment and mislead hikers. Do not move stones from paths or historic structures.
  • Avoid off-roading or any activities that could harm the natural terrain and vegetation.
  • Never use live fish as bait. Do not move fish, other aquatic animals or water between waters.
Eksotisk utsikt over Lysefjorden med fjellandskap og seilbåter i solnedgang, perfekt for fjordturer og naturopplevelser i Sør-Norge.

Be Part of the Local Community

Visiting the Lysefjord goes beyond experiencing the breathtaking landscapes. Engaging with the community is not just about the economic support you provide; it's about fostering mutual respect and cultural exchange. By supporting local businesses and respecting local customs, you become more than just a visitor. Every greeting, interaction, and purchase not only contributes to the community’s well-being but also enriches your travel experience.

Do's
  • Practice courtesy and show respect to both locals and fellow travelers.
  • Purchase local products and souvenirs, choose locally owned accommodations, and dine at local restaurants and cafeterias.
  • Use local guides for the best experience and to learn about the area.
  • Listen to advice offered by locals; they know the area best.
  • Respect all signage, especially “no camping” and “no parking” signs.
  • Use designated parking and overnight stops. Keep roads, gates and access routes clear.
  • Before flying a drone, check aviation rules, protected-area restrictions and local instructions. Respect people’s privacy and never use a drone to approach wildlife. At Preikestolen, and in Frafjordheiane, including Kjerag, flying a drone is prohibited.
  • Participate in local festivities and cultural events.
Don'ts

  • Avoid behavior that could be disrespectful to local people, including excessive noise or inappropriate conduct.

  • Respect homes, gardens, farmyards and cultivated fields. Norway’s right to roam also applies to privately owned uncultivated land, provided you act responsibly and follow local restrictions.

Stay Safe

Preparation, awareness and caution are the cornerstones of a safe and enjoyable experience. It is also a collective responsibility. The rugged terrain and unpredictable weather can make rescue operations particularly challenging. These efforts often require extensive resources and can put both rescue personnel and those in need of immediate medical attention elsewhere at risk.

Do's

  • Match your plans to everyone’s experience and ability. Check trail and road conditions, daylight, weather forecasts and current warnings.

  • Inform someone of your itinerary and expected return time.

  • Wear bright clothing or a reflective item to be visible to others.

  • Pay attention to all informational and directional signs. Stay on the trails.

  • Pack essentials: suitable footwear, warm and waterproof layers, food, water, a headlamp and necessary gear.

  • Don’t rely on mobile phones alone for navigation or emergencies, as service can be unreliable; bring a physical map.

  • Be aware that hiking is at your own risk. Know when to turn back.

  • Follow local advice when boating or paddling, and wear a suitable lifejacket.

  • For emergencies, dial 110 (fire), 112 (police), or 113 (medical help).

Don'ts
  • Avoid taking risks for a photograph or better view that could jeopardize your safety.
  • Keep a safe distance from cliff edges.

Choose Sustainable Alternatives

In this magnificent but fragile environment, the efficient use of resources is essential. Sustainable practices help preserve the fjord's natural beauty and cultural integrity. As a visitor, you are encouraged to make choices that align with eco-friendly principles, reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to the area's longevity.

Do's

  • Choose tourism operators that explain how they care for nature, animals and local communities. Look for credible environmental certification and specific commitments.

  • Use public transport, ferries and shared transfers when practical. Walk or cycle where conditions and local rules allow.

  • Carpool with fellow travelers whenever possible.

  • Engage in ‘pliking’ or picking up litter during hikes and other outdoor activities.

  • Carry and refill a water bottle to minimize plastic waste.

  • Use reusable materials instead of single-use plastics.

  • Recycle as much as possible, separating waste according to local guidelines.

  • Choose local and organic products.

  • Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.

  • Reuse your linens and towels to conserve water.

  • Take shorter showers.

Don'ts
  • Don't waste food and energy.

Useful Websites

Plan your Lysefjord trip with these useful websites. These sites will keep you updated on travel, show you how to travel responsibly, tell you about local events, and give you safety information. They will guide you to great hiking spots, teach you about protecting nature, and help you connect with the local community. Use this guide to make your Lysefjord visit safe, enjoyable, and respectful of the area's environment and culture.

Preikestolen365.com | Official Preikestolen Website

Kjerag.info | Official Kjerag Website

Ryfylke.com | Visit Ryfylke

Visitnorway.com | Sustainable Tourism in Norway

The Norwegian Mountain Code | Planning safety advice

Drone Rules | The Civial Aviation Authority of Norway

The Right to Roam | English guide to access rights and responsibilities

Dnt.no/stavanger | Stavanger Hiking Association

Ryfri.no | Ryfylke Outdoor Council

Folkehjelp.no | Local Norwegian's People Aid

Yr.no | Norwegian Weather Forecasts

Varsom.no | Natural Dangers Warnings

SVR.no | Setesdal Vesthei-Ryfylkeheiane-Frafjordheiane Protected Areas

Villrein.no | Reindeer Information

Njff.no | Local Hunting and Fishing Association

fiskeravgift.miljodirektoratet.no | Nasjonal Fishing Fee

Fishing rules and export quotas | Directorate of Fisheries

Miljodirektoratet.no | Norwegian Environment Agency

Kulturminnesok.no | Portal for Norwegian Cultural Heritage