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Holiday ideas

Explore exotic places that satisfy your adventurous spirit

Summer
Last updated: 31.01.2025
Flere stoler og bord omringet av fargerike blomster og havutsikt
Flor og Fjære i Ryfylke |© Flor og Fjære Anne Valeur
Flor og Fjære i Ryfylke |© Flor og Fjære Anne Valeur

In Ryfylke and Haugesund, you can explore hidden gems along the deep fjords and rugged coastline, where you can try exciting activities that challenge both body and mind. We promise you holiday snaps brimming with moments you'll cherish forever!

Kajakk i Lysefjorden
Kayaking in Lysefjorden|© Nordic Paddling

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.

Tuppen på en rød kajakk omgitt av blått hav i Lsefjorden. Med fjellsider til venstre i bildet.

Lysefjorden 6-hour kayak tour with Nordic Paddling

Paddle through Norway’s stunning Lysefjord on a guided kayak tour! A scenic adventure for beginners and nature lovers alike.

Fjordutsikt og hester fra minihyttene på Gøysa Gard.

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.

To hytter og sanitæranlegget i bakgrunnen og et grønt område med benker og bord i forgrunnen.

Landa Park Camping in Forsand

Landa Park Camping, near Lysefjorden in Forsand, offers space for mobile homes, caravans, tents, or cabin rentals.

Flørli stairs
Flørli stairs|© Flørli 4444

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.

Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

Hike to Flørlitrappene and Rallarstien in the Lysefjord

In Flørli in the Lysefjord, Ryfylke, you'll find the world's longest wooden staircase (Flørli Stairs) with 4,444 steps. A demanding but family-friendly hike.

En dame som står på Kallaliklumpen med Lysefjorden i bakgrunnen.

Flørli Cliffhike

Flørli Klippevandring is an unique hike on the cliffs between Flørli and Kallali in Lysefjorden. One of the highlights is Kallaliklumpen, a boulder high above the fjord.

Accommodations in Flørli

Accommodations in Flørli

Flørli 4444 has four rental apartments, Flørli Historic Hostel and Special Rooms with shared facilities. All houses and most rooms have a fjord view.

En person som hopper ut på Kjeragbolten.
Kjerag|© Mathias Fredriksson

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.

nature, mountain formations in norway, famous kjerag mountain and kjerag boulder

Hike to Kjerag in the Lysefjord

Kjerag is called the majesty of the Lysefjord, Ryfylke. Most people are content to enjoy the fjord view, but for many, Kjeragbolten is the highlight.

Lysefjorden Turisthytte

DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte in Lysebotn

The colourful DNT Lysefjorden Turisthytte is the perfect place to start experiencing Lysebotn, Lysefjorden and Kjerag.

Lysebotn

Bike rental in Lysebotn

SBK BASE offers bicycle rental in Lysebotn at the innermost part of Lysefjorden in Ryfylke.

Malerisk landskap på Utsira
Utsira|© Matt Coch

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!

Fyrferie på Utsira
Lighthouse vacation on Utsira|© Karianne Klovning

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.

Taste of summer

Dahmsgård Utsira

Dahmsgård Utsira

The small and intimate Dahmsgård restaurant is located on Utsira. With a focus on fresh seafood and local produce, they serve delicious dishes all year round.

Dalanaustet – restaurant and bar on Utsira

Dalanaustet – restaurant and bar on Utsira

Dalanaustet is a bar and restaurant serving lunch and dinner in historic premises on Utsira. Dalanaustet also offers co-working for individuals and groups.

Lighthouse holiday on Utsira

Lighthouse holiday on Utsira

Fancy a holiday out of the ordinary? Go on holiday to Utsira, where you can stay overnight in the old lighthouse keeper's house or the cosy cabin Nyperosa.

Ryvarden kulturfyr med seilbåt
Ryvarden Cultural Lighthouse Sveio|© Visit Haugesund

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.

Ryvarden Kulturfyr

Ryvarden Lighthouse and Cultural Centre - cafe

Ryvarden cultural lighthouse in Sveio has a café, art gallery, and shop, open Sundays and public holidays from March to November. The walk takes 30 minutes.

Flokehyttene

Flokehyttene

Experience stunning seaside architecture at Flokehyttene in Sveio, just north of Haugesund. Get close to nature and feel its raw power in this unique setting.

Lindås gard og hytteutleige

Lindås Cabin Rental in Sveio

Lindås Gard og Hytteutleie in Valevåg, Sveio has 6 cabins and 1 rorbu, located approx. 500 metres from the sea. It is possible to rent boat, sauna and hot tub.

Stavanger turistforening sine hytter på Skåpet.
Skåpet in Forsand|© Odd Inge Worsøe

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.

