Stavanger sits at the gateway to some of Norway’s most dramatic coastal landscapes, framed by a lacework of fjords, islands, and mountains. The star is Lysefjord with its famous cliff viewpoints like Preikestolen and Kjerag. But just beyond the city you will also find quieter fjords such as Frafjord, Jøsenfjord, Erfjord, and the broad Boknafjord with its island communities. If you are basing yourself in Stavanger, you can reach world-class fjord scenery in under an hour.
If you only have time for one fjord, go for Lysefjord. It combines easy sightseeing by boat with iconic hikes for those who want a challenge. With more time, add Frafjord and the Ryfylke fjords for peaceful roads, local farms, and waterfalls with far fewer people.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the fjords near Stavanger and how to experience them like a local.
What Makes Stavanger’s Fjords Special
The fjords around Stavanger are carved directly into a rugged granite plateau that rises sharply from the sea. The result is clean, sheer cliff walls, narrow passages, and waterfalls that drop straight into saltwater. Because Stavanger is a working port, boat access is excellent. Ferries, RIB tours, and longer cruises make it simple to explore without a car, while tunnels and bridges knit together a surprising number of islands and peninsulas.
Compared with western Norway further north, the Stavanger region blends big fjord drama with softer countryside. You can visit a cliff like Preikestolen in the morning, then be back in town for a coffee at Øvre Holmegate or dinner on Skagenkaien. The logistics are easier than in remote fjord districts, especially if you are traveling with kids or on a short schedule.
Lysefjord: The Headliner
Lysefjord stretches roughly 42 kilometers from the village of Forsand to Lysebotn, and it packs in many of Norway’s household names. The granite walls reach 1000 meters high at their tallest, and the light often takes on a silver sheen that gives the fjord its name. On several mornings each spring I have walked out to quiet viewpoints in Forsand and watched the sun catch the cliff bands one after another. It never gets old.
Highlights on Lysefjord
- Preikestolen, also called Pulpit Rock, stands 604 meters above the fjord. The tabletop is broad enough to feel secure if you respect the edge, and the panorama is a true postcard moment.
- Kjerag towers 984 meters above the water and features the Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged between two rock faces. The hike is more demanding than Preikestolen and feels fully alpine in early summer.
- Fantahålå, or Vagabond’s Cave, and waterfalls like Hengjanefossen are classic sights on fjord cruises. Boats often nose right up to the rock so you can feel the spray.
- Lysebotn lies at the far end of the fjord, a tiny village hemmed in by peaks. The road to it is a feat of engineering and a thrill to drive in the right conditions.
When to go
Lysefjord works in all seasons by boat, though winter sailings are fewer. Hikes to the high viewpoints are best from May to October, depending on snow. Always check conditions and be realistic about your fitness and equipment. Weather in the fjords changes quickly.
How To See Lysefjord
You can do Lysefjord a few different ways, depending on time, budget, and appetite for hiking.
Classic fjord cruise from Stavanger
Several companies run cruises from the city center to the inner fjord. This is the simplest choice and perfect if you prefer to sit back and photograph the scenery. Trips usually last 3 to 3.5 hours and pass Preikestolen from below. I still recommend this even if you plan to hike another day because the perspective from the water adds context.
RIB tour for a close-up ride
RIB boats are fast and nimble. You get close to cliffs and waterfalls and cover a lot of ground. Dress warmly and bring windproof layers. It can be chilly even in August.
Hiking Preikestolen
Drive or take the bus to the Preikestolen trailhead at Preikestolen BaseCamp. The well-marked trail takes most people 2 to 3 hours each way. Wear sturdy footwear, carry water, and bring a warm layer for the top. There are no fences on the edge, so move carefully and watch children closely. Early mornings and late afternoons are quieter than midday in summer.
Hiking Kjerag and the Kjeragbolten
Start from Øygardstølen above Lysebotn. The hike involves several steep granite slabs with chains to assist. Allow 5 to 8 hours round trip depending on conditions and your pace. If there is snow or ice, turn around unless you have winter gear and experience. The boulder is optional. Plenty of hikers enjoy the viewpoints without stepping out on it.
Lysevegen scenic road
The road between Lysebotn and Sirdal contains a tight series of hairpins up the mountainside. It usually opens in late spring and closes in autumn once the snow returns. If you get a clear day, it is one of the most memorable drives in southern Norway. Take it slow and stop only where parking is permitted.
Frafjord and Månafossen
Just east of Stavanger, Frafjord carves into the mountains like a quiet cousin of Lysefjord. The valley leading to the fjord is pastoral, with small farms and traditional houses, then the rock walls close in near the water. I often bring visitors here when they want something intimate and local.
The main draw nearby is Månafossen, one of southern Norway’s most powerful waterfalls. The hike from the parking area is short but steep over rock and roots, with chains for support in places. After rain or during spring melt the river roars, and spray hangs in the air. Combine Månafossen with a drive down to the village of Frafjord for coffee and a walk by the shoreline. It is a gentle day out that still feels deeply Norwegian.
Jøsenfjord, Erfjord, and Sandsfjord along Ryfylke
North and east of Stavanger, the Ryfylke region is a net of long fjord arms that feel worlds away from the city, even though they are not far. Jøsenfjord is long and slender, with calm water and steep sides that glow at sunset. Erfjord and Sandsfjord sit nearby, connected by bridges and short ferries. You will find small marinas, berry stands in late summer, and boathouses painted the classic deep red.
