Lysefjord Norway is located around 25 kilometres (16 mi) east of the city of Stavanger within Forsand municipality, part of Rogaland county, in the south west of this incredibly beautiful country.
The name Lysefjord translates to ‘light fjord’, and this name is understood to have come about due to the lightly colored granite rocks that exist along all sides. Carved by glaciers dating back to the Ice Age, it is the southernmost of the biggest fjords in Norway.
During my stay in Stavanger to attend a reunion of my fiancé’s family, I couldn’t believe our luck to be so close to one of the most famous fjords in Norway. It was just a great opportunity to explore Lysefjord by taking a cruise up this beautiful waterway.
In terms of its size, Wikipedia describes Lysefjord as follows:
‘End to end, it measures 42 kilometres (26 mi) with rocky walls falling nearly vertically over 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) into the water. Not only is the fjord long and narrow, it is in places as deep as the mountains are high. Starting at a depth of only 13 metres (43 ft) deep where it meets the sea near Forsand village, the Lysefjord then heads inland and drops to a depth of over 400 metres (1,300 ft) below the Preikestolen.’
Our trip to visit Lysefjord Norway
My fiancé James and I joined his older brother Peter together with his lovely wife Maud and their daughters Suzanne and Janine (who were attending the family reunion from the Netherlands). Together we made our way to enjoy a Rodne Fjord Cruises trip, on board the ‘Rygerdronningen’.
Like all the other days we spent in Norway, it was a beautiful sunny day on a Sunday in May 2019 when we arrived at Stavanger harbor area to board this modern catamaran. We were also lucky that there was plenty of space for observing the sites and there were not that many passengers on this particular trip to and from Lysefjord Norway.
Heading toward the Fjord
Starting on our way out of Stavanger was a picturesque experience to begin with. This city is attractive enough on land but sailing out seeing all the lovely colored buildings against the water gave a whole new dimension.
The water throughout this trip was so clean and it is clear that the Norwegians take looking after their natural environment very seriously. Given the growing number of tourists to this beautiful region, the way that everything is kept so pristine is extremely impressive.
As we undertook this journey, we spent most of the time out on the open (top) deck of the vessel to get clear and unobstructed views of the majestic fjord, the waterways and flora/fauna.
Leaving Stavanger, we pass by some lovely rocky islands and see a number of colorful wooden houses. Many of these are ‘summer houses’ for Norwegians who holiday here during the warmer months and you can plainly see they all enjoy spectacular views over the water.
Oanes
Oanes is a small farming village located at the intersection between the Lysefjorden and Høgsfjorden. The cruise made a short stop here before continuing on its journey to enter Lysefjord.
From the deck, you can see some motorhomes parked along the waterfront where holiday makers have made their way along the tourist trail to enjoy this magical vista. What a gorgeous village this is and with our experience of how friendly the Norwegian people are, we could only imagine how fabulous it would be to stay for a while there.
Lysefjord Bridge
Due to the inhospitable mountainous terrain of this region, there are not many people that actually live along the Lysefjord. Hence there is just one bridge that exists which you pass under as you travel through the fjord.
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The Lysefjord Bridge is a 640m suspension bridge with a main span of 446m over the fjord. It was opened in 1997. The height from the fjord to the span is 50 meters and the towers are 107 meters high. It is really pretty to look at and fits right into the magnificent scenery here.
Cruising Lysefjord Norway
Gliding through the calm water provided simply amazing perspective of how massive the rock faces are in a region that mostly remains completely untouched by human settlement. This is nature at its most natural, carved out all the way back to the time of the ice age.
Fantahålå
Travelling through the fjord, one of the natural attractions we enjoyed getting up close to is Fantahålå (or “vagabond’s cave”). This is a small mountain cave named after a group of vagabonds who sought shelter there on the run from the local police.
This a gorgeous cove where dramatic cliffs surround an aqua-marine pool together with one of many impressive waterfalls you will find throughout the fjord.
