6 Days: Ultimate Lysefjord Kayak Adventure
Explore the stunning beauty of Norway’s Lysefjord on this incredible kayak adventure. Paddle through crystal-clear waters, hike amidst breathtaking scenery, and camp under the stars along the fjord’s edge. This beginner-friendly adventure is perfect for those seeking an unforgettable experience in nature.
Your Adventure Awaits
Embark on an unforgettable kayak adventure with Nordic Paddling’s beginner-friendly hiking and kayaking holiday in the awe-inspiring fjords of Norway. This incredible kayak adventure is perfect for those seeking a unique and immersive experience. Make lasting new friendships while exploring the stunning Lysefjord by kayak, hiking through breathtaking scenery with panoramic views of the fjords and the majestic Kjerag mountain, the highest peak in the region. Experience the thrill of wild swimming in the fjord and camp on the water’s edge in remote locations.
This kayak adventure requires no prior kayaking experience! Our passionate, supportive, and qualified instructors will guide you through the basics and help you build your confidence on the water. Learn essential paddling skills and techniques while immersing yourself in the beauty of Norwegian nature.
Our Ultimate Lysefjord Kayaking & Hiking Adventure is the ideal opportunity to spend a week reconnecting with nature, pushing your limits, and meeting like-minded people who share a love for kayak adventures and outdoor activities. Join us this summer for a transformative and unforgettable experience in the heart of Norway’s stunning fjords.
Trip Details
Experience
What's Included
3 days kayaking
2 days hiking
Qualified kayaking guide
Kayak equipment and safety kit
Paddling clothes (jacket)
Tent and sleeping mat
4 nights camping / 1 night in cabin (shared rooms)
Ferry tickets
Breakfast, lunch and dinners
Airport transfer
Where & When
Kayak Adventure Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and beginning of the kayak adventure
Your expedition begins at Stavanger Airport. From there, you’ll embark on a one-hour transfer to our launch point. Once there, meet your experienced kayak guide who will provide a comprehensive briefing and assist you in packing for your five nights in the wilderness.
Prior kayaking experience is not required. During the 7-kilometer paddle to your first campsite, you’ll have the opportunity to learn and practice essential kayaking skills using stable double kayaks. Upon arrival, you’ll set up camp and gather around a campfire for a delicious dinner, immersing yourself in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Day 2: Hiking
Start your day with an invigorating optional swim in the fjord before enjoying breakfast. Today, embark on a challenging 7km hike up Vikastakken. Ascend through enchanting forests and gain 600m in elevation to witness breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and mountains. After conquering the summit, return to the camp for another refreshing wild swim. In the evening, gather around the campfire for a delectable dinner and enjoy the camaraderie of your fellow adventurers.
Day 3: Kayaking
After a satisfying breakfast and coffee, we will pack up our campsite, load our kayaks, and get ready for the day’s adventure. Embarking on an 18km paddle, we’ll venture deeper into the fjord, surrounded by breathtaking views of cascading waterfalls and towering mountains. Arriving at our next campsite, we’ll establish our shelter, indulge in a refreshing swim in the wilderness, and gather around a campfire for dinner. The evening will be spent enjoying the peaceful ambiance of the wild.
Day 4: Kayaking
Our day begins with a hearty breakfast and the aroma of fresh coffee. We dismantle our campsite and launch our kayaks into the water, embarking on a 12km journey across the Lysefjord. As we paddle, we pass by the historic farms of Kallali, nestled on the southern shore. These farms offer a glimpse into a cultural landscape dating back to the 1600s. Surrounded by the fjord’s wild beauty, we find serenity and tranquility. At our next campsite, we take a refreshing wild swim and gather around a campfire for dinner, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of our surroundings.
Day 5: Kayak and Hike to Kjeragbolten
The day starts with a 5km paddle, followed by a challenging hike to Kjeragbolten. Despite its relatively short distance, the hike takes approximately 5-7 hours. We navigate steep scrambles through valleys, eventually reaching the breathtakingly flat terrain atop Kjeragbolten. This level 1 scrambling experience offers an exhilarating sense of standing atop the world.
Day 6: Ferry - Departure
On the final day, we’ll enjoy a leisurely morning to rest and pack before boarding the noon ferry. This scenic cruise through the fjord offers a reflective journey back to our starting point. Once there, we’ll repack our bags for the trip to Stavanger airport, marking the end of our adventure. On the final day of our adventure, we’ll take a more relaxed approach, leaving ample time for both relaxation and packing before boarding the ferry at noon. As we sail through the picturesque fjord, the scenic cruise will serve as a reflective journey, taking us back to where we began. Upon arrival, we’ll repack our bags in preparation for the journey to Stavanger airport, marking the conclusion of our memorable adventure.
