At a Glance
Quick OverviewSuspended 984 metres above Lysefjord, wedged in a crevice between two towering cliffs, Kjeragbolten is one of the world’s most famous natural photo opportunities. This 5-cubic-metre boulder has sat there for thousands of years, placed by retreating glaciers, and now draws adventurers from around the world to stand on its seemingly precarious perch with nothing but 984 metres of air below.
The hike to reach Kjeragbolten is challenging but achievable for fit hikers—11 kilometres of rocky terrain with three significant climbs. The reward? One of Norway’s most iconic photographs and bragging rights that last a lifetime.
The Boulder: What to Expect
Kjeragbolten Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Height above fjord | 984 metres (3,228 feet) |
| Boulder size | ~5 cubic metres |
| Age | ~50,000 years |
| Formation | Glacial deposit |
| Gap width | ~5 metres |
| Boulder width | ~2 metres |
The Experience
When you arrive at Kjeragbolten, you’ll find the boulder wedged between two cliff faces. Getting onto it requires stepping across a small gap from the cliff edge. Once on the boulder, you’re suspended over nearly a kilometre of empty air with Lysefjord gleaming far below.
What it feels like:
- Solid rock underfoot (surprisingly stable)
- Wind can be strong
- No railings—nothing to hold
- Knees may shake from the exposure
- Exhilarating or terrifying (often both)
Trail Overview
Key Statistics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance | 11 km round-trip |
| Elevation gain | 570 m |
| Duration | 5-6 hours |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Season | June - September |
Trail Sections
Section 1: First ascent (0-1.5 km)
- Steep climb from car park
- Chains installed for assistance
- 400m elevation gain
- Challenging but short
Section 2: High plateau traverse (1.5-4 km)
- Relatively flat hiking
- Rocky terrain, some boggy areas
- Beautiful mountain scenery
- Easier section
Section 3: Second and third ascents (4-5.5 km)
- Two more steep climbs with chains
- Final push to Kjerag summit area
- Exposed in places
- Views opening up
Kjeragbolten approach (5.5 km)
- Short walk from trail to boulder
- Clearly marked
- Often a queue in peak season
Best Time to Hike
Monthly Conditions
| Month | Conditions | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| June | Snow possible, cool | Moderate |
| July | Best weather, warmest | High |
| August | Good conditions | High |
| September | Cooler, shorter days | Lower |
Time of Day
Early morning (before 9 AM):
- Fewer people at the boulder
- Shorter photo queues
- Often calmer weather
- Must start by 8 AM or earlier
Midday:
- Peak crowds
- Queues of 30+ people for photos
- Strongest sun for photography
- Busiest trail sections
Afternoon:
- Crowds thinning
- Evening light beautiful
- Risk of running late
- Bring head torch just in case
Getting There
By Car from Stavanger
Route via Lysebotn:
- Distance: ~130 km
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- Route: E39 → RV13 → Lyseveien
The drive:
- Scenic but demanding
- 27 hairpin turns on Lyseveien
- Not for nervous drivers
- Single-lane sections with passing points
By Express Bus
Go Fjords Kjerag Express:
- Departs Stavanger morning
- Returns afternoon
- Includes hiking time
- Book in advance during summer
From Other Locations
From Bergen: 5-6 hours drive From Oslo: 7-8 hours drive From Preikestolen: 1.5 hours drive
Car Park
Øygardsstøl car park:
- Cost: NOK 200-300 (~£15-25)
- Spaces: Limited
- Facilities: Toilets, basic café
- Arrive early to secure spot
What to Bring
Essential Gear
Clothing:
- Layered clothing (weather changes fast)
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm fleece or down layer
- Hat and gloves
- Extra dry socks
Footwear:
- Sturdy hiking boots (essential)
- Broken-in shoes
- Good ankle support
- Grippy soles
Equipment:
- Trekking poles (highly recommended)
- Minimum 2L water
- Lunch and snacks
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- First aid kit
- Fully charged phone
- Map/GPS app (download offline)
For Photography
- Camera (or phone with good camera)
- Extra batteries (cold drains them)
- Wide-angle lens for the boulder shot
- Someone to take your photo!
Safety Guidelines
Before the Hike
- Check weather: Never hike in rain, fog, or wind
- Assess fitness: Be honest—this is challenging
- Start early: Allow plenty of time
- Tell someone: Share your plans
- Check trail reports: Snow possible into June
On the Trail
- Use chains: They’re there for safety
- Watch footing: Wet rock is slippery
- Stay on trail: Terrain is dangerous off-path
- Take breaks: Preserve energy for the return
- Monitor weather: Turn back if it changes
At the Boulder
- Assess conditions: Is it dry? Windy?