The captain of the sizeable catamaran carefully maneuvered the vessel into the cove before backing away again to ensure there was no collision against the land.
Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock
This incredible natural feature is billed as one of the main highlights of the cruise. This world famous rock cliff rises 604 metres above Lysefjord and is one of the most popular hikes you can do in Norway.
Check out the photos we took looking up at this amazing natural wonder.
James and I were also lucky enough to be taken on a hike here by family members who actually live in Stavanger some days earlier. From the top there were also a couple of photos taken of Lysefjord looking back down.
To see and learn more about this serious hike to this amazing place, take a look at an earlier post published on Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock.
Adventurous climbers
There is only one of the earth’s creatures that negotiate the steep cliff sides and granite formations surrounding you here. Mountain goats roam here in the summer and are sturdy enough to scale the sides of Lysefjord. They aren’t always around and visitors are considered lucky enough to spot some on their cruise.
On this cruise we were indeed lucky and snapped a couple of photos of a pair that made their way along various edges as we passed by.
Back to Stavanger
After spending sometime exploring this fabulous fjord, we eventually turned around and headed back to the harbor at Stavanger.
It had been a wonderful, calm and enjoyable trip spent in lovely company.
If you likewise enjoy seeing unfettered nature on a grand scale, then I would really recommend you seriously consider visiting Norway to see the spectacular Fjords such as Lysefjord and Geirangerfjord. I’m sure you would just love the experience.
This article is part of the Natural Beauty Travel Series, authored by travel writer Nicole Anderson.
Outdoor adventure enthusiast that loves nature having travelled locations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia.
Passionate Travel Writer, Blogger and Influencer.
What a gorgeous place! Earth is amazing. I am sure the hike to the top of the rock must have been quite an experience. The waterfalls and the cliffs are so magnificent. And the weather looks good too. What a dreamy outing this is.
It is easy to understand why this hike is so popular, Ambica, given the beautiful scenery all around. You just need to be reasonably fit and allow enough time to really enjoy the experience. Thank you for reading and leaving your comment.
I love Nordic countries! I also loved that fact yourself and your family were able to go hiking in addition to this beautiful cruise! I would love to do something similar one day!
Thanks so much Elicit. For James and I, it was indeed a very special experience in the region around Stavanger. The next article in this series on Norway will be summarizing all that we enjoyed in and around Stavanger itself, so I hope you will check that out also.
This trip of yours was so very refreshing and was like revisiting Norway which we did two years back. We had too taken a similar Rodne Fjord Cruises from Bergen on a similar catamaran boat and had a similar experience being so close to one of the waterfalls. Norway is beautiful and remains till date our favorite country.
I have heard many people cite Norway as being their absolute favorite place to visit, Subhashish, and I can well understand why. This country offers such a wonderful combination of stunning scenery (on a massive scale), fresh air, very few crowds and very friendly people. Thank you for sharing your experience.
For some strange reason, I keep getting adverts for Nordic cruises sent to me and I keep telling myself that I will go one day, maybe being stuck inside will prompt me to visit the beautiful locations you’ve showcased
Maybe the world is conspiring to send you a message Stephen! When the Covid 19 situation is over, perhaps you should start planning a trip to experience it all first hand.
Thank you for being that small window into the world. I have always wanted to visit Norway and this post makes me think about it even more. Those views are breathtaking!
If you want breathtaking views Daniel, Norway is definitely an excellent choice. Thanks for your comment.
I just love a trip like this wherein you get to close to nature and feel the fresh air. Loved the photos you’ve shared from your trip.
Thanks very much, Gervin, I’m happy you enjoyed this. There is still so much more content to come on Norway, which I hope you will like also.
How gorgeous! Thanks so much for the scenic tour on your blog! I would love to visit Norway (and see the trolls LOL).
You’re so welcome Joy. Your comment is really appreciated. The trolls are great, aren’t they? They will make an appearance also in future articles being published here in the natural beauty series on Norway. Please stayed tuned!
