After the Stavanger Marathon: A Lysefjord Cruise

The Route: Stavanger harbour → Lysefjord → Stavanger harbour Logistics: A round trip by boat from the harbour, about 3 to 3.5 hours. No transfers or hiking. Marathon Month: August Duration: Day trip

Stavanger harbour ──(boat into Lysefjord, about 3 to 3.5 hrs round trip)──> Preikestolen base ──> Stavanger harbour

This is the gentlest way to see the fjord the day after a marathon. The operator Rødne lists a standalone Lysefjord cruise of 3 to 3.5 hours, priced at NOK 890 on its page, and a longer combined tour with a hike that takes 8 to 9 hours. The standalone cruise has no walking. Fjord Norway also gives about 3.5 hours for day cruises from Stavanger. Check current departures and prices on the day, because the Rødne page did not list upcoming sailings when it was read.

August in Stavanger: the month averages about 17°C by day and 11°C at night, with around 21 days of some rain and about 15 hours of daylight. A cruise runs in most weather, but cloud hides the cliffs. Pack a windproof layer, because the deck is cold when the boat moves.

On the water

The cruise passes Preikestolen, the Pulpit Rock, which the operator says rises 604 m above the fjord. It also passes waterfalls, including Hengjanefossen, and Vagabond's Cave. Seeing the cliff from below makes a point that a photograph from the top cannot.

Sailings leave from Strandkaien in the Vågen harbour. The combined tour in the main season leaves daily at 10:00, and an October schedule is reduced, so the weekend of the race is in the busy part of the year.

Back in the city

A late lunch near the harbour fits the afternoon. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum and the Maritime Museum are both indoor and seated options if the boat returns early. Check their opening days before relying on them.

Getting home

If you fly from Stavanger Airport at Sola (SVG), Flybussen runs from the centre in about 25 to 30 minutes. Check the timetable for the day you leave.