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Tourist routes

Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke through Ryfylke is one of the longest of Norway's 18 Scenic Routes. The route through Ryfylke, from Oanes by Lysefjorden to Hårå in Røldal, is 260 kilometres long and travels Rv. 13, Fv. 523 and Fv. 520.

En dame som kikker utover Lysefjorden fra utsiktspunktet på Høllesli.
Utsiktspunktet på Høllesli|© Pål Christensen

Norway's Scenic Routes offer exceptional scenic experiences, passing through some of the country's most magnificent landscapes. Along the way are viewpoints and picnic areas, designed to enhance the pleasure of travelers and to fit in with the surrounding scenery.

The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke is an exciting encounter with the very best of Fjord Norway – with stunning fjords, a myriad of beautiful islands and islets, forests, heath lands and lush farmland, sheer cliffs, screes and boulder fields, and a cultural landscape that tells of Ryfylke's long history.

Preikestolen and Kjerag

Ryfylke's most famous attractions are Lysefjorden, Preikestolen and Kjerag. As you travel the scenic road you will discover picnic areas set in beautiful surroundings, and cultural monuments that are centuries or even thousands of years old.

Your journey starts at Oanes in the south, overlooking the mouth of Lysefjorden. Slightly further northeast, you can take a rewarding hike to the top of Preikestolen (a two-hour walk each way).

A little further north you can visit the popular recreation area Jørpelandsholmen islet at Jørpeland, explore the petroglyphs at Solbakk and stop at Årdal old church. In Hjelmeland you can taste award-winning apple cider, cheese and salmon. Skomakarnibbå rises high above the southern shore of Jøsenfjorden.

Salmon and architecture

On the south side you will find the fjordside village of Jelsa. With its old wooden houses and distinctive church, the village is well worth a detour.

Then you can pause at the picnic area overlooking Lovrafjorden, before you continue to Sand. In this village do visit Ryfylke Museum, and stop at the Salmon Studio at Sandsfossen falls to watch powerful salmon swim upstream to their spawning areas and cross the new Høsebrua bridge. Relax with a cup of coffee and savour the panorama from the café. 

During summer you can visit the museum farm Kolbeinstveit with activities for the entire family. Make a stop at Nesflaten where you can learn about hydro power and visit the design hotel Energihotellet.

Waterfall and zinc mines

On the north side of Sandsfjorden, just before you reach Saudasjøen, is Svandalsfossen falls. A series of stairs climb up close to the waterfall – you can really sense the force of the water! Near the town of Sauda you can visit the zinc mines at Allmannajuvet. New buildings opened at Allmannajuvet in 2016, designed by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. In Sauda town centre you can enjoy friendly shopping and visit Åbøbyen, also known as the American town.

Mountain pass

From Sauda and Allmannajuvet the journey continues to Røldal. The road over Saudafjellet, which takes you through a varied landscape and a 900-metre high mountain pass, was completed in 1960. The scenery is magnificent and parts of the road are quite narrow. So please take your time. Saudafjellet pass, on Rv. 520 is closed in the winter when the snow can pile up to six metres thick. During winter use the alternative route Sand–Røldal along Rv. 13. Along the way you can have a stop at the rest area by the Flesefossen waterfall.

To get to Ryfylke

You can reach the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke by driving through Ryfast tunnel from Stavanger to Solbakk. From the north you can drive via Røldal. If you arrive from eastern or southern Norway, via Suleskar, we strongly advise you to drive Lysevegen (closed in the winter) to Lysebotn. Book a space well in advance on the popular Lysefjorden ferry to Forsand, next to Oanes.

This summer route is part of the Fjord Road from Sandnes in the south, through Hardanger and Vikafjellet, and northwards to Førde. The Fjord Road comprises two additional Norwegian Scenic Routes: Hardanger and Gaularfjell.

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Sauda

Sauda is situated in the innermost reaches of Ryfylke. The small town has several shops, restaurants, cafés and hotels.

To barn som klatrer på verdens største jærstol.

Hjelmelandsvågen

Hjelmelandsvågen is located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke in Hjelmeland municipality. You can visit the worlds largest traditional chair, the spinning mill and fruit farms producing apple cider.

