FjordEvents · Stavanger harbour
A fast rigid inflatable boat takes twelve passengers from Stavanger's harbour into the Lysefjord, under Pulpit Rock to the Hengjanefossen waterfall and back in two hours. Pick it for the speed and the cliffs from water level, not for Kjerag: it turns about halfway up the fjord.
We include this one because people search for a boat to Kjerag, and this isn't it. FjordEvents runs a 2-hour RIB safari from Strandkaien, the quay in central Stavanger, 5 to 10 minutes on foot from the cruise terminal. You get a warm marine suit and a dry bag, then the boat runs out past the islands and across the Høgsfjord into the Lysefjord.
Inside the fjord it stops at Fantahålå, a cave in the cliff, below Preikestolen and at the Hengjanefossen waterfall, about five minutes each, with commentary from the skipper. Hengjanefossen is roughly halfway up the 42 km fjord. Kjerag stands at the far end above Lysebotn, and like every sightseeing boat from Stavanger, this one turns back long before. You couldn't see the boulder from the water anyway: it sits in a cleft near the top of a wall about 1,000 m high.
Judged as what it is, it's excellent: 4.9 from 799 reviews, more than any other tour on this site. The from-price is $150, and it was on sale at about $127 when we checked. It's bumpy in a chop and not for anyone with back problems or who is pregnant, and the minimum age is 6. On a rest day after Kjerag, it's a fine way to see Pulpit Rock without climbing it.
At Strandkaien 34, the small red wooden house on the quay. Suits and dry bags are handed out here.
Out through the harbour and the islands, then across the Høgsfjord at speed.
A cave in the fjord wall, where the boat noses in close.
Pulpit Rock seen from the water, 604 m overhead.
The turning point: a tall waterfall pouring down the cliff. Then the fast run back to Stavanger.
★★★★★Very windy day when we took off with Luna our guide and 4 others. Ride to the viewing areas was a bit rough with the choppy water but Luna (and the 80's pop music) made the time go quickly. Up close and personal views of the fjord, waterfalls, and Pulpit Rock made the bumpy ride well worth it.
★★★★★The experience was a lot of fun and our guide Aleksander was awesome. Saw a seal and the view of pulpit rock from below was cool because it looks massive when hiking it but not as much from below.
★★★★★Our Rib boat tour was amazing! We had the best time and the fjord views were fantastic! Our boat driver, Simon, was the best! They take care of everything in terms of outerwear [...]
★★★★★Excellent trip. Our skipper was very knowledgeable and looked after us. Played music when we were travelling fast which added to the fun.
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No. It turns at the Hengjanefossen waterfall, about halfway up the fjord. Kjerag is at the far end, above Lysebotn, and no sightseeing boat from Stavanger goes that far. Only the summer car ferry and the Kolumbus boats from Lauvvik sail to Lysebotn, and even from them the boulder can't be seen.
From the small red wooden house at Strandkaien 34 in central Stavanger. Be there 30 minutes before departure. It's 5 to 10 minutes on foot from the cruise terminal.
From age 6. Children under 14 must be with an adult, and the child rate runs to 15. It's a bumpy ride in rough water, so judge your child's mood on the day.
A little. Everyone wears a warm marine suit and gets a dry bag for phones and cameras. Guests on windy days describe a rough, splashy ride out and calm water under the cliffs.
Ready to book
Two fast hours on the Lysefjord below Pulpit Rock to the Hengjanefossen waterfall, warm suits included.
Lysefjord & Pulpit Rock Cruise by Hybrid BoatNo hiking: a quiet hybrid boat under Pulpit Rock to Hengjanefossen, wheelchair accessible, with a café on board.★ 4.8 · 3.5 hours · from $92
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