Amazing post, the pictures are serene and tempting. How I hope I can visit Norway soon. Europe is on my bucket list. My travel mind is just waiting for things to be normal.
There are so many of us that are in the same boat and feel that way, Kuntala. Hope coronavirus will be conquered soon!
I personally think Norway is one of best places for outdoors. It is accessible and people love it and there is a lot done without pushing too much to make it fun and useful attraction for people
The fact that you can go to some fantastic locations where there are no crowds of people and everything is so unspoiled is a very compelling reason to visit Norway for sure, Lyosha.
Dddaaammmnnnnnn….I so badly need to get on that boat like now! And in a place as beautiful as that…that would be a dream come true!
You bet Ntensibe! Once Covid 19 is behind us, you should take a trip and live your dreams.
wow Norway! this is really awesome country, her nature and air.. hope I will have a chance to visit it too! your photos look amazing
Thanks very much, Yana – the air definitely feels so clean and the surrounding nature just speaks for itself!
When I was young, Norway is one of the countries I memorize by heart. It’s because my best friend’s schooling was sponsored by a generous family living in Oslo, Norway. However, I never heard about fjords. Looking at your pictures, the place is really beautiful. Your shots are also great. Hope to get there someday. 🙂
What a lovely association you feel for Norway, Cha. I do hope you visit to explore this wonderful country.
Your pictures of the waterways and those incredible views have captivated me. I really wish I could jump on a plane and head to Norway after seeing this. It is just beautiful.
Thanks so much Erica. Norway really is an ideal destination for anyone who loves being amongst natural beauty.
I have never been to Lysefjord in Norway. It looks like so much fun. I hope this COVID thing ends soon so that I can travel to such mesmerizing places <3
Let’s hope so Manahil. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Wow! Looks so beautiful and clean here. Can’t wait for this travel ban to be lifted so I can travel here and see this in person.
I know what you mean Emily. I would love to go back now also.
Very beautiful. So picturesque. Very country meets village. Definitely epitomizes northern Europe at its finest. This blog post alone inspires me to book a trip to Norway when this coronavirus commotion is over. Amazing blog post.
Thank you very much Sarah. It really is such a lovely place, as is the entire country from what I saw and definitely worth visiting after Covid 19 is no longer such a threat.
Never heard of Lysefjord in Norway before reading your travel blog post. As an avid traveller, we would have enjoyed the trip and sights just like you did. We would definitely like to check out Fantahala as well as the other sites…if possible in a motorhome and with loads of time to spare so that we don’t have to rush through the amazing wonders of nature. Wonder how the food is like in Norway? Probably another post for you write about?
Certainly cruising on the water the way we did is not something I would describe as rushing, Shahrom. Reaching Fantahålå by land would definitely not be an easy feat. You could drive some of the distance on the roads, but there would be a considerable distance to make it on foot and (depending on whereabouts you really wanted to access) this could be extremely dangerous trying to navigate a descent down the cliff because of the terrain (the photo above gives an idea of how inaccessible this cave is). It certainly would be possible to travel in your motorhome to the village of Oanes and perhaps hire a private boat from there to get the same access we did. I would still caution against getting out of the boat though, just from a safety perspective with all those jagged rocks, moving water and so on. The vagabonds that were hiding from the police were obviously quite desperate and willing to take chances whereas you wouldn’t want to ruin your holiday getting potentially seriously hurt.
To answer your other point, food in Norway is very good and this might be touched on in future posts but not as a feature post as such. Thanks so much for reading and engaging on this post.
That trip looks so amazing! I can’t wait to visit Norway someday. I have a lot of Norwegian Ancestry.
I hope you do visit Norway to explore the country as well as your ancestral roots, Matt. Aside from loving their nature, both James and I found the Norwegian people to be so warm and friendly the entire time we were there.
That sounds like it was a fantastic trip! I love the waters and inlets of Norway. It’s such a gorgeous country.
