Have you planned a summer holiday or small getaway to Stavanger and the surrounding area? I understand that! Because it is an absolutely fantastic area in the southern part of Norway, which I can warmly recommend to go to if and when you have the opportunity to go to Norway.
The pulpit – or the pulpit – is what attracts many thousands of tourists to Stavanger and the surrounding area every year. That is why Stavanger has almost become synonymous with the Pulpit Rock. I must admit that that particular hike and view was what made me plan a week there in April.
But the area also offers much more than that!
Experiences near Stavanger – what to see?
It probably comes as no surprise that I love hiking and that this is exactly what draws me out into the world. Norway was and is no exception. It was therefore not Stavanger itself that I was drawn to when I planned the trip. It was nature instead.
So what to experience?
The pulpit (pulpit)
The overriding attraction in the area near Stavanger is of course nothing less than the Pulpit Rock. After Mission: Impossible with Tom Cruise, it has become one of the biggest influx pieces in Norway. And you can feel it for better or worse.
The pulpit is located on the other side of Stavanger and the world’s longest underwater tunnel, the Ryfylke tunnel. From here it takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the parking lot at the foot of the hiking trail to the Pulpit Rock by car. There is not much space on the way there – but it is very scenic and telling for the landscape that you can enjoy all the way up to the Pulpit Rock.
It costs 250 kroner in parking.
I would like to state that you must be in good shape to take the trip up to the Pulpit Rock. Although it is a walking route that is very treaded and where there are stairs of stone and much more, there is a good climb. If you are therefore not used to hiking or walking far, it will be a bit hard Therefore remember a good packed lunch and water bottle (can be refilled along the way from natural sources).
It is a hike that takes 1.5 – 3 hours one way depending on how fit you are.
But the number of tourists certainly has something to say as well. I was there at the end of April where the trail has just become snow free. Therefore, I could enjoy the trip up there with a limited number of tourists (and had it to myself for half an hour from 16-16.30). Based on reports from locals and other tourists, I would not recommend taking the hike in high season . For it simply becomes too much and too dangerous with the bottlenecks that arise.
And no! You can not drive up there. Unfortunately, there are many who mistakenly believe
That said, it’s a great experience with an absolutely stunning view. Then you can leave early in the morning or late in the afternoon, a really good experience awaits you!
Tysdalsvatnet
Would you like to try the experience of walking along a Norwegian fjord? You get it at Tysdalsvatnet! It is in my eyes a slightly overlooked gem, which is clearly in the shadow of the Pulpit Rock and Stavanger. Tysdalsvatnet actually turned out to be one of the biggest and best experiences on my 7 day holiday with my parents. Because it was unexpected that it was so beautiful.
I usually do not do much research when I travel. I do this to be surprised and let unexpected experiences come to. One such was Tysdalsvatnet. My parents and I did not know exactly what we wanted – and when the road to Lysebotn was closed – I selected a slightly random lake on the map.
It turned out to be a really good idea when we arrived at what used to be a main road, Riksvei 13, but which has now been closed on parts of the stretch and replaced with the Svotunnelen. The road runs along Tysdalsvatnet and offers some absolutely fantastic views in quiet surroundings. We had it all to ourselves and only met a couple when we were on our way back to the car again.
It is possible for pedestrians and cyclists to travel on the road. It was closed in its time due to the danger of landslides – and we also met the result of them along the way.
My impression is clear that it is limited how many tourists find their way to the lake. Because there is only a small parking space. If you therefore want a more authentic experience, it can definitely be recommended (and then it’s free!).
Drive around without a goal in mind
If there is one thing I have learned on my total 3 week road trip in Norway, it is that the best experiences come when you just drive around without any purpose or expectations. I also chose to do the same with my parents on a cloudless and quiet evening. We wanted to chase the sunset. And how glad I am that we did!
Not far from Jørpeland we passed small settlements and lakes and ended up finding a stop with the most beautiful view. I have no idea where it was, but the view was not to be mistaken
Not long after, we came to a place with small fishermen’s houses and boats with the most beautiful mirror-shiny water. The colors had become more pink and purple – perfect for the camera. It’s been a long time since I’ve experienced such a beautiful sunset. So it can actually also be done in otherwise rainy Norway.
