From Stavanger: Lysefjord Sightseeing RIB Boat Tour

Rogaland

Embark on your adventure to Lysefjorden as you move into the open waters and leave the city astern. Equipped with two four-stroke engines, you’ll skim across the surface at 35 knots, zooming past islets, skerries, and reefs. Close your eyes and focus on the ocean breeze piercing your face or keep them peeled to absorb all the magnificent sights around you. As you race along, you'll see other boats navigating these pristine waters, cozy seaside cabins nestled along the shore, and some sizeable salmon farms. These farms, dotting the coastline, offer a unique insight into the local aquaculture and are a testament to Norway's commitment to sustainable fishing practices.

Lysefjord

The Lysefjord, spanning an impressive 42 kilometers, is a marvel of natural beauty nestled in the heart of Norway. The fjord, carved by glaciers during the last Ice Age, showcases a dramatic landscape where steep mountains, adorned with lush emerald forests and cascading waterfalls, rise sharply from pristine waters. The fjord's name, meaning "light fjord," is derived from the light-colored granite rocks along its sides. World renowned natural formations draw thousands to the fjord every year, including Pulpit Rock, a flat topped cliff offering breathtaking views, and Kjeragbolten, a large stone wedged solidly in a mountain crevasse 1110 meters high. Manmade wonders grace the fjord as well, most famously the 4444 Flørli steps, which is the longest wooden staircase in the world. As you venture through its narrow corridor, you’ll be on the lookout for the bustling wildlife that inhabits the region. On a good day it will be possible to spot seals, porpoises, sea eagles, and more.

Fantahålå

The notorious Vagabond Cave, known locally as ‘Fantahålå’, is a deep hidden recess in the fjord’s mountainside situated high above the water-level reachable only by climbing a steep rockslide. As the name may suggest, this landmark is however not just an arresting natural feature, but also steeped in legend. Your captain will take you right up close to this cave and recount the tale of its significance in the 19th century when it served as a hiding place for vagabonds and wanderers who had drawn the ire of the local sheriff. As the story goes, when the sheriff finally caught up with them and found their hideout, they made him reconsider his visit by pelting him with a hail of rocks. Whatever the bureau was paying him clearly wasn’t enough to deal with that and the vagabonds were left free to cause trouble another day.

Pulpit Rock

Maybe the most famous landmark in all of Norway. Our tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to behold Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) from the most awe-inspiring perspective possible. Rising 604 meters above the crystal-clear waters of the fjord, you’ll be amazed by the sheer size and scale of this towering cliff face. From the sea, you'll also be able to see the intricate details of the cliff, including its distinctive angular layers of rock that date back to its formation in the last ice age, 10 000 years ago, when a glacier broke off parts of the mountainside. From its discovery and treacherous first ascent by Thomas Peter Randulf, over a hundred years ago, to its descent by one Henry Cavill by way of Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible: Fallout; from daring climbers who scaled its precipice to Nepalese Sherpas who tamed the trail and made the summit accessible to all, our captain will lead you on a voyage through time of the rock’s special place in Norwegian history and culture.

As we approach Hengjanefossen, you'll feel the power of nature in all its glory. This waterfall, also known as ‘Whisky Falls’, stands 75m tall and is unique in that it's not a single, uniform cascade. Instead, it's a complex system of streams and falls that weave together to create a truly mesmerizing sight. As the water pours down the cliff face, it creates a mist that shrouds the mountainside in an ethereal haze. Your captain will take you right up to the base of the falls, giving you a perspective few people ever get to experience. You can even grab a drink if you're up for it, the runoff is crystal clear, though sadly not as potent as the nickname may suggest. This playful moniker actually harks back to a bygone era, a nod to a moonshine distillery that once operated in its vicinity, run by a German fellow named Heinrich Mohr.