- Wait your turn: Don’t rush others
- Step carefully: No running or jumping
- Short visit: Take your photos and move on
- Know your limits: It’s okay to admire from the side
The Photo: Tips for the Perfect Shot
Getting the Shot
Queue etiquette:
- Wait your turn patiently
- Typically 1-5 minute waits (early morning)
- Peak times: 15-30+ minutes wait
- Have camera ready
- Plan your poses in advance
Best poses:
- Classic standing pose
- Arms outstretched
- Sitting on the edge
- Looking down (dramatic!)
- Jumping (experts only—risky)
Photo tips:
- Wide-angle captures scale best
- Have photographer at cliff edge
- Multiple angles look different
- Blue sky background = best contrast
- Morning light is softer
Photographer Position
Your photographer should position themselves on the cliffside viewing area. From there, they can capture:
- The boulder with you on it
- The gap below
- The fjord in the background
- The scale of the drop
Combining with Preikestolen
Two-Day Itinerary
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Preikestolen hike (4 hours) |
| Evening | Stay in Stavanger |
| Day 2 | Kjeragbolten hike (6 hours) |
Comparison
| Aspect | Preikestolen | Kjeragbolten |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 8 km | 11 km |
| Time | 4 hours | 5-6 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate | Challenging |
| Height | 604 m | 984 m |
| The shot | Standing on cliff | Standing on boulder |
| Crowds | Very high | High |
Which First?
Start with Preikestolen if:
- First time hiking in Norway
- Unsure of your fitness level
- Limited time (easier logistics)
Do Kjeragbolten if:
- Experienced hiker
- The boulder photo is your goal
- You want more challenge
Base Camp Options
Staying in Lysebotn
Pros:
- Close to trailhead (10 min)
- Start hiking earliest
- Fewer driving curves
Cons:
- Very limited accommodation
- Remote location
- Less to do
Staying in Stavanger
Pros:
- Full range of hotels
- Restaurants and nightlife
- Easy access to Preikestolen too
- More services
Cons:
- 2.5-hour drive to trailhead
- Winding road
Weather Considerations
Checking Forecasts
Use Yr.no (Norway’s official weather service) to check:
- Precipitation (any rain = postpone)
- Wind speed (>10 m/s = risky on boulder)
- Visibility (fog = difficult navigation)
- Temperature (be prepared for cold)
If Weather Turns
- Turn back—safety first
- The boulder will be there another day
- Don’t risk it for a photo
- Find other activities in the region
Wildlife and Environment
What You Might See
- Eagles: White-tailed sea eagles soar above
- Sheep: Graze on mountain pastures
- Reindeer: Occasionally in the area
- Alpine flowers: Beautiful in July
Leave No Trace
- Pack out all rubbish
- Stay on marked trails
- Don’t disturb wildlife
- Respect vegetation
- Use designated toilets
Physical Preparation
Recommended Training
4-6 weeks before:
- Regular hiking (with elevation)
- Leg strengthening (squats, lunges)
- Cardiovascular fitness
- Practice with loaded rucksack
The week before:
- Light activity only
- Rest your legs
- Hydrate well
- Good sleep
Who Shouldn’t Attempt
- Those with fear of extreme heights
- Poor cardiovascular fitness
- Knee or ankle problems
- Inexperienced hikers (try Preikestolen first)
- Children under 10 (use judgement)
Practical Information
Costs Summary
| Item | Price (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Car park | £15-25 |
| Express bus (round-trip) | £65-80 |
| Guided hike | £80-120 |
Facilities at Trailhead
- Paid car park
- Toilets
- Small café (limited hours)
- Trail information
- No showers or accommodation
Emergency Information
- Emergency number: 113
- Mountain rescue: 51 51 70 00
- Mobile coverage: Patchy—don’t rely on it
- Hjelp 113 app: Shows your GPS to rescuers
Final Thoughts
Kjeragbolten represents bucket-list hiking—a destination that combines challenging terrain, stunning scenery, and one of the world’s most dramatic photo opportunities. The journey is demanding but achievable for fit hikers who respect the mountain and prepare properly. When you finally step onto that boulder, suspended nearly a kilometre above Lysefjord with nothing below you but air, you’ll understand why people travel from around the world for this singular experience.
Just remember: the boulder has been there for 50,000 years, and it will wait for good weather. Never compromise safety for a photo.
For official trail information, visit Visit Norway Kjerag and Lysefjorden.com.