Wedged between two sheer rock faces more than 3000 feet above the Lysefjord below, Kjeragbolten is a massive glacial boulder that hangs suspended in a high mountain crevice. An iconic landmark that attracts hikers and thrill seekers from around the world, Kjeragbolten promises some of the most dramatic photo opportunities you’re ever likely to see. Located in the Kjerag plateau in Rogaland county, the rocky outcrop overlooks the stunning landscapes of western Norway’s sprawling coastal fjords.
Visitors can hike up through the mountains to stand on Kjeragbolten, perched over the fjord, with nothing but thin air between you and the waters thousands of feet below. As you can imagine, Kjeragbolten is not for the faint hearted, and reaching it involves a fairly demanding hike through the rugged Norwegian alpine terrain. Along the way you’ll scale steep ascents, follow narrow paths along glacially carved cliffs, and enjoy the breath-taking Scandinavian wilderness at its most untamed.
This precarious site is also a world-famous BASE jumping hotspot, as well as a favourite location for free-style climbers and outdoors adrenaline junkies of all stripes. However, despite its fame, Kjeragbolten is never overcrowded so it retains its wild and authentic feel. And so for anyone seeking a unique and adventurous destination, Kjeragbolten ticks every box and more.
How Do You Get To Kjeragbolten, Norway?
Kjeragbolten is located in Rogaland county, in southwestern Norway, overlooking the Lysefjord. And while this is a fairly remote coastal location, it’s quite easy to get to with a bit of forward planning.
International visitors will need to fly into Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL), which has good travel connections to several major cities. The flight to Oslo takes around 2 to 3 hours from London, 2.5 hours from Paris, 2 hours from Amsterdam, and about 8 hours direct from New York. Once you arrive in Oslo, it’s easiest to catch a domestic flight to Stavanger Airport (SVG), which is just a few hours drive from the Kjerag mountain plateau and the Kjeragbolten hiking trail.
Stavanger is an excellent place to base yourself during your Norwegian explorations. The city is within easy reach of Kjeragbolten, as well as countless other awe-inspiring hiking trails and outdoor beauty spots. What’s more, Stavanger has a great selection of accommodation for all budgets, as well as a buzzing cultural scene to immerse yourself in.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Kjeragbolten, Norway?
The ideal time to visit Kjeragbolten is during Norway’s summer season, between June and early September. Outside of Norway’s summer months, the weather can be extremely cold with constant snowfall and high winds. Furthermore, it can often be very dangerous to attempt the hike to Kjeragbolten during the winter due to icy trails, heavy snow, high winds, and rapidly changing weather conditions in the mountains. In fact, the trails at higher elevations are usually officially closed until late spring due to the potential danger to hikers at this time of year.
On the other hand, the summer in Norway is perfect for exploring the fjords, hiking in the mountains, and visiting Kjeragbolten. Temperatures tend to range from around 10 to 18 Degrees Celsius during the day, and the long summer nights are absolutely delightful. July and August sees the longest summer days, with warm weather, lots of sunshine, and explosions of color in the landscape as the wild flowers bloom.
Even so, you should always remember to bring a few extra layers because up in the mountains, even in the summertime, the conditions can change pretty fast. You should also make sure to check the local weather forecast before heading up the mountain to visit Kjeragbolten.
What Is There To Do At Kjeragbolten and Stavanger, Norway?
Join A Guided Full-Day Trip To Kjerabgolten, Norway
This full-day guided hike to the famous Kjerabgolten is an easy way to discover the rugged magic of Norway’s wild fjordlands. Departing from Starvanger, you’ll set off early to drive through the stunning landscape to the trailhead of Kerabgolten at Øygardstøl, or the ‘Eagle’s Nest’.
After arriving, your guide will lead the way as you hike up through the steep, winding mountain passes. The round-trip hike is about 7.5 miles and covers some pretty challenging ground, so you’ll need to be reasonably fit to take on this adventure. Once you emerge on the upper plateau of the ridge you’ll be rewarded by spectacular views of Lysefjord more than 3000 feet below.
