Contact Information
Please read the FAQ section first, before contacting us.
| Preikestolen Tourist Information | contact@preikestolen365.no | (+47) 45 86 77 62 |
| Kjerag Tourist Information | kjerag@lysefjorden365.no | (+47) 40 30 68 65 |
| Lysebotn Tourist Information | info.lysebotn@lysefjorden365.no | (+47) 47 50 15 70 |
| Forsand Tourist Information | info.forsand@lysefjorden365.no | (+47) 41 22 79 81 |
| Jørpeland Tourist Information | info@ryfylke.com | (+47) 98 21 99 75 |
Other enquiries: contact@lysefjorden365.no
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Lysefjord
What is the Lysefjord?
The Lysefjord is a 42-kilometre-long fjord in Rogaland, Norway, renowned for its sheer granite cliffs, narrow passages, and dramatic natural scenery. It is among Norway’s most iconic fjords, home to world-famous landmarks such as Preikestolen, Kjerag, and the historic power community of Flørli.
What sets the Lysefjord apart is its compact and intense landscape: steep mountains rise directly from the water, creating powerful experiences within a relatively small area. The fjord uniquely combines iconic hikes, year-round ferry access, and rich cultural heritage, allowing visitors to move seamlessly between nature, history, and fjord travel in one connected destination.
Where is the Lysefjord located?
The Lysefjord is located in south-western Norway, east of Stavanger, and stretches into the Ryfylke region.
How much time do I need to experience the Lysefjord?
The Lysefjord can be visited in one day, but this offers only a brief impression. Spending 2–3 days or more allows for a more comprehensive experience, combining ferry travel, activities, and overnight stays.
Can I take a ferry through the Lysefjord?
You can take a ferry through the Lysefjord, and it is one of the best ways to experience the fjord.
The Lysefjord ferry operates as a combined passenger and car ferry as well as a local transport route, connecting several settlements and landing points along the fjord. Travelling by ferry allows you to experience the dramatic fjord landscape from the water and provides access to trailheads, small villages, and attractions that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach by road.
The ferry runs between Lauvvik and Lysebotn, with scheduled stops along the way, including Revså kai, Bratteli, Bakken, Songesand, Flørli, Håheller, and Lysebotn.
How do I book the Lysefjord ferry?
Tickets for the Lysefjord ferry should normally be booked in advance online, especially during the summer season. Availability can be limited, and some departures may sell out.
What is the difference between a fjord cruise and the Lysefjord ferry?
A fjord cruise is primarily a sightseeing experience. It follows a round trip and returns to the starting point, with no opportunities to disembark along the way.
The Lysefjord ferry, on the other hand, functions as public transport. It allows passengers to travel between multiple locations along the fjord, making it possible to combine ferry travel with hiking, cycling, overnight stays, or onward transport within the Lysefjord area.
How do I get to the Lysefjord from Stavanger?
Lysefjorden can be reached from Stavanger by:
Ferry or fjord cruise
Car, combined with hiking or road access
Public transport, combined with ferry and hiking
The best option depends on the season, time available, and whether you plan to hike or stay overnight.
Where can I stay when visiting the Lysefjord?
Accommodation around the Lysefjord includes hotels, guesthouses, cabins, private rentals, and campsites, located both along the fjord and in nearby villages. Options range from simple and remote to more comfortable and serviced stays.
What is the best place to base myself when visiting the Lysefjord?
The best base depends on your plans.
Many visitors stay in Stavanger and explore the Lysefjord on day trips, while others choose accommodation closer to the fjord to reduce travel time and experience a quieter atmosphere. Staying near the fjord is especially recommended if you plan multiple activities over several days. The main bases for a stay around the Lysefjord are Jørpeland, Forsand/Oanes/Lauvvik, Flørli, Lysebotn and Sirdal.
Can you recommend itineraries for visiting the Lysefjord?
The Lysefjord can be experienced in different ways depending on time available:
1 day: Fjord ferry or cruise combined with one short activity
2–3 days: Combination of ferry travel, hiking, and overnight stays
Longer stays: Multi-day hiking, cycling routes, and cultural visits
Lysefjorden365 provides suggested itineraries to help plan a balanced stay.
What equipment is generally needed for hiking in the Lysefjord?
Hiking in the Lysefjord typically requires sturdy footwear, layered clothing, and weather protection. More demanding hikes may require additional equipment and experience, depending on season and conditions. Weather in the Lysefjord area can change quickly. Wind, rain, fog, and temperature shifts are common, even in summer. Hikers should always plan conservatively and be prepared to adjust or cancel plans if conditions deteriorate.
What are the most popular hikes in the Lysefjord?
Lysefjorden is home to several of Norway’s most famous hikes, including Preikestolen, Kjerag and Kjeragbolten, Flørli, and the Lysefjord Panorama Trail. These hikes vary greatly in difficulty and character and are spread throughout the fjord area.
We have composed a list with a top 10 day hikes in the Lysefjord. Lysefjorden Rundt is one of the country’s most spectacular multi-day hiking trails. The trail connects Preikestolen, Kjerag, Flørli and a wide range of lesser-known rock formations, viewpoints, mountain farms and more.
Can I experience the Lysefjord without hiking?
