Autumn Adventures in Ryfylke

1. New mountain hike this autumn?

Preikestolen is one of Norway’s greatest natural attractions. Perhaps it’s time to tick it off your bucket list?

Have you already climbed this iconic mountain plateau? Don’t despair!

For hikes with stunning fjord views, we recommend the Lysefjorden Panorama Trail along the Lysefjord, Hovlandsnuten in Sauda and Hellandsnuten in Suldal.

Eventyrskogen in Årdal, Eventyrskogen in Sauda and Rindatrollet at Preikestolen Basecamp are perfect for families with children.

If you’re short on time, you can visit the popular day-trip cabins in Ryfylke, go for a walk around Jørpelandsholmen or head out on a Sand Safari.

Click here for more hiking tips!

2. 5 things to do when it’s raining

Autumn in Ryfylke doesn’t always bring sunshine. Fortunately, there’s plenty to do even when it’s pouring with rain.

1. Sauna

Treat yourselves the Nordic way! A steamy sauna combined with a refreshing dip is a popular activity available in many places across Ryfylke. Here, you can relax and simply enjoy the peace and quiet and the beautiful natural surroundings. A visit to the sauna is perfect both as a refreshing start to the day and for admiring the sunset. And best of all – the weather and the season don’t matter. Remember to book in advance!

How about trying out several saunas this autumn?! Here’s an overview of saunas in Ryfylke.

Combine your visit with a meal at Moskjelen Badstove, Ryfylke Fjordhotell or Preikestolen Basecamp.

2. Saudahallen

The swimming complex at Saudahallen in Sauda features both indoor and outdoor pools with a water slide, diving board, play equipment, a children’s pool and a heated spa bath.

3. Suldal Bad

Suldal Bad in Sand has a large pool with a water slide, a children’s pool, a therapy pool, a sauna and an outdoor hot tub with fantastic views of the fjord.

4. Go to the cinema

Films are best enjoyed at the cinema! There are several cinemas in Ryfylke, and there are plenty of films on the programme this autumn. You can find the cinema listings for Sauda, Sand and Hjelmeland here.

5. Visit a café

Is there anything better than a freshly baked sunshine buns with a cup of steaming coffee or hot chocolate when the wind is howling outside? Pop into the cosy cafés Drøs Matbar & Kaffebar in Sand and Ryfylke Bakeri & Konditori in Jørpeland, Tau and Årdal. Here, the counters are filled with baked buns, cakes and salads.

3. The taste of autumn in Ryfylke

Rogaland is often referred to as Norway’s larder, and in Ryfylke you’ll find the very best delicacies it has to offer.

Break out of your cosy routine with a tasting tour of local farm shops. In Hjelmeland in particular, you’ll find award-winning salmon, cheese and apple juice all within easy reach. Take a taste of Ryfylke back to your holiday cottage, or enjoy it along the way whilst taking in the views of the fjord and mountains.

Here’s an overview of the farm shops in Ryfylke.

At Ryfylke Delikatessen in the centre of Tau, the counter is brimming with fresh seafood, locally sourced meat and homemade salads. You can also stock up on cheese and apple juice from local farmers. Freshly baked bread and buns are available at Ryfylke Bakeri & Konditori, which is right next door. The bakery also has cafés in Jørpeland and Årdal. At Skafferiet in Jørpeland and Drøs Matbar & Kaffebar in Sand, you can enjoy a cup of coffee with a bite to eat.

Tired of cooking dinner? Smaken av Ryfylke in Hjelmeland, Ryfylke Fjordhotell in Sand and Preikestolen Basecamp, by the trail to Preikestolen, serve delicious dishes made from local produce. At Energihotellet in Nesflaten, you can pre-book a three- or four-course dinner made from locally sourced ingredients.

4. Go on an autumn road trip

Autumn is often associated with cosy evenings indoors in front of a crackling fire. But you don’t have to stay at your holiday cottage all the time. Although Ryfylke is a long, narrow region, the distances from Stavanger and between the villages are relatively short. Take a break from card games, and explore the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke.

Here you can take a break along the Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke.

Combine your autumn road trip with architectural viewpoints, fun activities and cosy places to eat.

