Lysefjord from Stavanger: how the day works
Stavanger is the starting point for the fjord cruises, the RIB boat trips and the guided hikes to Preikestolen and Kjerag. The Lysefjord itself lies east of the city, so the first question is always the same: where do you meet, and how long are you away?
The fjord boats leave from the harbour in the center, along Strandkaien and Vågen. A cruise takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours, a RIB trip about 2 hours. Guided hikes are longer, from about 6 hours to a full day.
Our picks: Stavanger and the fjord
The city walk and the minibus loop cover the city, while the speedboat safari from the boathouse shows you Vagabond's cave, Preikestolen and the Whiskey Falls from the water.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Guided Lysefjord speedboat safari
- Vagabond's cave, Pulpit Rock, Whiskey Falls
- Experienced captain
- Floating suit and inflatable life jacket
A guided safari on a brand-new adventure boat, with a floating suit for warmth and safety.
Check availability →
Stavanger highlights by minibus
- Swords in the Rock monument
- Ullandhaug tower viewpoint
- Vintage-car museum with free entry
A minibus loop through the city and countryside, with a stop at a fishing harbour with a beach and WW2 ruins.
Check availability →
Stavanger city walk
- English-speaking guide
- Gamle Stavanger, Vågen and Fargegaten
- Local stories along the way
A short city walk with a flexible meeting point, for example at the cruise terminal. Museum entry costs extra.
Check availability →Lysefjord trips and city tours from Stavanger
Fjord cruises, RIB trips, guided hikes and city walks, with live prices and availability.
Fjord trips that leave from the harbour
What each type involves.
Catamaran, electric and hybrid cruises
These cruises last 2.5 to 3.5 hours and leave from Strandkaien. Several show Preikestolen from the water, with waterfalls on the way. Some pass Fantahålå and Ådnøy. They do not include a hike or a hotel pick-up.
Lysefjord cruise guide →RIB boat trips
A RIB trip lasts about 2 hours. Check-in is at the harbour in front of the Stavanger Maritime Museum or at Strandkaien, depending on the trip. Floating suits and life jackets are provided.
RIB trip guide →Guided Preikestolen hikes
These combine transport with a guided hike. Some start at a hotel or harbour pick-up and some at the cruise terminal, and they take 6 to 7 hours.
Guided Pulpit Rock tours →Stavanger cruise port: a day ashore
For passengers of cruise ships that call at Stavanger.
If your ship stops in Stavanger, the Lysefjord is the main excursion from the port. Keep two things apart: the cruise terminal where your ship docks, and the harbour where the public fjord boats leave. They are not the same place, and a fjord cruise you book yourself does not include a transfer between them.
One guided Preikestolen hike starts at the cruise terminal and includes bus transport. For any trip, compare the length and the return time with your ship's departure, and do not rely on the trip bringing you back before the ship leaves. The easiest fit for a port day is a shorter cruise or a city walk.
Norway has a long fjord coast, and the Lysefjord is the one this site covers in depth. For other fjords, see Norwegian fjord cruises. If you want to combine Stavanger with Bergen, Bergen has its own guide.
City walks and sights in Stavanger
For the hours before or after a fjord trip.
Guided city walk
Guided walks of 2 to 2.5 hours cover the old town and the harbour. Check the meeting point on your booking.
Minibus sights tour
A 2.5-hour minibus trip visits the Sverd i fjell monument and other sights around the city.
Plan the rest
Stavanger is also a base for several days. See where to stay and getting there for airport and bus connections.
More from Stavanger
The trips and practical pages that start here.
Lysefjord from Stavanger: frequently asked questions
Where do the Lysefjord boats leave from in Stavanger?
From the harbour in the center, along Strandkaien and Vågen. RIB trips check in in front of the Maritime Museum or at Strandkaien.
Can I do a Lysefjord trip from the cruise terminal?
One guided Preikestolen hike starts at the cruise terminal. The public fjord boats leave from the harbour, so allow time to get there.
How long does a fjord cruise take?
2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the boat. A RIB trip is about 2 hours.
Are Norway fjords from Stavanger worth it on a short stop?
A cruise or RIB trip fits a short stop better than a hike. Keep a safe margin before your ship departs.
Does a fjord cruise include a hotel pick-up?
Not the fjord cruises. Some guided hikes include pick-up in the city, so check each trip.
Is the cruise terminal the same as the fjord harbour?
No. The terminal where your ship docks and the harbour where the public fjord boats leave are different places, so allow time to get from one to the other.