Yes. Lysefjorden can be experienced without hiking through ferry travel, fjord cruises, cultural visits, scenic viewpoints, and stays in villages along or near the fjord.
There is also a wide range of local activity providers offering experiences on the water, including boat trips and kayaking. Kayaking in the Lysefjord provides a quiet and immersive way to experience the fjord, but requires suitable equipment, relevant experience, and careful attention to weather conditions, wind, and boat traffic.
Guided tours are available for fjord cruises, kayaking, cycling, hiking, and cultural experiences. Choosing a guided option can simplify logistics, improve safety, and add valuable local insight to your visit.
Are there cultural or historical experiences in the Lysefjord?
Lysefjorden has a rich and varied cultural heritage shaped by generations who lived and worked in this dramatic landscape. Historic farms, industrial heritage sites, and small fjord settlements offer insight into how people adapted to life along the steep mountainsides and narrow shoreline.
Notable cultural heritage sites include Flørli, renowned for its hydropower history, as well as historic farms and settlements scattered along the fjord and in the surrounding mountains, many of which are accessible by ferry or on foot.
More information about Cultural Heritage in the Lysefjord
Are there restaurants, cafés or grocery stores in the Lysefjord area?
Food services in the Lysefjord area are limited and vary by location and season. Cafés or simple food services are available at key villages and visitor hubs such as Jørpeland, Forsand, Flørli, and Lysebotn, primarily during the main season.
Grocery stores are found in Jørpeland, Forsand, and Sirdal, as well as in larger towns outside the fjord itself, including Stavanger, Sandnes, and nearby settlements.
Visitors are advised to plan ahead and bring necessary food and supplies when travelling further into the Lysefjord area.
Are there EV charging stations in the Lysefjord area?
EV charging stations are only available at Preikestolen Parking and in Jørpeland.
Where can I see videos of the Lysefjord and its attractions?
We have produced a wide range of videos to inspire your visit to the Lysefjord and help you plan your stay. The films showcase the different base areas around the fjord, as well as the main hikes, attractions, and activities you can experience along the way.
How can visitors help protect the Lysefjord’s nature and cultural heritage?
Visitors can help protect the Lysefjord by:
Staying on marked trails
Respecting wildlife and grazing animals
Carrying out all waste
Using designated facilities
Avoiding unnecessary disturbance
Small actions by many visitors make a significant difference. Visitors are expected to follow local regulations, safety advice, and general outdoor ethics, including Leave No Trace principles. Together, these guidelines help protect both people and places.
Read more in our Lysefjord Visitor Guide
What are common mistakes first-time visitors make?
Common mistakes include:
Underestimating travel time and distances
Trying to see too much in one day
Not booking transport or accommodation in advance
Underestimating weather and terrain
Planning a slower pace usually leads to a better experience.
We have gathered inspiration and practical information to help you plan your stay in the Lysefjord.
about us
Lysefjorden
Utvikling AS
The Lysefjord is an important destination for the whole region, and that is precisely why Lysefjorden Utvikling AS (Lysefjord Development) was established by Rogaland County Council and a number of municipalities around the Lysefjord. Lysefjorden Utvikling AS will participate in the development of the tourism industry in and around the Lysefjord and has its main task within infrastructure, business development and hosting.
What does Lysefjorden Utvikling actually do?
Lysefjorden Utvikling plays a key role in the development of tourism in and around Lysefjorden. Our main responsibilities include infrastructure development, business development, and professional hosting of visitors.
To realise the vision of a vibrant and well-functioning fjord, and in line with the principles of a Sustainable Destination, we apply visitor management as a core methodology. In practice, this means working to attract the right visitors, to the right places, at the right time and in appropriate numbers — visitors who travel responsibly and with respect for nature and local communities. At the same time, our goal is to ensure high-quality visitor experiences, protect natural values, and generate positive value creation for the local communities along the fjord.
Our visitor management approach is knowledge-based. Lysefjorden Utvikling regularly collects and analyses data through surveys and dialogue with visitors, tourism operators, local residents and cabin owners.
As part of this work, we are involved in a wide range of initiatives, including the ferry service on Lysefjorden, the development of Lysefjorden Rundt as a world-class hiking experience, conservation and development of the historic site of Flørli, operation of Kjerag Parking, and the Tourist Offices in Lysebotn and Forsand, among others.
Vision: The Lysefjord – a vibrant fjord
Our goal is to develop the Lysefjord as an innovative, year-round and sustainable destination, world-renowned for its unique hiking experiences. We want the Lysefjord to be a destination where people live and work throughout the year.
The Lysefjord – a sustainable destination?
The Lysefjord is part of the sustainable destination scheme, which means that in the development work we take great responsibility for protecting nature, culture, and the environment. We will develop the Lysefjord as a positive asset for the local community and create a long-term profitable industry. The basis for everything we do is to create good experiences for those who visit the destination as well as those who live in the area. New technology and new solutions that support this work will be given priority.
Lysefjorden utvikling AS
Our people
Helge Kjellevold
Managing Director
Lysefjorden Utvikling AS og
Stiftelsen Preikestolen
Phone: +47 957 97 266
helge@preikestolen365.no
Johannes C. Apon
tourism developer
Lysefjorden Utvikling AS
Phone: +47 95558952
johannes@lysefjorden365.no
Official Documents
Click the link to view our board minutes and other official documents.