Here are some suggestions for road trips in Ryfylke:

1. Sauda – Nesflaten – Sand – Sauda (3 hrs 30 mins, 165 km):

Start the day by exploring the mining area at Allmannajuvet. The narrow, winding mountain pass to Røldal, with its narrow, twisting roads, is an experience in itself. At Nesflaten, you can take a stroll through the 1960s housing estate and visit the Energihotellet. Suldal Bad at Sand offers both water slides and a hot tub with views of the fjord. Fancy trying something a bit out of the ordinary? Then why not take part in a salmon safari on the Suldalslågen river – remember to book in advance. Round off the day with a bite to eat at Drøs Matbar & Kaffebar or Elvaosen restaurant at Ryfylke Fjord Hotel.

2. Sand – Hjelmeland (1 hour, 46 km + ferry)

Nothing tastes better than local delicacies straight from the producer. On a day trip to Hjelmeland, you can fill your car with apple juice, apple cider, honey, salmon, cheese and cured ham. Take the time to wander through the orchards at Eiane Gard, Apal Sideri and OmCider. It’s also possible to book a guided tour with tastings.

At Mikals laks, you can also pre-book a tour of the smokehouse where the award-winning smoked salmon is produced. In the farm shop at Ryfylke gardsysteri, you can get up close to the cows grazing just outside, and the shop stocks various types of cheese, yoghurt, milk and eggs.

Why not round off your shopping trip with a delicious dinner overlooking the fjord? Smaken av Ryfylke serves up tasty dishes based on seasonal produce. The restaurant is open from Thursday to Sunday.

Here you’ll find the timetable for the ferry between Nesvik and Hjelmeland.

3. Jørpeland – Sauda (2 hours 15 minutes, 132 km + ferry)

The journey from Jørpeland to Sauda is relatively long, but if you plan well, you can still make the most of the day. Pick out a few farm shops along the way and stock up on fresh baked goods, apple juice and cold cuts to enjoy at lovely rest stops such as Ropeid and Ostasteidn.

Stroll amongst the unique wooden houses in Åbøbyen, have a look at the animals at Andedammen and check out the water slide and massage pool at Saudahallen. Until mid-October, you can also try out the mini-golf course, which has 18 holes of varying difficulty.

Eat a nice dinner at the restaurant at Kløver Hotell before returning to Jørpeland.

4. Hjelmeland – Forsand (1 hr 15 mins, 74 km)

Exploring the Lysefjord is perfect in autumn. There’s less traffic on the fjord, the air is clearer – and, not least, the landscape is ablaze with colour.

From Forsand, you can join a boat trip and see Preikestolen from the fjord, or explore the majestic landscape by kayak. From the viewpoint at Høllesli, you can enjoy the panoramic view of Lysefjorden without having to exert yourself.

Lysefjorden Marina has its own café and bakery with a sweet pastries and sandwiches. Whether you sit inside or outside, you’ll have a fantastic view of the fjord.

Take a break at Tau. Here you can shop at the well-stocked delicatessen at Ryfylke Delikatessen and buy home-produced meat products at Strand Gård.

5. Stavanger – Jørpeland (30 mins, 30 km)

Do allow plenty of time to wander around Jørpeland town centre, where you can shop for clothes, homeware and sports equipment. Take a breather or pick up a packed lunch at Skafferiet or Ryfylke Bakeri & Konditori.

Jørpelandsholmen, just outside the town centre, is a popular outdoor recreation area with shelters, a playground, a frisbee golf course, small beaches and a walking trail of around 2 kilometres. From the islet, you’ll have a great view of the Solspeilet art installation.

If you’re looking for speed and excitement, you can join a RIB trip from Jørpelandsvågen to Lysefjorden.

Pulpit Sauna is another popular attraction. Warm up in the sauna and take a dip in the refreshing sea.

5. An autumn weekend in Ryfylke

There’s plenty to get up to in Ryfylke, so why not stay for a night or two – or the whole holiday? Enjoy a romantic weekend, have a fun girls’ getaway or spend your autumn holiday in Ryfylke. Here you can choose from a wide range of accommodation options to suit every occasion.

Unique accommodation, a hotel weekend or a family trip – here’s an overview of accommodation close to nature in Ryfylke.