Lysefjord and Preikestolen Electric Fjord Cruise Stavanger

Stavanger harbour and the start of the cruise

The cruise starts in Stavanger's harbour, and the exact departure point is in your booking confirmation. Stavanger is a small city with a lively waterfront, an old town of white wooden houses and a busy harbour, and it is the gateway to the Ryfylke fjords. Many visitors combine the cruise with a stroll through the old town, so it is worth arriving early.

As the boat leaves the harbour, you pass islands and the wide waters of the Boknafjord before turning towards the Lysefjord. The captain and the audio guide explain what you see. If you are wondering where to book Lysefjord cruise tickets from Stavanger, this page lets you choose your date and see the departure time before you pay.

The Lysefjord

The Lysefjord is about 42 kilometres long and famous for its steep granite walls, which rise close to a thousand metres above the water in places. The name means light fjord, a reference to the pale rock. The water is deep and calm, and waterfalls fall from the ledges after rain.

The catamaran runs on electric power, so the engines are quiet and you can hear the water and the guide. You may spot seabirds and, with luck, seals along the shore. A Lysefjord cruise is one of the best-known things to do near Stavanger, and this electric cruise is the most peaceful way to see the fjord from the water.

Preikestolen from the water

Preikestolen, also called Pulpit Rock, is a flat cliff top standing about 600 metres above the Lysefjord. Hundreds of thousands of people hike to it every year, but from the boat you see the whole cliff face and its height in a way that the hikers on top cannot. On the cruise it is the main sight, and the boat slows so you have time for photos.

If you are not sure whether to hike or sail, remember that the hike takes several hours and is steep in places, while this cruise needs no effort and is fully weather-protected. Many guests do the cruise on a day when the hike is not possible. The audio guide explains the geology and the stories around Pulpit Rock.

On board the electric catamaran

The catamaran has leather seating, panoramic windows, an open sun deck and free Wi-Fi. It is modern, comfortable and warm, which is useful because it can be windy on the fjord even in summer. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy snacks and hot drinks on board.

The return journey follows the same route, so you see the fjord from the other side. The trip lasts about three and a half hours and normally leaves at 11:00, so you can still have the afternoon in Stavanger. The cruise does not include hiking to Preikestolen, but it is an easy alternative for families and older travellers.