Villa Vibrandsøy, Haugesund Turistforening sin nye hytte på Vibrandsøy, Haugesund
Villa Vibrandsøy in Haugesund|© Haugesund Turistforening

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!

Sleep close to nature

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.

Accommodation in authentic farmhouses at Fossane Gard in Hjelmeland

Accommodation in authentic farmhouses at Fossane Gard in Hjelmeland

At Fossane farm you can rent a charming, authentic house, surrounded by the stunning Ryfylke nature at Vormedalen, the whole year around.

Stay overnight at the idyllic Nesheimstunet farm

Stay overnight at the idyllic Nesheimstunet farm

In the middle of beautiful Vindafjord municipality is the idyllic Nesheimstunet farm, where you can spend the night in the nostalgic surroundings.

Gule og røde tulipaner i forkant, sandstrand med solstoler i bakgrunnen.
Flor og Fjære in Ryfylke|© Flor & Fjære

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.

Flere stoler og bord omringet av fargerike blomster og havutsikt

Have dinner among palm trees at Flor & Fjære

Flor & Fjære is a colourful and thriving restaurant and garden located on the island of Sør-Hidle in Ryfylke.

Sandvesand

Sandvesanden

Sandvesanden is one of Karmøy's finest beaches, at Sandve, north of Skudeneshavn. The beach is a popular spot for swimming and surfing.

Åkrasanden fotografert med drone

Åkra beach - Blue Beach

Åkrasanden, with an eco-labelled blue flag, is an elongated and child-friendly beach. In addition to swimming, it is also a popular spot for kiting and hiking.

Skaarnesheimen - Raw Ocean Lodge

Skaarnesheimen Raw Ocean Lodge

Raw Ocean Lodge is situated at Sandve and its nearest neighbour is the North Sea. Guests can stay overnight in a cabin or in their own private dome.

En person som svømmer med en laks.
Salmon safari in Suldal|© Mo Laksegard

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!

Fun activities near the river

River expedition in Suldalslågen at Sand

River expedition in Suldalslågen at Sand

Enjoy a River Expedition down Suldalslågen in beautiful nature while you paddle at a comfortable speed from Mo Laksegard to the Sandsfossen fall at Sand in Ryfylke.

The sauna Moskjelen in Suldal

The sauna Moskjelen in Suldal

Moskjelen Badstove by Suldalslågen river in Suldal is a unique combination of sauna and dining with a fantastic view of the famous salmon river.

Ryfylke Fjordsauna at Sand

Ryfylke Fjordsauna at Sand

Right at the mouth of the Suldalslågen in Sand, Ryfylke, you can find peace and quiet and loosen stiff muscles in the fjord sauna at Ryfylke Fjordhotell.

SUP kurs i solnedgang på Raw Ocean Lodge på Sandve.
SUP in Sandve|© Raw Ocean Lodge

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?

Accommodation by the fjord

Åkrafjorden Glamping

Åkrafjorden Glamping

Åkrafjorden Glamping, a unique place to stay in the wild, beautiful and untouched nature of Western Norway. They have two domes.

Micro Cabins in Åkrafjorden - Viking Adventure

Micro Cabins in Åkrafjorden - Viking Adventure

Mikrohyttene cabins, near Åkrafjordtunet, offer stunning views of Åkrafjorden and Folgefonna. Each of the 2 cabins accommodates 4-5 people.

Akrafjorden Nature B&B AS

Akrafjorden Nature B&B AS

Åkrafjorden Nature offers cosy rooms with shared bathrooms and activities like Via Ferrata, hiking, and canyoning - a great base for an active holiday!

More inspiration from Ryfylke!
More inspiration from Haugesund and Haugalandet!

More travel inspiration

Experience Norways’ national treasures by car

Experience Norways’ national treasures by car

In Haugesund, Karmøy and Ryfylke, you can experience Viking heritage, be inspired by striking architecture and taste exquisite world-class beverages. We have put together an action-packed driving route that leads you through the cultural, historical, culinary and architectural treasures in Fjord Norway. We’ve chosen to start the driving route at Langfoss waterfall, but you can of course start your holiday wherever suits you best!

For a summer full of "hygge" and relaxation

For a summer full of "hygge" and relaxation

In Haugesund and Ryfylke, you can swap the hustle and bustle of everyday life for "hygge" and relaxation, which we believe are the key features of every good holiday!

Untamed nature and spectacular activities

Untamed nature and spectacular activities

Nature and activities that take your breath away, and hidden gems you can enjoy (almost) all to yourself. For anyone wanting to experience the untamed nature of Fjord Norway, Haugesund and Ryfylke have an abundance of things to see and do!

Time for a weekend getaway!

Time for a weekend getaway!

Want to get in the holiday mood once more? Go on a fun weekend getaway with good friends, or take that long-awaited romantic weekend away with your partner.

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