Lysefjord

Lysefjord is a fjord in Rogaland county, southwestern Norway. It extends about 42 kilometers inland from the Skagerrak coast near Stavanger to the inner area around Lysebotn. The fjord was carved by glacial ice during the last Ice Age, and its walls rise steeply from the water, forming a dramatic landscape of exposed granite cliffs. At its deepest points the water penetrates several hundred meters below the surface.

The inner part of the fjord is relatively narrow and deep, with several side valleys feeding into it. The area is known for its dramatic scenery and is a major tourist destination. The best known landmark is Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, a flat-topped cliff that stands about 604 meters above the fjord and overlooks the water. Another notable feature is the Kjerag plateau further up the fjord, home to the Kjeragbolten boulder wedged in a narrow crevasse, a popular photo opportunity for hikers.

Access to the inner fjord is possible by road to Lysebotn and by boat from Stavanger, with regular ferry or sightseeing cruise services. The surrounding terrain supports hiking, climbing, and boat tourism, and the region contains several small settlements, most notably Forsand and Lysebotn itself.