Road 13, known locally as Ryfylkevegen, threads through this area. Expect frequent photo stops. Families appreciate that these fjords have easy pullouts, picnic tables, and gentle shoreline walks. Kayaking is excellent on still mornings. If you rent gear, check that you have life jackets and understand the weather windows. Wind on open stretches can build quickly and conditions change faster than many visitors expect.
Boknafjord and the Island Communities
To the north of Stavanger, the broad Boknafjord opens toward the sea. While not as vertical as Lysefjord, it shelters a chain of islands with their own character. Rennesøy and Finnøy are fertile and green and are reachable by tunnel. Kvitsøy is flatter and famous for its lighthouse and stone fences. On good days you can smell the ocean here. It is a lovely counterpoint to the cliffs to the east, and it makes a balanced two day plan if you want both island life and fjord walls.
Cycling works well on these islands. Traffic is light and the distances sensible for a half day outing. Bring layers and a rain shell even if the morning is sunny. Weather along Boknafjord moves in bands.
Scenic Drives That Link It All
Ryfylkevegen, Road 13
This is the backbone if you are exploring Jøsenfjord and Sandsfjord by car. It connects ferries, bridges, and viewpoints with minimal fuss. I like to start early, roll the windows down, and let the day develop. If you see a roadside bakery sign, follow it. Rural cafés are part of the experience.
Lysevegen to Lysebotn
The switchbacks are famous, and the views over Lysefjord rank with anything in Norway. Plan for time at the Øygardstølen viewpoint, and be patient with traffic. This is a place to enjoy the journey rather than rush.
Sirdal and the mountain plateau
If you want a loop, drive from Stavanger to Sirdal, then down Lysevegen to Lysebotn and take the ferry on Lysefjord. It is a full day with many moving parts, but when everything lines up you see sea, fjord, and high plateau in one sweep.
Suggested Itineraries From Stavanger
One day without a car
Morning fjord cruise to Lysefjord. Lunch back in Stavanger at the harbor. Afternoon wander through Old Stavanger and the Norwegian Petroleum Museum, which also has fjord views. Sunset at Godalen or Sørmarka. You will sleep well.
One day with a car and a hike
Early drive to Preikestolen trailhead. Hike up and enjoy a long break on the plateau. Return via Jørpeland for coffee and a swim if it is warm. If you still have energy, detour to Frafjord for a shoreline walk before heading back to town.
Two days with scenic roads
Day 1: Månafossen and Frafjord in the morning, then continue toward Jøsenfjord and Sandsfjord along Road 13. Overnight in Sand or a nearby guesthouse.
Day 2: Drive to Øygardstølen, hike Kjerag if conditions allow, then either descend to Lysebotn for the ferry or return the way you came if the schedule is tight.
Seasons, Safety, and Weather Reality
Norwegian summers are bright and inviting, but the cliffs do not care how your itinerary looks on paper. Carry warm layers even in July. Granite plateaus catch wind and temperatures drop quickly once the sun dips. In spring and autumn, trails can be wet and slick. Winter is another world entirely, with snowpack lingering on the high routes long after the valleys have turned green.
Boat tours run year round, though less frequently in winter. If you are building a plan around a specific ferry or cruise, check the latest timetable and buy tickets ahead if possible. For hikes, start early to give yourself a margin for changing weather. Tell someone where you are going or use a tracking app with sharing. It is basic mountain sense and appreciated by local rescue teams.
Practical Tips From a Local
Getting around
Public transport to the main trailheads and ferry piers is straightforward. Buses serve Preikestolen BaseCamp in season, and tour operators bundle transport with guided hikes or boat tickets. If you rent a car, be ready for tolls. Automated booths read your plate and send a bill. Parking at popular trailheads fills early on sunny weekends, so arrive before 9 in the morning.
Food and water
Tap water in Norway is safe and excellent. Fill bottles before hikes and carry snacks with real calories. Many visitors underestimate how long they will spend on the trail because the viewpoints are hard to leave.
Footwear and clothing
Wear proper hiking shoes with grip for Preikestolen and Kjerag. Trainers are often fine for Månafossen if it is dry, but the rock can be polished in places. Pack a light hat, gloves, and a windproof shell. On boats, sit inside if you get cold easily, then step out for photos.
Photography
The light in the fjords is strongest early and late. Midday glare off the water can fool your camera’s meter. If you shoot with a phone, tap to expose for the bright water, then adjust in editing. For drones, check local restrictions. Some areas around the cliffs and villages have limitations.
Respect the land and communities
Stick to marked paths to reduce erosion and avoid stepping into fields or yards when you pull over for photos. Fjord farms are working places and livestock roam freely. Pack out all waste. If you want to wild camp, know the rules of the right to roam and camp away from houses. A smile and a wave go a long way in small communities.
Choosing the Right Fjord For You
If you want the crowd-pleasing classic with a bow on top, choose Lysefjord. Preikestolen and a fjord cruise will check every box. If you prefer quiet corners, aim for Frafjord and the Ryfylke fjords. Families often appreciate Månafossen combined with island time on Kvitsøy or Finnøy. Photographers love the high contrast of Lysefjord on a moody day, while cyclists gravitate to the gentle roads on Rennesøy. There is no wrong answer here, only what fits the rhythm of your trip.
Bottom line: with Stavanger as your base, you have easy access to cliff-ringed fjords, peaceful valleys, and island life within an hour or two. Pick one anchor experience for each day, leave space for weather and impulse, and let the fjords near Stavanger do the rest.