Explore the Lysefjord by express boat or ferry

There are many ways to explore the majestic Lysefjord, which holds the Sustainable Destination label.

Kolumbus's express boat and car ferry run regular routes on the 42-kilometre-long fjord all year round. The speedboat, which only has room for passengers, calls at the quays at Lauvvik, Forsand, Bratteli, Bakken, Songesand, Kallali, Flørli, Håheller and Lysebotn. The boat departs every day, with the exception of Saturday. The car ferry can accommodate both passengers and vehicles. The ferry calls at Lauvvik, Forsand, Songesand, Flørli and Lysebotn. It departs on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

If you have limited time, Rødnes fjordcruise's year-round fjord cruise with highlights such as Preikestolen, Hengjanefossen and Fantahålå, may be an alternative. In addition, Ryfylke Adventure offers fjord safaris with its own boat, all year round.

See Preikestolen from the fjord

The boat continues into the Lysefjord. The first attraction is Fantahålå, and not long after you can study the highlight of the trip, Preikestolen, towering 604 metres above you. Both CNN Go and Lonely Planet have named the iconic mountain plateau one of the world's most spectacular viewpoints.

The next attraction is Hengjanefossen waterfall, which roars down the high mountainside. The journey continues through wild and beautiful scenery with exciting rock formations on both sides. You can see goats grazing and curious cobras poking their heads above the surface of the water.

Kjerag is a must

As the boat approaches Geitaneset, it's time to look up. You'll soon be able to glimpse Kjeragbolten, the rock wedged between two mountainsides some 1,000 metres above you. If you're lucky, you'll see base jumpers plummeting down the steep mountainsides and landing on the small headland in the fjord.

At the very centre of the fjord is Lysebotn. The powerhouse village, which has less than ten inhabitants, comes to life in spring and summer. Most visitors aim to experience Kjerag, which at 1084 metres above sea level is the highest mountain in the Lysefjord. It's a demanding hike, but the stunning fjord views are worth the effort.

Base jumpers from all over the world also gather here to feel the adrenaline rush as they hurl themselves off the high mountains.

Climb the world's longest wooden staircase

Make a stop at Songesand, located on the north side of the fjord. There are several great hiking opportunities in the area, and with the cabins Bakken Gard and Songedalen, the small village is part of the Stavanger Tourist Association's SignaTUR - Lysefjorden Rundt.

If you want a unique driving or cycling tour, the varied nature across Lyngsheia to Årdal and Rv 13 (Norwegian Scenic Route Ryfylke) is an exciting experience.

The roadless village of Flørli, located on the south side of the Lysefjord, is the next stop on the tour. The powerhouse village is best known for the world's longest wooden staircase with 4444 steps from the fjord up to the fantastic view at the top of the mountain. Flørli Klippevandring, with the spectacular Kallaliklumpen, is another hike worth doing.

There is an art exhibition and café in the old power station and a hot tub on the quay. Flørli 4444 offers several different accommodation options, and you can stay in the Stavanger Trekking Association's cabin or in your own boat on the guest jetty.