And of course, it goes without saying that you’ll also have the chance to climb out onto Kjerabgolten itself! And after soaking in the views, snapping some unforgettable photos, and taking some time to have some food and rest, you’ll start the return journey back down to the valley floor far below.
The full-day trip takes around 11 hours, and includes a pickup and drop off at your hotel in Stavanger hotel. You can find out more, and book your spot on this full-day trip to Kjerabgolten, here.
Get Off the Beaten Path with a Guided Small Group Walking Tour of Stavanger
Founded in the early 1100s, Stavanger provides visitors with a unique combination of historical heritage and an exciting modern cultural scene. As you walk through the city on this guided tour, you’ll learn all about the lesser known tales and legends of the city, stopping off to see many of its favourite attractions.
The tour takes you through winding cobbled streets to visit the Museum of Archeology, the grand Cathedral, the 18th Century wooden house district, and so much more! As you pass by the picturesque coloured houses, overlook the harbor, and learn all about the city’s long-kept secrets, this 2 hour walking tour is a convenient way to find your feet in the ancient Nordic city of Stavanger.
The meeting point for the tour is at the Kielland Statue, in the city center, where the tour also finishes up again. You can find out more about the small group walking tour, and reserve your place on the tour, here.
All Aboard for a Boat Trip From Stavanger to Pulpit Rock and the Whiskey Waterfalls
If you want to experience some of the most beautiful natural surroundings of Stavanger, this 2 hour boat tour is ideal for you. Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll take a ride in a rib motorboat across the Lysefjord to visit Preikestolen, or ‘Pulpit Rock’, a giant natural plateau that reaches out over the waters below. You’ll enjoy close up views of the rock formation from the boat before heading onwards to see the Whiskey Waterfall before having the chance to explore the infamous Vagabond’s Cave.
During the tour your guide will tell you all about the local history of these cliffs and caves – a fascinating heritage that stretches back to the Vikings that once ruled these waters. And to top off the trip, you’ll meet some friendly goats at the end!
This tour departs and returns to Standkaien 34, in Stavanger. You can find out more about the tour, and book your tickets, here.
Take a Mini-Bus Tour of Stavanger and the Surrounding Countryside
This multistop tour begins in the center of Stavanger, and then heads out towards the Old Town and port before ranging through the surrounding countryside. You’ll cruise through traditional Norwegian villages, stop at sandy beaches to stretch your legs, and see some of the country’s most famous monuments, including the ‘Swords of the Rock’ monument, built in memory of the nation’s Viking heritage.
You’ll also visit a 10th Century church, a vintage car museum, explore a traditional fishing harbor and the ruins of a WWII fort. Another highlight of this day trip is stopping at the Ullandhaugstårnet, a breath-taking view point that gives you a 360 degree panoramic view over Stavanger and the local fjords.
With a little bit of everything, this tour is one of the best ways to see many of the top sites and attractions in and around Stavanger. What’s more, the small minivan allows you to go places that the larger hop on/hop off bus tours can’t reach, and with your multilingual guide on board you’ll learn all about the history and heritage of this enchanting Norwegian region.
You can find out more about the tour, and book your tickets, here.
Stay at the Chic Hotel Victoria in Stavanger
Situated on the cobbled streets of historic Stavanger harbor, the Hotel Victoria offers guests a taste of old Norwegian elegance and charm. With a fantastic central location for exploring the city and free bike hire available, the Hotel Victoria is just a stone’s throw from numerous restaurants, bars, and shops. The hotel’s warm atmosphere and friendly staff are complemented by the hotel’s excellent amenities including high speed internet, a free breakfast, and its on-site bar, the Salon du Nord, and restaurant, the Brasseria Pigalle.
There’s a good selection of rooms on offer, with ocean views, city views, family rooms and a bridal suite to choose from. Each room has an en-suite with a walk-in shower, cable and satellite TV, black out curtains and tea and coffee making facilities.
You can find out more about the Hotel Victoria in central Stavanger, and reserve your room, here.
