If you have a day to spare and want to experience something truly special outside the city, we recommend one of these five fantastic excursions. Here, adventures await for nature lovers, families with children, and active travellers alike!
Preikestolen – the iconic view over Lysefjorden
Just an hour’s drive from Stavanger lies one of Norway’s most famous natural landmarks: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock). This 604-metre cliff towers above Lysefjorden and offers a breathtaking view – even for the most seasoned travellers. The hike takes around two hours each way, and while it requires a moderate level of fitness, the trail is well-maintained and suitable for most. Remember good footwear, water, and your camera – the view at the top is a memory for life!
Read more about the hike to Preikestolen here.
Foto: Fjord Norway / Paul Edmundson
Lysefjorden – peaceful power in dramatic nature
For a more relaxed nature experience, hop aboard an electric sightseeing boat and discover Lysefjorden from the water. Departures from Stavanger run daily during the high season, and the trip lasts around 3–4 hours. You’ll pass by Preikestolen, dramatic cliffs and idyllic waterfalls – a fantastic way to see the wild Norwegian landscape without hiking boots.
Read more about Lysefjorden – one of Norway’s most beautiful fjords – here.
Foto: Visit Ryfylke
Kjeragbolten – an adventure for the brave
More experienced hikers can challenge themselves with a hike to Kjeragbolten – a famous boulder wedged between two cliff walls, 984 metres above the fjord. The hike starts from Øygardstøl, around 2.5 hours’ drive from Stavanger, and the hike itself takes 6–8 hours return. It’s demanding, but the reward is great: both the view and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of standing (if you dare!) on the boulder itself. Best suited for those in good shape with mountain hiking experience.
Read more about the Kjeragbolten hike here.
Foto: Sven Erik Knoff_FotoKnoff / Region Stavanger
Cycling around Lysefjorden – nature at your own pace
If you love being active on two wheels, a cycling tour around Lysefjorden is a great choice. The full route is about 250 km and passes through mountains, forests, and small villages – but you can easily choose shorter sections to suit your time and fitness level. Expect some climbs, stunning viewpoints, and plenty of options for accommodation and good food along the way. A great way to combine nature with physical activity.
Foto: Visit Ryfylke
Magma UNESCO Global Geopark – like landing on the moon
Less than two hours’ drive from Stavanger, Magma Geopark offers a unique geological landscape that feels almost like another planet. Explore rock formations, caves, and streams, and learn how the Ice Age shaped this area over millions of years. Perfect for family outings, with shorter hiking routes and engaging visitor centres that present nature’s power in a fun and educational way.
Eigerøy Lighthouse. Foto: Magma Geopark
Travel with Fjord Line to Stavanger
Want to experience this stunning corner of Norway? Fjord Line is the easiest and most comfortable way to get there. Take the ferry from Hirtshals to Stavanger and enjoy a relaxing crossing with great facilities on board. With your car on the ferry, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace – whether you’re planning hikes, bike rides or scenic drives.
See our offers on ferry crossings with car to Stavanger here.
So what are you waiting for? Pack the car, bring your camera, and get ready to be inspired by Rogaland’s raw and majestic nature. Stavanger and its surroundings are ready to give you memories for life.
