10 Things You Didn't Know About Lysefjorden

Discover the Fjord's Secrets!

Lysefjorden – one of the most stunning places in Norway, famous for its majestic cliffs, rugged nature, and extreme experiences. But did you know that this fjord holds far more secrets than you can imagine? Here are 10 fascinating stories that will change the way you see Lysefjorden!

1. Kjeragbolten – A Rock Suspended in Time

Wedged between two cliffs, this boulder is a geological anomaly formed thousands of years ago as glaciers retreated. Geologists say its placement is the result of a rare process of glacial erosion and isostatic uplift, keeping Kjeragbolten stable in its extraordinary position.

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2. Lysevegen Road – 27 Bends of Adrenaline

Imagine a road with a 900-meter elevation difference, sharp hairpin turns, and closed for half the year! Lysevegen is an engineering marvel, only accessible during summer.

Fun Fact: The tunnel with a 340-degree curve is one of the rarest road designs in the world!

3. Pilt-Ola – The Legend of Lysefjorden

This is a story of courage and innovation. Pilt-Ola was a hiker, inventor, and a revolutionary in Norway’s fishing industry. His method of salting herring transformed the trade, and his farm at Bakken Gård can still be visited today! It is said that he could traverse mountainous trails faster than horses and refused to travel by boat, believing that human endurance was the best form of transport.

Why is this story important? Pilt-Ola is a legend of Lysefjorden. He also founded a nail factory in Songesand and a mill in Lysebotn, striving to create jobs for the local community. His life and achievements continue to inspire residents of the region.

4. Flørli Stairs – 4,444 Steps to the Sky

The longest wooden staircase in the world! What makes them truly unique is that every step was hand-built, and the wood was transported via rugged mountain routes. After the hydroelectric plant closed in 1999, the stairs were almost overtaken by moss and vegetation before being restored for tourists.

Fun Fact: Most people complete the trail in about 2-4 hours, but the record holder did it in under 30 minutes!

5. Operation Freshman – A Forgotten WWII Mission

In November 1942, during World War II, British commandos launched a mission codenamed "Freshman," aiming to destroy the German heavy water plant in Vemork. Two Horsa gliders, towed by Halifax bombers, were meant to land near the target. Unfortunately, the mission ended in disaster—one glider crashed in Fyljesdalen Valley near Lysebotn, while the other crashed near Helleland. Most crew members died on-site or were captured and executed by the Germans.

Remembering the Past: A memorial stands at the crash site in Fyljesdalen Valley near Lysebotn, honoring the soldiers involved in the mission.

6. Victor Hugo and Lysefjorden - A Dark Literary Inspiration

French writer Victor Hugo never visited Lysefjorden, but in his novel “The Toilers of the Sea”, he described it as a "terrifying, wild abyss." His vision of the fjord was inspired by sailors’ accounts, who depicted it as treacherous and unpredictable. Strong currents, sudden weather shifts, and thick fog made Lysefjorden a feared passage among seafarers.

Fun Fact: Ancient legends spoke of ships vanishing in the mist, and sailors believed that navigating these waters required extraordinary caution and skill.

Why does this matter? Despite the years, Lysefjorden still evokes awe and respect, remaining a place where nature reigns supreme.

7. Hengjanenibbå – The Hidden Preikestolen

Few people know about this cliff, but Hengjanenibbå offers views as breathtaking as Preikestolen—without the crowds! Rising about 600 meters above the fjord, it provides stunning panoramas of Lysefjorden. The trail to this hidden gem is less frequented and takes about 3-4 hours round trip. The area has also been an inspiration for painters and photographers trying to capture the fjord’s untouched beauty.

Why visit? This is the perfect spot for those seeking less obvious fjord attractions.

8. Hengjanegården – The Illegal Distillery on the Cliff

German settler Heinrich Mohr established a farm here and… a secret moonshine distillery! He produced alcohol and smuggled it into Stavanger, finding eager customers among fishermen and dock workers. His distillery was strategically placed on the cliff’s edge to avoid detection.

Legend has it that at night, he transported the moonshine by boat along the fjord, skillfully avoiding customs officials. Some say that hidden bottles of his illicit liquor can still be found tucked away in rocky crevices.

9. The First Ascent of Preikestolen‍

Preikestolen, one of Norway’s most iconic landmarks, was first ascended in 1896 by banker Thomas Peter Randulf. While sailing through Lysefjorden, he spotted the impressive cliff and decided to climb it. At that time, no designated trails existed, so Randulf and his companion had to start their ascent from sea level, making their way through rugged, untamed terrain.

Trail Modernization: More than a hundred years later, between 2013 and 2018, Nepalese Sherpas—renowned for their expertise in extreme mountain conditions—were brought to Norway to help modernize the trail leading to Preikestolen. They manually laid granite steps, applying the so-called "rule of thumb"—a principle of adjusting step heights to the average human stride length—to enhance hikers' comfort and safety. Thanks to their efforts, the trail became more accessible, allowing visitors to reach the summit of this spectacular cliff more easily.

10. Fantahålå – The Vagabond’s Cave

This site is steeped in legends about outlaws who used the cave as a hideout to evade the authorities. The entrance is so narrow that it appears invisible from the open sea. According to local lore, desperate fugitives and outlaws would seek refuge here, hiding in the shadows while patrol boats passed by. Some say that on quiet nights, whispers can still be heard echoing from the cave—believed to be the spirits of those who never escaped their pursuers.

Experience It With Us: Our RIB boat will take you right to the entrance of Fantahålå, where you can see this legendary hideout up close and hear the stories that still echo through its narrow walls.

Discover It for Yourself!

If you think Lysefjorden is just about Preikestolen and Kjerag, it’s time to embark on a real expedition. Our RIB boat tours take you to hidden locations where history meets adventure.

Book your trip and experience the true spirit of Lysefjorden! 🚤

Interested in learning more? Check out these links:

https://gofjords.com/inspiration/norway/3-ways-to-experience-the-lysefjord/
https://lysefjorden365.com/cultural-heritage/fantahola/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kjeragbolten
https://gofjords.com/inspiration/norway/interesting-facts-about-the-world-famous-kjerag-boulder/
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/fjord-norway/the-stavanger-region/listings-stavanger/lysevegen-road-in-lysebotn/235453/
https://lysefjorden365.com/cultural-heritage/bakken/
https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/attractions/songesand
https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/bakken-gard-in-lysefjorden/239542/
https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/hike-to-fl%C3%B8rlitrappene-and-rallarstien-in-the-lysefjord/238296/
https://gofjords.com/inspiration/norway/4-things-you-need-to-know-about-the-florli-4444-stairs/
https://www.florli.no/
https://www.iwm.org.uk/blog/partnerships/2024/02/operation-freshman-norway-1942
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Freshman
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/victor-hugo/toilers-of-the-sea/william-moy-thomas
https://standardebooks.org/ebooks/victor-hugo/toilers-of-the-sea/william-moy-thomas/text/chapter-2-1-5
https://lysefjorden365.com/cultural-heritage/hengjane/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lysefjord
https://www.fjordnorway.com/en/see-and-do/hike-around-lysefjorden
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Preikestolen?utm
https://gofjords.com/inspiration/norway/things-you-may-not-know-about-preikestolen/?utm