Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger: the basics
A Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger is a return boat trip into the fjord. Ships leave from Strandkaien in the harbour and head east between steep rock walls. The cliff of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is seen from below, because a boat does not reach the plateau. Waterfalls and coastal stops depend on the route and the conditions on the day.
If you want the plateau itself, you walk up on another day or book a guided hike. Read more in the Preikestolen overview.
Our picks: fjord cruises from Stavanger
All three leave from Stavanger and show Preikestolen from the water, without the climb. The 2.5-hour catamaran names Ådnøy, Fantahålå and the Whisky Waterfall, while the electric catamaran and the hybrid ship are the longer trips with Wi-Fi on board.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Fjord cruise on an electric catamaran
- Round-trip fjord cruise
- Audio guide
- Sun deck access
A round trip on an electric catamaran with panoramic windows and free Wi-Fi on board.
Check availability →
Catamaran cruise past Preikestolen
- Close-up view of Preikestolen
- Ådnøy and Fantahålå
- Whisky Waterfall
A cruise that looks up at Preikestolen from the water instead of climbing to the plateau.
Check availability →
Hybrid ship cruise on the Lysefjord
- Visit to Preikestolen
- Whisky Waterfall
- Wi-Fi and tap water
A hybrid ship trip that shows Preikestolen from the water, without the climb to the top.
Check availability →Lysefjord cruises from Stavanger
Catamaran, electric and hybrid ships into the fjord, with live prices and availability.
Lysefjord cruise and Pulpit Rock
What the ship shows you of the cliff.
Every cruise on this page passes below the Preikestolen cliff, and a pulpit rock cruise is a view from the water, not a walk. Depending on the ship, the route passes Preikestolen, Ådnøy and Fantahålå. Fantahålå is a coastal cave, and you see it from the boat, not on a hiking trail.
A cruise suits visitors who want to see the fjord without a climb. It also works on a day when the weather makes the hike less attractive. See the tours page to compare it with RIB boats and guided hikes.
Stavanger fjord cruise: the ships compared
Length and onboard details by ship type.
| Ship type | Length | On board |
|---|---|---|
| Electric catamaran | 3.5 hours | Panoramic windows, sun deck, Wi-Fi, audio guide |
| Modern catamaran | 2.5 hours | Close-up view of Preikestolen, Ådnøy and Fantahålå |
| Hybrid ship | 3.5 hours | Passes Preikestolen, Wi-Fi, tap water |
For most visitors, the 2.5-hour catamaran is the shorter option, and the 3.5-hour ships give you more time on the water. All meet in the Strandkaien area, and none includes hotel pick-up or a hike.
Electric or hybrid ship
A quieter way into the fjord.
Some ships run on electric or hybrid power. The electric catamaran has panoramic windows, a sun deck, free Wi-Fi and an audio guide, and the hybrid ship has tap water and Wi-Fi. Check the details of your ship before you book.
Boat trips Stavanger Norway: what to know
Practical points before you book.
Meeting point
Most ships leave from Strandkaien in Vågen. For cruise passengers it is a short walk from the cruise terminal. Arrive at the time the offer states.
What is not included
Food and drinks are for sale on board. Parking and hotel pick-up are not part of the cruises on this page.
Clothing
Bring layers and a rain jacket. It is often cooler on the water, and the fjord weather can change. See the best time to visit page for the season.
Combine with a hike
A cruise and a hike on separate days cover both views of Preikestolen. One tour does both in a day with a RIB boat. See guided Pulpit Rock tours and RIB safari.
Fjord cruises elsewhere in Norway, such as Geiranger, are covered by Norwegian Fjords.
Lysefjord cruise: frequently asked questions
How long is a Lysefjord cruise?
Ships run for 2.5 hours or 3.5 hours, depending on the boat.
Does the cruise go up to Pulpit Rock?
No. The ship shows Preikestolen from the water. To stand on the plateau you walk up the trail.
Is food included?
No. Food and drinks are for sale on board.
Where does the cruise leave from?
From the Strandkaien area in Stavanger harbour. Read the meeting point on your offer.
Do the cruises include a hike or hotel pick-up?
No. The cruises are boat trips only. Guided hikes with pick-up are on the guided tours page.