That’s for certain Surekha. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Hi Nicole,
Thank you so much for another wonderful travel report and fantastic photos. I definitely take your recommendation of visiting Norway seriously.
The only fjord I’ve been to was Milford Sound in New Zealand, which was also spectacular! I know how hard it is to take photos of this gigantic and spectacular nature. You and James have done a wonderful job, but no picture can really show the whole magnificence of the scene. When I saw the photo of the waterfall, I was expecting to see the next one with a rainbow… No rainbows? I brought back from my trip to the Milford Sound lots of pictures with rainbows above, under and around us!!! You must have seen some! Maybe just not in the pictures? Or the sun wasn’t shining at the right angle?
As I read the story explaining Fantahålå name, I thought that it’s actually not too bad to be a vagabond in Norway! I wouldn’t mind a shelter with a view like this.
The mountain goats are truly amazing creatures.
I look forward to more of your travel posts,
~ Julia
Thank you so much for making such a wonderful comment, Julia. You have really made my day!
I have heard so much about the fjords in New Zealand from James and others who have been there and this is definitely on my list to see as well. I love the thought of also seeing the rainbows you mention as these would obviously make for some good photography. On the days we visited this fjord and the one at Geiranger (yet to be published) there wasn’t very much in the way of rainbows.
It is so true that it is just impossible to capture the full extent of the amazing vista in a photo, especially when you are quite close like we were on this cruise. The vegabond cave was fascinating and I loved the goats as well.
Thank you for being such an engaged reader and I am so happy you enjoy this natural beauty travel series.
Nicole
That looks like it was a fun and amazing trip! How great that you were able to experience something like that in your lifetime. I would have loved to hike those rocky gorges when I was younger.
We did manage to hike the trek leading to Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock, published earlier, Alexandra. If you are a fan of hiking difficult terrain, perhaps you should take a look at that post. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
I have never heard of Lysefjord Norway! But now I have added it to my bucket list. The rock formations are so beautiful.
You bet Nicholas, and from the water provided a great view of it all.
Oh wow, the pictures are so beautiful! We have some rock escapements here in Ontario, Canada, but this is something else! I can just imagine seeing waterfalls like that in person – so magical!
There’s no doubting that Norway really has some beautiful scenery Britt! Perhaps you might consider checking it out in person one day. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
I might have said this previously but I worked with someone who was from Norway and it really is such an interesting and beautiful country. I follow his images every year as he goes back in both the winter and spring to visit his family and it is so beautiful. As nice as it is in Winter with the obvious snow, the warmer months are equally as gorgeous. And seeing it from the water on a cruise is perfect. Definitely on my list if we are ever allowed out of our houses again.
I remember you mentioning your Norweigan coworker in the previous post on Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock, Scott. I have to agree that photos that I have seen published on Norway’s landscape look so beautiful, irrespective of the time of year. Hang in there – I’m sure you won’t be cooped up forever, even though it may feel that way as we all struggle to defeat this terrible coronavirus at the moment. Hopefully, the thought of checking off items on your travel list will give you something to look forward to after this. Best wishes.
These magnificent rocky cliffs on all sides in Lysefjord which are Carved since the Ice Age must be interesting thing to visit here. It must be great to take a Rodne Fjord Cruises trip, to admire these rocky cliffs, fjords and beauties of nature here. I love those cute little adventurers climbing these high rocky cliffs.
Me too Yukti! They certainly got around such steep rocky areas without much difficulty. The cruise proved to be both educational and enjoyable. Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
What a lovely experience! I hope to get to Norway soon, as I would love to experience this as well. The bird’s eye view from the top looks gorgeous! In the meantime, I’ll add this to my Places To Go list!
Thanks very much Sarah. I’m sure you would enjoy it as much as I did.
This place looks absolutely lovely. I’d love to visit there someday. I really loved looking at the waterways. I’d love to be out there with all that fresh air, and the beautiful nature. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful place with us.
