Lysenfjorden - Not pulpit or kjærag, Stavanger

There are two boat companies in Stavanger offering sightseeing trips down the Lysefjord. We have been with Rodne boats, which leave from the central harbour area in Stavanger (not far from the Skagen Brygge Hotel).

It’s possible to book seats (advisable during the summer months) or you can turn up at the boat on the off chance there are spaces, but on a nice day you could be disappointed. On the day we went, there were lots of people being turned away because the boat was full. Out of season, they won’t run this trip unless they have a minimum number of people (I think about 15). They let people on board about ten minutes before sailing. On a nice day, it’s a bit of a scrum for seats on the upper deck so get there early to get a good position in the boarding queue.

The boat has a comfortable lounge deck for those who don’t want to sit up on deck (or weren’t quick enough getting on board). There is also a small shop where you can buy drinks, snacks, stamps, and film for your camera if you haven’t progressed to digital photography.

Tips:

Take a fleece or warm layer with you; it can get chilly on the upper deck even in the sun!
Binoculars are good to have but not essential.
Don’t forget your camera!

This is an enjoyable three-hour trip that takes you along the coast outside Stavanger, then down Lysefjord as far as Preikestolen where you can admire the famous viewpoint from below. If you’ve ever climbed Preikestolen, the thing that strikes you is how tiny and delicate it looks from the fjord. The boat goes on slightly further to a waterfall (Hengjanenibbå) where they collect some of the water for passengers to sample. The views from the boat are beautiful and this trip is relaxing and enjoyable.