The Lysefjord at a glance
The Lysefjord is best known for two rock viewpoints high above the water. One is the Preikestolen, which has its own page in this guide. The other is the Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged in a mountain cleft about 984 m (3,228 ft) above the fjord. This page covers the Kjerag hike, the ferries on the fjord and the practical side of getting to the trailhead.
The key point is that the ferry and the hike are separate problems. A ferry takes you to Lysebotn at the head of the fjord. It does not take you to the start of the Kjerag trail. Plan that last stretch before you book anything.
The Kjerag hike
The trail starts at Øygardstøl and covers 11 km (6.8 mi) round trip with 750 m (2,460 ft) of ascent. The local operator of the site gives 5 to 6 hours. There are no toilets along the trail, only at the start, so use them before you set off.
The access road, parking and information point are normally open from late May to mid-October. Outside that period the road status is not something to assume, so check before you drive up. Our guide to the Preikestolen hike covers the other famous viewpoint, and the Trolltunga hike is a far longer day in a different region.
Lysefjord trips and guided hikes
Guided trips on and around the Lysefjord, with live prices and availability.
Ferries on the Lysefjord
Two kinds of ferry serve the fjord, and they are not interchangeable. Check which one you are looking at.
| Type | Route | Duration | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist car ferry | Lauvvik to Lysebotn | 2 hours 25 minutes | May 15 to September 30 |
| Local ferry | Local service on the fjord | 1 hour 30 minutes | Year-round |
Not every departure carries cars. If you travel with a vehicle, confirm that your crossing takes cars and book ahead. The short crossing from Lauvvik to Oanes is listed as 10 minutes in one place and 15 in another, and it is a different trip from the run through the whole fjord.
A regional timetable planner lists local ferry fares of NOK 83 for adults and NOK 42 for children aged 6 to 17. A car in the 6 m (20 ft) category is listed at NOK 283 and a motorcycle at NOK 135. The planner does not define the fare period or the length limit clearly, so confirm the fare with the carrier when you book. Advance booking is needed for a guaranteed stop and for taking a vehicle.
Winter timetable and foot-passenger piers
The local ferry has a published winter timetable for October 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Departures differ by weekday, and advance booking is advised, so do not assume the same sailings every day.
Five piers have no road: Revså, Bratteli, Bakken, Kallali and Håheller. They take foot passengers only, with no car access. Bus connections to the ferries are limited, so check the return trip separately before you commit to a one-way plan.
If you arrive or leave by ferry, the operator recommends staying a night before or after the hike. A local shuttle is available for the last stretch, but the ferry itself ends at the village.
Parking at Kjerag
A car parks free for under 2 hours and pays NOK 300 for longer stays. A motorcycle pays NOK 100 for longer than 2 hours. Given the 5 to 6 hour hike, plan on the NOK 300 rate. Camping and sleeping in a vehicle at the car park are not allowed.
The operator gives 113 as the emergency number for the site. Bring water and food for the whole hike, and use the toilets at the start.
Nordfjord and its glaciers are a different region, covered by the Stryn guide. The best time to visit the fjords page helps with timing, and the start page links all the other fjords.
Lysefjord: frequently asked questions
How long is the Kjerag hike?
It is 11 km (6.8 mi) round trip with 750 m (2,460 ft) of ascent. The local operator gives 5 to 6 hours, and the trail starts at Øygardstøl.
Does the ferry take me to the Kjerag trailhead?
No. The ferry ends in Lysebotn, and Øygardstøl is 7.5 km (4.7 mi) further on. A local shuttle is available for that stretch. The operator recommends an overnight stay before or after the hike if you come by ferry.
When is the road to Kjerag open?
The road, car park and information point are normally open from late May to mid-October. Check the road status before you go if you plan to visit near the edges of that period.
How much does Kjerag parking cost?
A car parks free for under 2 hours and costs NOK 300 beyond that. A motorcycle costs NOK 100 beyond 2 hours. You cannot camp or sleep in your vehicle there.
What is the difference between the two ferries?
The tourist car ferry from Lauvvik to Lysebotn takes 2 hours 25 minutes and runs from May 15 to September 30. The year-round local ferry takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Not all departures carry cars.
Are there toilets on the Kjerag trail?
No. There are toilets only at the start, so use them before you set off.