Having hiked to Pulpit Rock multiple times, I felt it was time to experience it from a different angle by taking a fjord cruise to Lysefjorden.
Initially, we had opted against seeing the iconic rock formation from a boat. After all, having stood on the plateau several times, why not appreciate it from the ground? However, we discovered that the view from below was entirely different—in a wonderful way.
We departed from downtown Stavanger, which was a convenient location. During the pandemic, several changes were made—surprisingly for the better. There were fewer people on the boat, enhanced cleaning procedures, and less overall noise from other vessels. What more could one wish for when visiting one of Norway’s top tourist destinations?
About an hour after leaving Stavanger, we reached Lysefjorden and began visiting several other sights before arriving at Pulpit Rock. Our first stop was Fantehola (known in English as Vagabond’s Cave). This was allegedly a hideout for people avoiding local law enforcement due to unpaid taxes. A steep hill and lots of rocks to throw at the police seemed to be their method of evading capture back in the day.
As we continued along the fjord, Pulpit Rock suddenly came into view. Or did it?
Jørn was convinced that this was Pulpit Rock, although the nearby rocks looked quite different when viewed from the fjord. This confusion was understandable; it turned out it wasn’t the right place at all. Nonetheless, it was an intriguing sight, and we made a note to return and explore this area from above.
Next, we encountered some goats. Yes, it seems that someone had the bright idea of introducing goats to a small grassy slope next to the steep mountains. Feeding them was part of the experience, but as they had just been relocated from winter grazing, they were not accustomed to humans and darted away whenever the staff approached with food. At least we had the chance to see the goats!
Back on the boat, we finally arrived at Pulpit Rock. Having stood on top of it, seeing it from below was a strange and new perspective. The massive plateau appeared much smaller from this vantage point.
The drastically different view from the bottom of the fjord surprised us, reminding us that a location can be experienced in countless ways.
Our final stop was Hengjanefossen, a waterfall cascading into Lysefjorden. We were warned that this could become quite a wet experience as the captain aimed to get us as close to the falls as possible. Thankfully, there wasn’t much water flowing, and we managed to stay dry and warm.
As our journey came to a close, the boat turned around and headed back to Stavanger. In total, the trip lasted slightly over three hours and offered a fantastic way to see both Lysefjorden and Pulpit Rock.
While Pulpit Rock is the trip’s main highlight, Lysefjorden itself is filled with stunning views of towering cliffs, unique rock formations, and the occasional goat. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a seal and enjoy breathtaking mountain views on a sunny day.
Fjord cruises to Lysefjorden depart daily from Stavanger from May to October. During the rest of the year, they run five times a week, ensuring that this trip can be enjoyed year-round.
Interested in hiking to Pulpit Rock? Spending the night atop is highly recommended, offering a chance to wake up to stunning views on clear days.
