Norway · STAVANGER TOURS

The 15 Best Stavanger Days and Lysefjord Trips

50 tours  ·  from $16

Stavanger exists for two things: the Pulpit Rock above Lysefjord, and the boats that run underneath it. These 15 compare the hikes, the cruises and the RIB runs on price, duration and how much walking each one really involves.

Stavanger: Scenic Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Preikestolen - Fantahålå and the story behind Vagabond’s Cave
Cruises & Boat Tours, Fjord Cruises, Pulpit Rock Hikes, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Stavanger: Scenic Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Preikestolen

1.Scenic Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Preikestolen

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 5,791 reviews · from $82Our pick

Sail from Stavanger’s Strandkaien on a quiet electric catamaran through Lysefjord. You’ll pause at Fantahålå, look up at 604-meter Preikestolen, and feel spray from Hengjanefossen. The boat has panoramic windows, leather seats, sun decks, Wi-Fi, an audio guide in English and Norwegian, and a small kiosk.

“Very nice experience nice boat and staff. Well worth the money and had lot of time for photos to be taken at the main points of interest”

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Stavanger: Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock - Finding the boat at Strandkaien
Cruises & Boat Tours, Fjord Cruises, Pulpit Rock Hikes, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Stavanger: Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock

2.Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,357 reviews · 2.5 hours · from $89

From Stavanger’s Strandkaien, you’ll cruise into Lysefjord aboard a comfortable Helgøy Skyssbåt, with an English-speaking guide or multilingual audio guide. Expect close views of Preikestolen, Ådnøy, Fantahålå, Hengjanefossen, and the Whiskey Waterfall. The boat has indoor seating, outdoor viewing areas, toilets, refreshments, and wheelchair access.

“Very good overall. Beautiful close ups of the various sights”

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From Stavanger: RIB Tour to Lysefjord - Thirty minutes of speed before Lysefjord
RIB Boat Tours, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Stavanger: RIB Tour to Lysefjord

3.RIB Tour to Lysefjord

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 1,288 reviews · 2 hours · from $131

Join FjordEvents for a two-hour RIB ride from Stavanger into Lysefjord. After a safety briefing, your English-speaking skipper, possibly Simon, Gian, Alex, Eirik or Axel, takes you beneath Preikestolen, past Vagabond Cave and Whisky Falls. Warm suits, gloves, goggles and lifejackets are supplied, but expect a bumpy, windy ride.

“Stunning scenery while enjoying a very fun ride. Exhilarating and absolutely beautiful. Well-organized and close to the cruise pier. Would highly recommend this tour and company.”

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From Stavanger: Lysefjord Sightseeing RIB Boat Tour - Fantahala and the stories behind the cliffs
Cruises & Boat Tours, RIB Boat Tours, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Stavanger: Lysefjord Sightseeing RIB Boat Tour

4.Lysefjord Sightseeing RIB Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 821 reviews · from $136

Set out from Stavanger’s harbor in a RIB boat for a two-hour guided trip through Lysefjord. You’ll pass Pulpit Rock, Fantahala, Vagabond Cave, and Hengjanefossen waterfall while your English or Norwegian guide shares local stories. Stig is one guide praised for his warm presentation. Dry suits, gloves, goggles, and lifejackets help keep you warm.

“Excelente activity, We Really enjoyed it. Thank you so much for everything!!! I’ll definitely do it again if we are ever back in Stavanger.”

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Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavanger - Islands, fish farms, and the approach to Lysefjord
RIB Boat Tours, Safari, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavanger

5.Lysefjord RIB Safari from Stavanger

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 665 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $134Top rated

Take a two-hour English-language RIB safari from Stavanger into Lysefjord. Your captain, often including Aksel, Alex, Ola, or Eirik, pilots a small boat past islands, fish farms, Fantahålå, Pulpit Rock, and Whiskey Falls. Thermal dry suits, goggles, and dry bags help you stay warm and dry while the boat delivers a lively ride.

“It is a really fun way to see the fjord; the pilot.guide was amazing. We saw seals and went very close to a waterfall and had a great view or Pulpit Rock”

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Guided hike to Pulpit Rock Preikestolen - What makes the summit worth the work
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Stavanger, Pulpit Rock Hikes, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Guided hike to Pulpit Rock Preikestolen

6.Guided hike to Pulpit Rock Preikestolen

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 390 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $149

Start early in Stavanger, cross the fjord, and hike with a guide to Preikestolen, Norway’s famous cliff above Lysefjorden. Groups are capped at eight, with hotel pickup, transport, and drop-off included. Guides such as Erle, Ola, Toa, and Marius have been praised for patient pacing, local stories, route choices, and taking summit photos.

