Brim Explorer · Stavanger harbour
Brim Explorer's quiet hybrid catamaran leaves the Stavanger quay for three and a half hours on the Lysefjord, under Pulpit Rock to the Hengjanefossen waterfall. Pick it for a day with no hiking at all, or for travel partners who won't do the climb: it's wheelchair accessible, with an indoor cabin.
Brim Explorer sails a hybrid-electric catamaran, and the selling point is quiet. A guest put it plainly: "As promised, there was no noise once we were inside the fjord." You board at Strandkaien in central Stavanger, at the pier by the tourist information and a few minutes from the cruise terminal. On board there are wide outdoor decks, an indoor cabin, Wi-Fi, a toilet and a café selling snacks and drinks.
The route is the classic one: about 45 minutes out of Stavanger, an hour into the Lysefjord, then three stops of about 15 minutes each at Fantahålå (a cave in the cliff), below Preikestolen and at the Hengjanefossen waterfall, where the boat noses in close. Then an hour back. One guest watched the crew feed the mountain goats on the shore.
What it is not: a way to Kjerag. Hengjanefossen is about halfway up the fjord; Kjerag is at the far end above Lysebotn, with the boulder hidden in a cleft near the top of the wall. Go for the fjord itself. Reviews add two caveats: right under Preikestolen you are looking straight up, and low cloud can hide the rock completely. At $92 it's the cheapest way onto the Lysefjord on this site.
Meet at the pier just before the Stavanger tourist information.
Past the islands towards the mouth of the fjord.
The quiet stretch between steep granite walls.
Fantahålå, Preikestolen and Hengjanefossen, about 15 minutes at each.
The return to Strandkaien, 3.5 hours after departure.
★★★★★Cozy but flexible way to see the lysefjord- went with teens, husband and 83 yo grandma. Very flexible for comfort and viewing. Could go outside or stay inside as desired. Lovely modern and well maintained ship. Hot chocolate (for purchase) was great.
★★★★★Great boat trip with amazing scenery. Super convenient- boarded just steps from the port. The fjord sailing with a closeup at the waterfall was a highlight of our trip.
★★★★★Excellent trip to Lysefjord - it was such a great experience! Very scenic trip, lots of sights to see (including a stop for the crew to feed the mountain goats!) and the crew are fantastic! Definitely take layers as it gets very cold and windy [...]
★★★★★Very modern boat. Left on time. As promised, there was no noise once we were inside the fjord. Wet and windy this time, but quite fun.
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No. It turns at the Hengjanefossen waterfall, about halfway up the Lysefjord. Kjerag is at the far end, above Lysebotn, and the boulder can't be seen from the water. To reach it you hike: see the guided Kjerag hike.
Yes. The listing marks the boat as wheelchair and stroller accessible, and most travellers can take part.
From Strandkaien in central Stavanger, at the pier just before the tourist information. Meet at least 15 minutes before departure.
Yes. A café sells snacks and drinks, hot chocolate included. Lunch is not part of the ticket.
Ready to book
A quiet hybrid boat from the Stavanger harbour below Pulpit Rock to Hengjanefossen, with no hiking at all.
Lysefjord RIB Safari from StavangerTwo fast hours under Pulpit Rock to Hengjanefossen in a 12-seat RIB, warm suits included. It turns well short of Kjerag.★ 4.9 · 2 hours · from $150
Guided Pulpit Rock Hike from StavangerNot Kjerag: the shorter Lysefjord classic, about 8 km and 4 hours on foot to Preikestolen, with a guide and hotel pickup.★ 4.7 · 9 hours · from $182
Guided Kjerag Hike from StavangerThe most-reviewed Kjerag day: hotel pickup at 7:00, a guide on all three chained climbs and eight hikers at most.★ 4.6 · 11 hours · from $214