My father came for a visit over the weekend and the weather really turned it on for him. So we took a cruise along the Lysefjord, a 42 kilometre long fjord named for the light coloured granite mountains towering above the water. We haven’t visited any fjords since our time at Milford Sound in New Zealand at the beginning of last year and it was nice to get out and see the beautiful islands and nature.
Our journey started along the Høgsfjord, where family cabins dominate the coastline.
Fjords are formed by glaciers and the Lysefjord was created during the ice ages, the most recent which was only 10,000 years ago. According to the tour guide, Norway was covered with a 2,000 metre thick layer of ice back then. Since the area was inhabitable, people have fished and hunted in the area and they still enjoy fishing today.
This bridge marked the entrance to Lysefjord.
The captain rang a bell and these goats came running for their meal of sandwiches. They seemed accustomed to these treats.
The star of the show was Pulpit Rock, which towers 604 metres above the fjord. It’s a striking formation, with its flat and square cliff face. We hope to take the two hour hike to the top one day.
Hengjane Waterfall
View from under the Stavanger Bridge on the way back.
Overall this was an enjoyable day out. Catch the Rødne Fjord Cruise from the Skagenkaien in Stavanger town. Price is 400 kr for adults (about €53).
This is not just a blog for travellers. We hope to inspire our readers, whether they’ve visited dozens of countries or barely make it to the next town once a year. We're John and Andrea, a couple of thirty-something travellers and expats. Our travel style is laid-back luxe and we are constantly seeking out the best experiences each destination has to offer. 
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So pretty! I don’t know which fjord I’m going to see in October – not even sure there are cruises at that time of the year. I was thinking near Bergen though. We’ll see!
I’m not familiar with Bergen but I’m sure there are heaps of different fjord cruises – you’re bound to see something beautiful wherever in Norway you go =)
Nice! Lysefjorden is quite famous. Look forward to reading about your hike to Pulpit Rock (and maybe Kjeragbolten as well)? Is you father still in Stavanger? Not sure if I’ve mentioned this before, but there’s a gorgeous restaurant I’m sure he (and you) would enjoy. It’s called Flor & Fjære and is on an island about 20 min by boat from Stavanger. Beautiful exotic flowers all over the place and excellent food.
Ah, he left on Monday – it was just a quick trip, unfortunately. But I’ve heard of Flor & Fjære so I’m glad to hear that you like it too! We’ll definitely have to go there one day.
As for the hiking – we want to check out so many trails around here but I suspect we’ll need a car to get to many of them…working on saving some money for that =)
Beautiful pictures! I did a cruise like this in 2006 before I had a digital camera and I have always wished I had the photos to share with people… such an amazing place
Isn’t it? I can’t wait to see more of Norway!
The goats are pretty! O_O Although I thought they traditionally eat grass…..not sandwiches…
I did too – but I guess it’s not their favourite treat… =)
Such gorgeous pictures! Now I can’t wait to come and visit!!!!
I can’t wait either!! We’ll have to do a road trip…
Holy moses, you are living in (freezing) paradise!
It’s actually warming up – 15C the last couple of days…
Love that picture of the goats! Seems like a boat cruise is the perfect way to see Norway!
This one was only three hours but there are some longer cruises that you can do for several days. I think it’s a great way to see the coastal towns.
What a great way to spend the day! Funny that the goats eat sandwiches
I know – they were loving them! I’m not sure if they were just bread rolls or had filling but either way, it’s bizarre!
Beautiful!
Reminds me of Canada
Me too now that you mention it! =)
That’s an angry waterfall. But everything this place is beautiful. I would love to stand on the Pulpit Rock and just look at everything below it. Amazing shots!
Thanks, Alexa! The tour gimmick was for the staff to collect water from the falls in a bucket to show how fresh and pure it is. The boat went right underneath…
I really want to see Norway for myself. A cruise would be a great way to see it. Love your photos, those goats are adorable!
Thanks, Claire – hope you get to visit one day! =)
I really want to go on a fjord cruise in Norway, and this one looks really incredible!
I’m so glad the weather cooperated for your dad’s visit! It really does look like a great day out.
It was such beautiful weather – now he’ll never understand if we complain about weather in the future, haha
Beautiful! Would love to see the fjords that Norway is so famous for!
I hope we’ll get to see more – so many to look at here! =)
gorgeous shots!! now on my bucket list of places to visit!!!
Thanks so much, Jen! =)
Beautiful photos! I’ve heard great things about Norway’s fjords – love the goats
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