← Stavanger Marathon·2 nights

Lysefjord: Two Nights Along the Fjord

A roadless hamlet with a 4,444-step staircase, a village at the head of the fjord and the road up to Kjerag, best taken at an easy pace.

Duration2 nights
TransitPassenger ferry from Lauvvik or Forsand to Lysebotn
DepartsStavanger

After the Stavanger Marathon: The Lysefjord

The Route: Stavanger → Lauvvik or Forsand → Lysebotn → Flørli → Stavanger Logistics: A passenger ferry runs along the fjord from Lauvvik or Forsand to Lysebotn, with a stop at Flørli. Two nights in the fjord. Marathon Month: August Duration: 2 nights

Stavanger ──(road to Lauvvik or Forsand)──> Ferry ──> Flørli ──> Lysebotn
Lysebotn ──(ferry and road)──> Stavanger ──> Stavanger Airport (SVG)

The Lysefjord is best seen from the water, and the ferry makes it possible to sleep at the far end. Norway Explained says that passenger and car ferries link the fjord's communities, and that you can ride from Lauvvik or Forsand to Lysebotn, with a stop at Flørli. It does not describe a direct Stavanger to Lysebotn sailing. Passenger ferries need advance booking, so check the timetable before you plan the route.

August in the fjord: late May to September is the prime period, with July and August the busiest. The Lysevegen road to Kjerag usually opens in late May or June and closes by late October, often with the first heavy snowfall. Ferry departures are fewer early and late in the season.

Night One: Flørli

Flørli is a roadless hamlet halfway along the fjord. Its old maintenance staircase has 4,444 wooden steps, rising about 740 m above the fjord, according to VisitNorway. The descent is hard on the knees, and with marathon legs that is an understatement. Many people take the rocky trail down instead. Flørli's café keeps limited hours outside high summer, so check before you go.

Night Two: Lysebotn

Lysebotn is a village at the head of the fjord. A road with 27 hairpin turns leads from it up to the Øygardstøl car park, the start of the Kjerag walk. VisitNorway lists a DNT cabin, DNT Lysefjorden, and an activity centre in the village. The hike to Kjeragbolten takes five to seven hours round trip, with steep sections aided by chains, according to Norway Explained. VisitNorway calls it very demanding. It is not an activity for the second day after a marathon, and the sensible choice is to look at the fjord and leave the boulder for another trip.

Getting home

Return along the fjord by ferry and road, then drive or take the bus back to Stavanger. Flybussen links the centre with Stavanger Airport at Sola (SVG) in about 25 to 30 minutes. Leave a full morning for the return if your flight is before midday.