Kjeragbolten – The ultimate hiking experience
The hike to the Kjeragbolten rock is challenging – but if you’re an experienced hiker, the reward is worth the effort. Get our insider tips for the hike here.
After Preikestolen, the hike to the Kjeragbolten rock is the most famous – and fabled – hiking destination at Lysefjorden east of Stavanger in western Norway. The hike to the top of the mountain where the world-famous rock hangs suspended between two cliffs is at the top of many hikers’ lists – not least because the strenuous and challenging hike has naturally limited the number of people who have crossed it off their bucket lists.
The Kjerag mountain reaches a height of no less than 1,084 metres, which makes it the highest peak along the Lysefjord. From the top, you can experience a breath-taking panoramic view of the fjord, mountains and valleys – and maybe see the incredible sight of base jumpers taking off from the mountain plateau to float over the beautiful fjord.
And if you dare, you can go the last few feet out onto the Kjeragbolten rock to experience floating in the air an entire kilometre above the fjord!
Foto: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life AS / Fjord Norway
How to get to Kjeragbolten
If you are bringing your car on your trip to Norway, you can either drive from Stavanger through Sirdal to the starting point of the hike, Øygardsstøl, which takes about 2.5 hours, or take the car ferry from Stavanger to Lysebotn at the head of the Lysefjord (sailing time 2 hours 40 mins) and drive up through 27 incredible (and hair-raising) hairpin turns to Øygardsstøl.
If you have not brought your car or wish to visit Kjerag on a daytrip from Stavanger, you can also reach Øygardsstøl/Kjerag car park by Express Bus or take the express ferry to Lysebotn and a shuttle bus to the car park from there.
Find the best offers for car packages from Hirtshals to Stavanger here.
Parking at the Kjeragbolten hike
When bringing your car to Kjeragbolten, you can park near the trailhead at the parking lot that holds 400 cars. The parking fee is currently NOK 300, and the fee contributes to the upkeep of both the parking lot and the hiking trails to Kjeragbolten.
When you arrive at the parking lot, parking attendants will help you find a suitable spot for your car.
The Kjeragbolten hike
The hike to the top of the majestic Kjerag mountain and nearby Kjeragbolten rock is a challenging hike that is only suitable for experienced hikers.
The hike is 11 kilometres long and takes at least 6 hours roundtrip, with an elevation gain of around 800 metres. Parts of the hike go along steep cliffs where you will need to pull yourself up or slide down along chains, so make sure to only go on the hike if you are in excellent physical condition and have experience hiking in mountains.
Make sure to bring sturdy and sensible clothes and footwear, and be aware that the weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains. If you are in doubt as to which gear you should bring on your Kjeragbolten hike, check out some of the local websites before you go.
All that being said: Take your time to enjoy the hike and the incredible landscape and views that will greet you around every turn! This is indeed the ultimate hiking experience, and not just because your final reward will be to step out onto the Kjeragbolten rock itself in what some call one of the world’s most spectacular hiking experiences.
Foto: Outdoorlife Norway / Fjord Norway
Note: If you are an inexperienced hiker, we recommend that you join one of the guided tours on offer.
Be aware that Kjeragbolten is a seasonal hike that is only open from May to October. Outside the season, the hike is not recommended as weather conditions make it too dangerous.
Camping near Kjeragbolten
If you are bringing your tent, caravan or motorhome on your trip to Kjeragbolten, you can stay the night at Kjerag Lysebotn Camping at the bank of the Lysefjord by Lysebotn.
The campsite is beautifully located with views over the Lysefjord and to the Kjerag mountain massif. It offers electricity, bathroom and shower facilities and a kitchen, as well as the options of booking a cabin or a room in a B&B if you wish to sleep in a bit more comfort after your strenuous hike.
Can’t get enough of the beautiful Lysefjord region?