The Lysefjorden

The southernmost major fjord in Norway is perhaps also the most spectacular.

In the Lysefjorden (Light Fjord) rocky walls up to a 1000 meters (3000 feet) tall crash directly down in the 42 km (23 miles) long stretch of water. This spectacular landscape, which the French novelist Victor Hugo described as “terrifying”, was carved out of the mountains by melting and retreating glaciers during the last Ice Age more than 10000 years ago. 

Getting there

There are two ways of getting to the Lysefjorden, the most scenic being the two hour boat ride from Stavanger. Seeing the mountains rise up from about 40 meters around the city to over 1000 meters at the end of the fjord is a breathtaking experience. On the water you also get perfect views to the two most famous rock walls in the fjord, the Pulpit Rock and the Kjerag Wall. Both places are popular and legal points for BASE jumping. 

The other way of getting to the Lysefjorden is by road. There are daily buses running from Stavanger . The road to the fjord is spectacular, making a 900 meter drop through 27 hairpin turns some of which run through the mountain. One spectacular tunnel takes you on a 340 degrees spin. The road was built as part of the installation of hydroelectric plants in the area. Built inside the mountains and thus not interfering with the landscape these plants provide large parts of southern Norway with electricity.

The Kjerag

The rock wall on the opposite side of the fjord, the Kjerag, takes a little more effort to visit. Following the path involves ascending a fair share of hills and is quite steep in places. It is well worth the effort, though, just take your time and enjoy the views. On your way you will also pass the Kjerag Boulder, a 5 m3 stone wedged between two rock walls. It is possible to jump onto the boulder for a memorable picture. This is not for the fainthearted though, the walls drop about 1000 meters on both sides. Kjerag is most famous for its northern wall with a clean 984 meters (3228 feet) drop to the water. It is Norway’s most popular spot for BASE jumping. There is also several demanding rock climbing routes on the wall.

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