My pleasure Stephanie – it especially makes my day when readers express that they enjoy what I share on naturally beautiful places. Thank you.
The views are simply stunning. Absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for sharing.
You’re so welcome Aliyq. Thank you for reading and leaving a comment.
Great post!! I have had Norway on my list since forever and planned a trip for later this year, hopefully, if everything settles down this year I might still make it out this year and not have to cancel it. Your pictures are simply stunning and reveals the true beauty of Lysefjord. Hopefully, I too shall get similar pictures soon.
I hope so too Daniel. All the best in going ahead with your plans. It would be wonderful if the current coronavirus crisis has abated by then. Best wishes.
I’ve never been to Norway, but it looks so beautiful. It’s on my bucket list to visit one day!
Hope you get there to experience all the beauty that is abundant there Rikki.
Wow that is so beautiful! Norway is definition my bucket list!
Thanks, Karen. Of course, this is just a tiny part of Norway and there is a lot more natural beauty to see and there is still a lot more that will be published on this site soon. Stay tuned for more places to add to your Norway bucket list.
I was there with you every step of the way. Loved your thrilling adventure through the cove – Fantahålå and around the rocks. I was actually amazed at how your boat went through it …it would have been such a maneuver. The sheer size of those cliffs around the water is awe-inspiring. And most of all, the place looks tranquil and so unspoiled.
I could not agree with your observation more Ami. This is indeed a very special place, devoid of pollution and awe-inspiring in its beauty and scale. The fact that so few people live around here also helps, although the Norwegians are well known for how seriously they take the protection of the environment. And it shows. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts.
Lysefjord looks so beautiful and I think it’s a great reward to cruise it. I once was in Tromso to see the Northern Lights and I also rented a car to explore a bit the surroundings. I was amazed by the small countryside villages where the main occupation is fishing. Oanes reminds me of those villages I visited in Norway during my trip.
I can totally relate to what you are saying here Iuliana. Being well north of the Arctic Circle, Tromso is a great place to see the Northern Lights in winter. We also experienced visiting villages on our trip as we headed north as well – all the while surrounded by incredible scenery. More details of this being published soon. Thanks so much for reading and sharing your experience.
I’ve only been to Norway once, and we stayed in Oslo – never venturing out. This post makes me want to go back and explore what Norway is really famous for – its nature! Looking at your photos, it’s incredible how small that nature can make us feel. Awe-inspiring.
Thank you so much Stephanie. I was in awe as well – just amazing. I hope you return to Norway to spend time out of Oslo to experience so much that is on offer.
Lysefjord looks particularly beautiful. Your trip reminds me of a similar cruise we took in Glacier Bay, Alaska. Very similar scenery. I always wanted to visit the fjords in Norway and hope to make it there someday.
Having also taken a cruise in Glacier Bay a while back, I do see what you mean about similar cliffs rising up to impressive heights, Anda. Of course, fjords by definition are quite different in that they have cliffs rising up from all sides along a narrow waterway so it does feel so much more ominous as you face this from both sides. Norway has glaciers as well as Alaska and both places are beautiful. I do hope you will check out the fjords of Norway in the future as well. Thanks so much for sharing your impressions.
The fjords in Norway look beautiful. I am amazed that the boat could take you so close to the waterfalls and caves. I think my favorite part would be seeing the little mountain goats climbing on the cliffs. I saw an animal planet episode on cliff dwelling goats once and just thought they were the cutest.
The captain and crew of the boat were certainly very experienced in travelling this fjord, Cecilia, and it was amazing how close they managed to get to the waterfalls and caves. It really made the trip even more special – as did the goats! It’s amazing how easily they went up and down the rocky terrain.
Oh my! Just looking at these photos I can almost breathe that fresh clean air! looks so beautiful!
Thanks very much Di. The air was indeed so fresh and clean, as was the unspoilt natural environment.
I would love to visit Norway and see the fjords! My niece was there last year and raved about them!
