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NORWAY | The Fjord Region, Norway Travel Guide
Monday, April 21, 2025
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Preikestolen and Kjerag
On Foot Along the Lysefjord
Preikestolen
Preikestolen (Prekestolen) is one of the most photographed places in Norway and can be seen in virtually every brochure. The name preikestolen means “the pulpit,” but the view you get here is a little different from the inside of a church. There are several rock formations in Norway named Preikestolen, from Finnmark in the north to this one outside Stavanger, which is by far the most famous of all. The area is about half the size of a football field and almost as flat, though I wouldn’t recommend playing here. The vertical drop down to the Lysefjord is 600 m (2,000 feet) so the view is best enjoyed while standing still or sitting down.
The combined hike required to get here, followed by an hour or two of sunbathing while you enjoy the spectacular scenery, is an adventure you should not miss in Rogaland.
Preikestolen is about 65 km (39 miles) east of Stavanger. From Jøssang, near Road 13, there’s a small road leading up to the Preikestolhytta (cabin) and from there it’s about a two-hour hike to Preikestolen. From Stavanger, you can also take the car-ferry to Tau, then drive south to Jøssang.
Kjerag
Kjerag can be a good alternative to Preikestolen, especially in the summer when Preikestolen can get a little crowded. Kjerag is no less spectacular; on the contrary, the elevation of 1,000m(3,000 feet) provides an even more majestic view. The main reason why fewer people come here compared to Preikestolen is because it’s farther from Stavanger and more difficult to access. The best way to get here is to take the ferry from Stavanger to Lysebotn, then drive up to Øygardstøl. From there you will have a two- to three-hour hike up to Kjerag.
Sandnes
Sandnes, Rogaland’s second-biggest city, is known as “the bicycle town” and is just a 15-minute drive south of Stavanger. The nickname is not given to Sandnes only because it’s a nice place for bike excursions; the city has also been making bicycles since the late 19th century. DBS became one of the most popular brand names for bikes in Scandinavia during the 20th century. (The abbreviation stands for Den Beste Sykkel meaning “the best bike,” which a 12-year-old came up with in a competition announced by the company in the 1930s to find the best name). For visitors to Sandnes today, there are town-bikes, free of charge, available to explore the city.
Last updated December 4, 2007
Posted in Norway | The Fjord Region
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