“Our guide from Argentina is a very nice guy. He is knowledgeable and patient to allow everyone in the small group to catch up. He also took some beautiful pictures for us. The tour experience was very exciting and rewarding. This is our high point in Stavanger!”

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Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock RIB-Safari from Stavanger - Leaving the city at 35 knots
Pulpit Rock Hikes, RIB Boat Tours, Safari, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock RIB-Safari from Stavanger

7.Lysefjorden & Pulpit Rock RIB-Safari from Stavanger

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 374 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $149

Join Stavanger RIB for a two-hour ride from Strandkaien into Lysefjord. Your captain, possibly Daniel, Christien, or Sean, handles the route and stories while you see Pulpit Rock, Fantahålå, and Hengjanefossen waterfall. The 12-person boat comes with a floatation suit, life jacket, goggles, and gloves, making this a brisk but well-protected way to see the fjord.

“As other people say, it will be a highlight of your trip. Price seems hi but is worth it. What stands out though is customer service by both the tour provider and by Viator. Really.”

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From Stavanger: Pulpit Rock Guided Hike with Pickup - From Stavanger through the Ryfast Tunnel
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Stavanger, Pulpit Rock Hikes, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

From Stavanger: Pulpit Rock Guided Hike with Pickup

8.Pulpit Rock Guided Hike with Pickup

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 294 reviews · 7 hours · from $145

Join Get Guided Norway for a seven-hour Pulpit Rock hike from Stavanger. Guides such as Ivan, Rasmus, Theo, and Alexander lead small groups of up to eight along the main or quieter old trail, with hotel pickup, a Norwegian snack, and time above Lysefjorden.

“Alexander is a great guide and the tour was really fantastic!! He told us different stories so the tour was very good! The transfer was perfect! It was enough time to make photos! Perfect trip!! Thank you Alexander!!”

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Stavanger: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Hike with Local Guide - The first climb from 270 meters above sea level
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Stavanger, Pulpit Rock Hikes, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Stavanger: Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Hike with Local Guide

9.Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Hike with Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 279 reviews · 6 hours · from $167

Join local guides such as Tore, Mats, or Stein for a six-hour Preikestolen hike from Stavanger. A comfortable bus takes you through the world’s deepest subsea tunnel to the trailhead, where you’ll climb rocky paths, cross streams, and reach the famous Pulpit Rock. Snacks are included, but bring water, food, warm layers, and proper hiking shoes.

“This was a magnificent day, were picked up at the cruise terminal by our guide Tore in his Mercedes Benz mini bus, transported to pulpit rock (approx 40 mins) then we were given a brief safety guide, and he also checked with the harbour master when the cruise ships were departing so he could guarantee to have you back in time. The hike up pulpit rock was very nice but it was very busy with people passing both ways. Tore was always on hand and let people do it at their own pace not as a group if reqd. We chatted with him a few times, his knowledge and experience…”

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Stavanger: Guided Kayaking in Lysefjord - From Nordic Paddling’s container to the water
Canoes & Kayaks, Guided, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Stavanger: Guided Kayaking in Lysefjord

10.Guided Kayaking in Lysefjord

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 200 reviews · 3 hours · from $145

Paddle Lysefjord with Nordic Paddling for 2.5 hours after a short safety briefing. Your English or Norwegian-speaking guide teaches basic strokes, leads you past granite gorges, waterfalls, Vagabonds Cave, and Refsa dock, and may help you spot seals. Stable kayaks, paddles, splash gear, and buoyancy aids are included.

“it was just fantastic. They love what they do there so we were out for hours. was knackering at times due to the weather but this was brilliant fun and appropriately priced.”

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Stavanger: Preikestolen Classic Hike and Side Trail - From Stavanger to the trailhead
Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Stavanger, Pulpit Rock Hikes, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Stavanger: Preikestolen Classic Hike and Side Trail

11.Preikestolen Classic Hike and Side Trail

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 180 reviews · 8 hours · from $140

Travel from Stavanger to Preikestolen with a small group of up to eight people and a local guide such as Allan, Erlend, Stephan, or Cristian. After a 40-minute drive, hike for about 2.5 hours to the 604-meter cliff, using a quieter side trail when conditions allow. Expect changing weather, photo stops, a snack, and hot berry juice.