Høsebrua lyser opp Suldalslågen i mørket.

Sand

Sand in Suldal, beautifully situated on the Sandsfjord, has preserved much of its historic character, with clusters of charming, white wooden houses. The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke passes through Sand.

See all attractions in Ryfylke
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Enjoy more

Find out more about what you can do in Ryfylke.

Et ufo-formet bygg med en foss i bakgrunnen.

Experience world class modern and historic architecture in Ryfylke

The Architectural Route is part of the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, and is the only tourist route in Norway highlighting both modern and historic architecture in a day trip format. Along the route you are driving through a spectacular landscape over mountains and along fjords, rivers and lakes in Suldal, Sauda and Røldal.

Flere folk som er på platået til Preikestolen.

Iconic hikes

Fjord Norway is a region of contrasts, from dramatic rock formations at Kjerag, Trolltunga and Preikestolen, to cascading waterfalls at Langfoss and bustling coastal towns.

En skål med blåskjell og en skål med dirty fries.

Enjoy world-class local ingredients in Ryfylke

Ryfylke focuses on quality, and the restaurants know how to make the most delicious dishes from local ingredients. Whatever time of year you visit Ryfylke, you will always get the best the region has to offer.

En person som ligger i en seng med store vinduer og panoramautsikt over Lysefjorden.

Accommodation close to nature in Ryfylke

Travel slowly, stay in great accommodation and sample what Ryfylke has to offer. Whether you prefer campsites or hotels, whether you want to stay high up in the sky or down by the fjord, Ryfylke has accommodation to suit all tastes, occasions and price classes.

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Things to see and do along the scenic route

The region offers a range of different activities whether you’re interested in fjords, mountains, local food, architecture or history.

Hike to Preikestolen in the Lysefjorden

Hike to Preikestolen in the Lysefjorden

Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, and is one of Norway's biggest attractions. The view at the top is stunning.

Guided kayak tour around Jørpeland

Guided kayak tour around Jørpeland

Join Fjord Expedition on a guided kayak tour in beautiful scenery and calm waters around Jørpeland. The tour suits everyone, no kayaking experience needed.

Salmon Safari in Suldalslågen in Sand

Salmon Safari in Suldalslågen in Sand

On a salmon safari with Mo Laksegard in Sand, Ryfylke, you'll float down the Suldalslågen river in a dry suit while seeing wild salmon and sea trout up close underwater.

Discover the dark secrets of Allmannajuvet

Discover the dark secrets of Allmannajuvet

Explore early Norwegian industrial history on a guided mine tour in the dramatic Allmannajuvet

A Cultural Journey Through World-Famous Architecture – Allmannajuvet in Sauda

A Cultural Journey Through World-Famous Architecture – Allmannajuvet in Sauda

Join a guided tour in Allmannajuvet, focusing on the world-renowned cultural and historical site designed by architect Peter Zumthor!

All activities related to Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

Getting to and around RyfylkeSee the map

Close to nature accommodation and unique dining experiences

Here is an overview of restaurants and accommodation along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke.

The Bolder by the Lysefjord

The Bolder by the Lysefjord

With its distinctive design and location by the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, The Bolder is a unique place to stay. Four of the cabins are designed by Snøhetta.

Energihotellet at Nesflaten

Energihotellet at Nesflaten

Energihotellet is idyllic located in Nesflaten in Ryfylke, and focuses on local food, culture and the history of hydroelectric power production in Suldal. 

Smaken av Ryfylke in Hjelmeland

Smaken av Ryfylke in Hjelmeland

The restaurant Smaken av Ryfylke in Hjelmeland, Ryfylke, serves delicious dishes using local ingredients. The food is enjoyed with a beautiful fjord view.

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More scenic routes in western Norway

It is not so much about the destination, it's about the journey. Norwegian Scenic Routes are selected roads that run through landscapes with unique natural qualities, along coasts and fjords, mountains and waterfalls.

Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren

Norwegian Scenic Route Jæren

The geographical area of Jæren is often described with words such as high sky, wide horizons, and endless sea.

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