The famous, 40 km long Lysefjord, surrounded by impressive mountains carved out during the Ice Age is the dominant feature. Ferries and sightseeing boats from Stavanger call on many of the exiting towns and villages along the fjord.
The Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is no doubt the best known tourist attraction and has been a magnet for tourists for over 150 years. The characteristic mountain shelf 604 metres over Lysefjord has been visited by hundreds of thousands throughout the years.
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From the Preikestolhytta, a 7 km traiI climbs the rest of the 350 metres to the top. Good shoes and physical health are necessary for the 3 – 4 hour hike.
In June – August there are daily buses from the ferry quay at Tau to the cabin. You can also enjoy the Pulpit Rock and the Kjeragbolt from the ferries and express boats on the fjord.
The Kjerag mountains rise majestically 1000 metres above the innermost part of the Lysefjord, offering a stupendous view of Lysebotn and the fjord.
One attraction is Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged into a crack in the mountain.
The trail from Øygardsstøl by Lysevegen road above Lysebotn is demanding. Allow 4 – 6 hours for the 1O km hike, which climbs 570 metres.
Good shoes and physical health are advised. The truly adventurous climb up the precipitous rock faces or parachute from the top.
photo credit: Dany_Sternfeld
The new Lysebotn road has become another great tourist attraction, almost through coincidence; it was built as part of the power station project and not with tourists in mind. The road has 27 hairpin curves and a drop of 950 metres. The last section of road passes through a 1100 metres tunnel and on the top a cafe called Øygardsstøl.
photo credit: Kai Mengel
Innermost in the magnificent Lysefjord lies the village of Lysebotn, the perfect base for exploring the fjord and nearby mountains. Lysebotn power station, experience at close hand how Lysefjord´s waterfalls are turned into electrical energy. In Lysefjorden centre presents the history of the Lysefjord – how it was created and it´s culture throughout the ages – all organised in an exciting, exhibition and adventure centre.