“Yesterday, I went on a hiking tour to Preikestolen, and it was absolutely incredible! I've dreamed of visiting the Norwegian fjords since I was a child, and my dream finally came true. Although I booked a group tour, I ended up being the only participant, which I was actually very happy about. A huge thank you to the company for not canceling my tour. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my guide, Erlend Berne. We spent five amazing hours talking about all kinds of topics. He made the hike much easier, showed me the best photo spots, and even took some fantastic pictures of me. Plus, he…”

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Stavanger: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour - Old Stavanger and the cathedral
City Tours, Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Sightseeing Bus Tours, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Stavanger: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

12.City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 174 reviews · 1 day · from $51

Use Stavanger’s open-top double-decker bus for a one-day city overview. Start at Strandkaien Cruise Terminal or join at another stop, then hop off for the cathedral, Petroleum Museum, Stavanger Museum, Museum of Art, and Ledaal Royal Residence. Audio commentary comes in eight languages, with headphones and WiFi included. Attraction admission is extra.

“The Hop On Hop Off bus was excellent. The only feedback is that we were in Stavanger for the day on a cruise ship with 3500 passengers and the buses weren’t frequent enough. We prepaid our tickets with the expectation not to have to join a queue behind people paying on the day and had to wait 1/2 hour for next bus to depart. Maybe frequency should have been every 15 minutes”

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Guided hike to Kjerag and Kjeragbolten - Starting the Kjerag trail
Guided, Hiking & Trekking, Hiking Tours in Stavanger, Kjerag Hikes, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Guided hike to Kjerag and Kjeragbolten

13.Guided hike to Kjerag and Kjeragbolten

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 166 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $182

Leave Stavanger at 7:00 am for an 11-hour guided hike to Kjeragbolten. A guide such as Teo, Sean, Helga, or Kenth leads a group of up to eight through steep rock, chains, changing weather, and grand Lysefjord views. Hotel and Airbnb pickup, private transport, and photo help are included.

“This is a must do tour if you're in Stavanger! My guide, Sean, was funny and incredibly insightful while articulating Norwegian customs, the mountain code, allemannsretten, and much more. The hike itself was a good workout and provided some stunning views. Once at the top, the scenery is breathtaking and the lodging of the Kjeragbolten is quite remarkable. This was by far my favorite tour and hike while in Stavanger. I highly recommend it if you're in the area!”

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Stavanger: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass - What the audio guide adds from the upper deck
Hop-On Hop-Off Tours, Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews

Stavanger: 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass

14.24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 146 reviews · from $44

Use a 24-hour Stavanger bus pass from your first boarding. Ride the double-decker route, then hop off for Gamle Stavanger, the Petroleum Museum, Sverd i fjell, museums, the cathedral, and harbor sights. An audio guide is available in seven languages, with Wi-Fi, headsets, city discounts, and wheelchair access included.

“Ok but not that much to see the harbour is the best bit”

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Stavanger: Waterfalls, Caves and Rock Tour By Sea - Entering Lysefjord and finding Vagabond’s Cave
Stavanger Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Waterfall Tours

Stavanger: Waterfalls, Caves and Rock Tour By Sea

15.Waterfalls, Caves and Rock Tour By Sea

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 145 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $143

From Strandkaien, board a comfortable sightseeing boat for a 3.5-hour cruise through Lysefjord. You’ll pass Vagabond’s Cave, Pulpit Rock, waterfalls, islands, salmon farms, and mountain goats, with audio commentary and snacks available onboard. The boat returns to Stavanger, close to the cruise terminal.

“Excellent excursion and boat ride. Staff was great. Excellent communication with tour operator. The sites were awesome! Great view of all sites visited.”

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New in Stavanger Tours

★ 5.0Preikestolen Sunrise Hike And Breakfast BuffetFrom $12827 reviews
★ 5.0Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Lunch and Canoe TripFrom $21220 reviews
★ 5.0Lysefjord Kayak SafariFrom $20322 reviews
★ 5.0Lysefjord Fjord Safari Boat Tour from Forsand (Near Stavanger)From $16011 reviews
★ 4.5The Pulpit Rock Air8 reviews
★ 3.5Discover Sensational Stavanger: Self-Guided Audio TourFrom $157 reviews
★ 5.0Stavanger Kjerag Hike with Guide and TransportationFrom $2539 reviews
★ 4.5Stavanger Private Walking Tour with a LocalFrom $7220 reviews
★ 5.0Kjerag Low-Season Hike + Packed LunchFrom $2023 reviews
★ 5.0Scenic tour to Steinsfjellet, locals at Kringsjå & Rising TideFrom $9948 reviews
★ 4.5Guided winter hike to Pulpit Rock PreikestolenFrom $14923 reviews
★ 5.0Guided sunrise hike to Pulpit Rock PreikestolenFrom $16020 reviews
★ 5.0Guided hike to Florli 4,444 stepsFrom $2205 reviews
★ 5.0Stavanger Private Safari and Fishing’s8 reviews
★ 5.0Boat Cruise to Lysefjorden and The Pulpit Rock, Fixed tour price6 reviews

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