I can well understand why your niece felt that way, Lori. I have wanted to visit for quite a while and was definitely not disappointed and I’m sure you would feel the same also.
This seems like quite an adventure. Fjord is so lovely. The view from the top is just amazing. One can’t help but stare in awe. Lovely pictures.
Thanks so much Viano. Photographing from the top is, of course, a whole different perspective than doing so from the fjord. Either end, the views really do leave you in awe.
Never been to Norway, such an amazing place to visit! I’d love to see fjords soon!
If you love the thought of experiencing fjords Eugenia, then I am sure you would love Norway. Hope you experience this as soon as you get the chance.
Norway is a beautiful country, hope we can go one day
Norway is indeed hard to match compared to many other countries for its amazing beauty Jasmine. I hope you will visit as well and thank you for sharing your comment.
looks so very beautiful! I love Norway, would love to visit it again one day!
I hope you do Lyosha. There is just so much to see and enjoy in this beautiful country.
What a gorgeous place to visit!
I couldn’t agree more Aswathy. Do stay tuned for more articles on the natural beauty existing in many parts of Norway.
I’d definitely love to do this river cruise! Imagine seeing those falls in person. Magnificent!
That’s for sure Kemi! I hope you will also do this as well if you would like to visit one day.
Fjords in Norway are so incredible! I was in awe of the waterfall and Fantahålå, Looks cozy ????! I do have to say I love the way you decided to explore. I can’t think of a better way to explore a Fjord as beautiful as Lysefjord than by boat! Oh and the goats were awesome!
Thanks Joe. Seeing fjords from the water does give a great perspective. The goats certainly seem to enjoy themselves as well!
That looks absolutely stunning! I love Norway, it’s such a beautiful country and every time I’ve been I’ve been given such a warm welcome, I love it! x
I’m with you there Bethan! The people are all so friendly and lovely and rightfully proud of their beautiful country.
This is making me so sad, as we were supposed to visit Norway this year. However, reading about the Lysefjord gives me something to look forward to once this is all over. Stavanger is stunning, as are the waterfalls there. I hope to visit one day soon.
It is indeed sad that all travel plans for anyone have had to be cancelled until further notice, but of course, more sad about the suffering this has caused so many people. Hopefully, we will get on top of this terrible coronavirus sooner rather than later. When you do get the chance to visit Norway, I am sure you would be impressed with this fjord. Stay safe in the meanwhile.
Wow, what a beautiful place to visit! Those landscapes are incredible!
No doubt about that Marysa. So worth the trip to experience this. Thanks for sharing your comment.
Wow, so beautiful. That’s a great shot of the waterfall.
Thanks very much Heidi. I thought it was so cool how close the boat was able to get.
That looks like an amazing place to visit! If the pictures are this good I could only imagine what it’s like in person.
Definitely Cyndi! It doesn’t matter which camera you use while you are there, it is just impossible to capture the enormity and scale of nature’s beauty in Lysefjord.
Such a gorgeous place! I love the Nordic countries, there is so much natural beauty in them. Looks like you had a great trip!
That’s for sure Maggie! Norway is just a strong favorite for me – natural beauty is pretty much everywhere you look.
How lovely! I have always wanted to see these fjords in person. I can’t even find the right words to describe them. I love reading your travel posts. Your photos are always so beautiful. How I wish I could travel as much as you do!
Thank you so much for such a lovely comment, Kristine. It always makes my day when someone says something so nice about what I share here. The fjords in Norway are indeed very special and I will always remember such an amazing place. Travel, for the time being, has, of course, ceased due to this dreaded coronavirus which we all hope will be overcome before too long, as so many people have suffered.
How absolutely gorgeous! I’ve always dreamt of having a summer home on a fjord like that
Wouldn’t that be fabulous Candice? That would be my dream too.
So beautiful! I hope to visit and explore Norway one day and I love this cruise trip you took!
Thank you very much, Lynn. Seeing it from the water really made you appreciate how huge the fjords area is and how clean the environment is. Beauty on a massive scale.