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Ryfylke

Maybe you’ve heard of Preikestolen and Kjerag – but Ryfylke is so much more. Here you’ll find steep mountains, deep fjords, local flavors, and genuine, small moments. Along the National Tourist Route Ryfylke, waterfalls, architecture, and cider straight from the orchard await.

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© Falke Omdal

Nature in Focus

Most people know Ryfylke for Preikestolen and Kjerag, which majestically guard the Lysefjord. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Here you can hike in the mountains, paddle in the fjords, and float down the river while watching salmon swim beneath you. The nature here is real, close, and ready to be experienced.

Explore the National Tourist Route Ryfylke – a Journey Full of Contrasts

When you follow the National Tourist Route Ryfylke, you’re not just traveling from A to B – you’re moving through a living landscape filled with stories, flavors, and spectacular nature. From the mouth of the Lysefjord in the south to the mountain pass towards Røldal in the north, unique stops await. Along the way, you can taste locally produced food, feel the mist from roaring waterfalls, experience Norwegian industrial history, and study architecture that blends with the landscape. Here, you can learn about life as it once was – and enjoy it as it is now.

Travel Slowly – Experience More in Ryfylke

Ryfylke is just a short trip from the city life of Stavanger and Haugesund, but it feels like a whole different world. You can get here by car, boat, or bus – and once you’re here, it’s not about rushing, but about taking your time. Along fjords and mountains, you’ll find unique rest stops where you can unpack your lunch, breathe in the fresh fjord air, and enjoy the view.

In Ryfylke, we want to take care of the nature we love so much. That’s why Lysefjorden, Sauda municipality, and Suldal municipality are labeled as Sustainable Destinations, and many of the local businesses are environmentally certified. When you travel slowly, you don’t just discover more – you also travel with care.

Are you ready for the summer holiday?

In Haugesund and Ryfylke, great holiday experiences are lined up. Plan this year’s summer holiday to Haugesund and Ryfylke here!

Find out more
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Experience Ryfylke

We have put together a number of interesting articles to give you a taste of what Ryfylke has to offer. Sit back and be inspired, your next fjord adventure starts now!

Preikestolplatået og utsikt over Lysefjorden.

From fjord to coast - nature experiences in Western Norway

Imagine standing on a mountain plateau at dawn, surrounded by mighty rock formations. The sunrise colours the clouds pink, while the Lysefjord lies mirror-like far below. The silence is unreal - only the wind and the birds break the total tranquillity. Welcome to Ryfylke and Haugesund, a place where nature shows its unspoilt side and you can find peace far from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Skudeneshavn

Culture and nature experiences in Western Norway

In Haugesund and Ryfylke, culture and nature merge - whether you're driving along winding roads through fjord landscapes, following in the footsteps of Viking kings, exploring small-town tranquillity or staying overnight in architectural gems in the middle of the countryside. Here are the absolute highlights you can't miss!

En person som tar bildet av Preikestolen. Preikestolen vises på mobilskjermen.

Top 10 hikes in Ryfylke

Want to tick iconic mountain hikes off your bucket list, explore hidden gems or take the family on a hike? Here you're sure to find a hike that suits you!

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.

Read more articles about Ryfylke

Top attractions in Ryfylke

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

Kayak Lysefjord with Nordic Paddling - 3 hours

Kayak Lysefjord with Nordic Paddling - 3 hours

Ever wanted to kayak in the Norwegian fjords? This three-hour tour with Nordic Paddling is perfect for anyone looking to experience what kayaking in a Norwegian fjord is like. Kayaking the Lysefjord is possibly one of the best experiences to be had in the area. You will pass beautiful granite gorges and waterfalls.

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.

Cider tasting and farm shop at Apal Sideri

Cider tasting and farm shop at Apal Sideri

Apal Sideri produces fresh and fruity apple juice and apple cider. Join a guided tour among apple trees, taste the world's best cider and visit the farm shop in Hjelmeland in Ryfylke.

See all activities in Ryfylke

Ryfylke - where the fjord adventure begins

Don’t miss out on the many attractions in Ryfylke.

Preikestolen

Preikestolen

Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) towers 604 metres above the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, and has ranked top in international lists of unique nature-based experiences. Would you like to visit one of the biggest tourist attractions in Norway?

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke

The Lysefjord in Ryfylke is one of the longest fjords in Norway. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Kjerag, and the Flørli stairs are the major attractions, and fjord cruises from Stavanger are a popular activity.

Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke

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.

Allmannajuvet

Allmannajuvet

As part of the establishment of the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, renowned Swiss architect Peter Zumthor designed new facilities at Allmannajuvet gorge in Sauda in Ryfylke.

Kjerag

Kjerag

Kjerag – The Majesty of the Lysefjord. Towering at an impressive 1,132 meters, Kjerag is the highest peak along Lysefjord, offering a dramatic sight from the water below.

Flørli

Flørli

Midway in Lysefjorden in Ryfylke lies Flørli. The small, roadless village is popular for its stairs of 4444 steps up the mountain, the longest wooden stairway in the world.

Jelsa

Jelsa

Jelsa in Suldal is the best-preserved fjordside village in Ryfylke. There has been a church here since the 13th century and commercial activity since the 17th century.

Jørpeland

Jørpeland

Jørpeland is the closest town to the iconic Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock). The town has a rich selection of shops, and is the administration centre for Strand municipality in Ryfylke.

Tau

Tau

Tau is a village in Strand municipality in Ryfylke, and has a hotel, petrol station, shops, R13 center, restaurant, cafes and a large marina.

Sauda

Sauda

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

Sand

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.

Nesflaten

Nesflaten

Nesflaten is a village in Suldal municipality in Ryfylke. It is situated on the northern shore of Suldalsvatnet lake. The Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke, Rv. 13, passes through the village.

Lysebotn

Lysebotn

Lysebotn is idyllically located at the end of Lysefjorden in Ryfylke. The trail to Kjerag is close by. Here you can have an active holiday both in the mountains and at the fjord.

Hjelmelandsvågen

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.

Årdal in Ryfylke

Årdal in Ryfylke

Årdal is located along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke in Hjelmeland municipality. The old Årdal church and the Fairytale Forest are popular attractions in the village.

Songesand

Songesand

Songesand is a small village by Lysefjorden, not far from Preikestolen and Kjerag in Ryfylke.

Forsand

Forsand

The small village of Forsand in Sandnes municipality is located at the crossing point between the Lysefjord and the Høgsfjord i Ryfylke.

See all attractions in Ryfylke

Experience Ryfylke with nature-based accommodation

Here you'll find an overview of accommodation options in 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.

Accommodation at Gøysa Gard by the Lysefjord

Accommodation at Gøysa Gard by the Lysefjord

Gøysa Gard in Forsand offers charming accommodation with a spectacular view of Lysefjorden. An ideal starting point for exploring Ryfylke and Stavanger.

Haukali 333 near the Lysefjord

Haukali 333 near the Lysefjord

At Haukali 333 in Forsand, close to the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, you spend the night surrounded by unspoilt nature.

All accommodations in Ryfylke

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