Explore exotic places that satisfy your adventurous spirit

Kayaking in one of Norway's most beautiful fjords

Never tried kayaking before? No problem! On a guided tour of the Lysefjord, no experience is needed to take to the waters in a kayak. We glide at a relaxed pace through beautiful landscapes, with high mountainsides and beautiful waterfalls. If you're lucky, you might even see both seals and sea eagles up close. For many, the highlight of the tour is the iconic Preikestolen – where Tom Cruise performed incredible stunts in the film Mission Impossible 6 – towering 604 metres above the fjord. Relax and enjoy the tranquillity of the majestic fjord.

Climb the world’s longest wooden stairway

The power-producing village of Flørli is a hidden gem halfway along the Lysefjord. The old white power station stands proudly on the quay and colourful houses are beautifully situated on the hillside. The hospitable Hessel Haker is the only permanent resident of the roadless village. He runs a café and offers various forms of accommodation. The world's longest wooden stairway, with 4,444 steps, follows the old pipeline route 740 metres above the fjord. It’s an absolute must when visiting the village! Remember to look behind you and feel the rush as you marvel at the panoramic view of the fjord and mountains. We recommend a detour to the highly instagrammable Kallaliklumpen boulder on the way back down.

Cross Kjerag off your bucket list

If you take the boat all the way to the end of the fjord, you’ll discover another idyllic place to visit. Lysebotn has a population of under 10. In summer, people from all over the world come to visit Kjeragbolten, the iconic boulder wedged between two mountainsides, and then cross it off their bucket lists. If demanding hikes aren't your thing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. Navigating the 27 tight hairpin bends between the Lysefjord and the Kjerag carpark, whether by bike or car, is an experience in itself. You can try a stolpejakt (a bit like geocaching), check out the Frisbee golf course, or just relax with an ice cream on the waterfront. The staffed lodge DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte, adorned with street art and all the colours of the rainbow, is quite an attraction in itself.

On the hunt for street art on a lighthouse holiday

Norway's least populous municipality, Utsira, is a great destination for anyone into street art. The island, which has around 200 inhabitants, is situated to the west – out in the North Sea – and is a 75-minute boat trip from Haugesund town centre. Put on your walking shoes or rent a bike and go on an adventure. Keep an eye out for small and large works of art by known and lesser-known street artists from all over the world, which can be admired on everything from buildings to silos and mountains. Unique artworks aren't the only thing you can discover on Utsira. During the migration season, there can be over 300 species of birds on the island!

Norway's highest-situated lighthouse, Utsira lighthouse, stands prominently in the landscape. If you want to feel the power of the North Sea, you can stay at the lighthouse keeper’s house, or at the pink cabin Nyperosa or the blue Havsula, both of which are popular to post on Instagram.

Experience the unbridled forces of nature

Ryvarden Lighthouse is another place where you can experience raw nature in body and soul. This is where sea and sky meet, where the sea is rough and at times merciless. With nature close at hand, howling wind around the corner, lashing rain on the windscreen or sun from high above, you can enjoy peace, tranquillity and rugged nature in the lighthouse keeper's home. If we rewind to the middle of the 8th century, the Viking Floke Vilgerdson stood on the same spot and felt the same forces of nature. It's quite fascinating to think about! Today, you can visit the old buildings that have been revitalised with a Sunday café, art gallery and shop.

Stay overnight in untouched nature

If you’re still feeling adventurous and fancy venturing off the beaten track, take the short and easy hike to Skåpet, the first stop on the popular hike around the Lysefjord. The Stavanger Tourist Association’s architect-designed cabins are situated in the tranquillity of pristine and magnificent nature. The large window panes bring nature into the small, self-service cabins. If you want to get even closer to nature, you can relax in the sauna, which is situated right next to Soddatjørn mountain lake.

Another self-service DNT cabin that’s worth mentioning is Villa Vibrandsøy, an historical villa from 1875 that has been renovated by Haugesund Trekking Association. The cabin is situated on beautiful Vibrandsøy, comprising five islands, most of which are connected by footbridges. You can get there by taking the ferry that goes to Røvær, or you can kayak from Haugesund town centre. There are no roads, only lush and verdant nature where you can relax and swim in sheltered coves and lagoons with shallow beaches – perfect for exploring life on the shoreline, catching crabs, prawns and small fish. So away from it all, yet so central. It’s quite simply easy-access outdoor life at its very best!

Visit Norway's only palm island

Another unique place you really should visit is Flor & Fjære on Sør-Hidle island. Norway's only palm island, with its white sandy beach, palm trees, cacti, exotic plants and carp, is situated in the middle of the exposed Ryfylke basin. The trip starts with a fjord cruise from Stavanger, and when you go ashore on the small island, you will be welcomed by hosts who will give you a guided tour of the lush park. Your visit will be completed with a delicious dinner made from local ingredients, with beautiful fjord views.

Sandvesanden beach, north of Skudeneshavn, is another gem. With chalky white beaches and turquoise waters, Karmøy's most beautiful beach is a paradise for swimmers and surfers alike.

Swim with salmon

Holidays offer a golden opportunity to try new activities! A Salmon safari in Suldalslågen river at Sand really is a unique experience. You put on a dry suit and a diving mask, venture out into the waters and float down the popular salmon river, which is known for salmon weighing more than 20 kg. Seeing wild salmon and sea trout up close in their natural habitat is an experience you'll never forget!

Try stand-up paddleboarding on the Åkrafjord

The Åkrafjord is best known for the mighty Langfoss waterfall, which cascades down the bare, steep mountainside like a beautiful bridal veil. But the fjord has plenty more to offer. Now is a good time to test your balance by renting a stand-up paddle (SUP) board at Fjæra, innermost in the fjord. When you feel you’re standing firm and steady on the board, you can paddle to a calm bay where you can find complete solitude, besides perhaps a squirrel hopping around or an eagle hovering overhead! Enjoy the moment and feel the adrenaline rush turning into relaxation as you master something new.

Did you get hooked? Then why not take a guided city tour from the seafront along idyllic Skudeneshavn or take a relaxed kayaking trip at Sandve as the sun sets behind the North Sea?