Packing List
Below you’ll find the minimum gear required for this kayak adventure. You will need to pack your equipment in smaller bags in the kayak – you shouldn’t bring more than you can fit in a 60litre backpack, as we will also need space for common equipment in the kayaks (food, water, cooking equipment, etc.).
Personal
- Wallet + credit card
- Travel documents (+ travel insurance)
- Passport / Personal ID
- Water bottle (1 liter)
- Sleeping bag + compression sack
- Toilet accessories and personal hand sanitizer (+ any personal medication)
- Personal toilet kit (paper, hand-sanitizer, matches)
- Small pack for storing lunch and water during the hike (recommended)
- Sitting pad
- Mosquito net (head) + spray
Paddling
- Dry bags (to keep your things dry) – we recommend 3-4 x 15 litre bags for easy packing in the kayak.
- Sunglasses + a strap
- Sunscreen
- Cap to protect your eyes
Clothes
- Hardshell jacket (waterproof)
- Rain pants (recommended)
- Camp pants long & shorts
- Tshirts
- Thermal/wool underlayer, pants (no cotton!)
- Thermal/wool underlayer, long-sleeve shirt (no cotton!)
- Underwear
- Socks (wool)
- Beanie/Buff
- Wool / fleece / down middle-layer
- Hiking boots
- Towel (recommended)
Electronics
- Head-Torch / flashlight
- Phone + charger
- Powerbank (recommended)
- Camera (recommended)
Refer to our blog (below) for an in-depth guide to what equipment we recommend bringing on any kayak trip in Norway.
FAQs
Yes – any excess luggage that you don’t need during the trip can be stored in the transport. This will be returned to you after the trip on the last day.
The maximum size is 8 people per group.
Yes! Most people are solo travellers.
A private tent upgrade is available for 750kr. If you book alone, you’ll share a tent unless you book a private tent. Those booking together will share a tent.
The cabin on the last night is dormitory-style, with warm showers and WiFi.
For this kayak adventure we use the “Boreal Design Esperanto” double kayaks. The kayaks are stable and fast, perfect for anyone on a kayak trip in Norway.
Yes. You are strongly encouraged to obtain suitable medical and travel insurance prior to booking a Trip, as well as cancellation insurance.
Winter season (Nov – Mar)
Winter in Norway can be extremely cold, with temperatures in some northern parts reaching as cold as -40 degrees Celsius. In Stavanger, temperatures can go as low as -20 degrees Celsius.
Shoulder (Apr– May & Oct)
Temperatures in Stavanger can vary at this time of year. Lows of minus 5 degrees Celsius and highs of 10 degrees Celsius. There can be some chances of rain, with May turning very green.
High Season (Jun – Sep)
June to Sept can be comparable to British summer, with daytime temperatures ranging from 8 – 25 degrees Celsius. There can be some rain.
The weather in the mountains (and the fjords) can be quite unpredictable and weather situations can change very quickly. Therefore, it is necessary to be always prepared for such a change. Please refer to our recommended packing list for kayaking trips in Norway.
Start: You can be picked up at 12.00 from Stavanger Airport or 12.45 from Sandnes Sentrum Station on the first day of your trip.
Airport pickup point: The driver will be waiting for you at the departures entrance (100m from the arrivals). He’s parked in a white minibus and got a sign with Nordic Paddling.
Sandnes Sentrum Station pickup: We’ll meet you in front of Sandnes Tourist Office located at the south end of the station.
If you can’t make the pick-up, it’s a 55-minute taxi ride to the start location.
End: You’ll be dropped back at the airport for 16.00 on the last day.
The hikes are moderately challenging, and you should be comfortable with steep ascents and have some experience hiking on uneven terrain. There will be some easy scrambling (using your hands for balance) required.
You can stay at camp if you would rather relax for the day, but kayaking will not be possible.
Day 1 – Distance: 7km, Time: 2-3 hours, Activity: Kayaking
Day 2 – Distance: 8km, Time: 5-6 hours, Activity: Hiking.
Day 3 – Distance: 21km, Time: 6-8 hours, Activity: Kayaking.
Day 4 – Distance: 12km, Time: 3-4 hours, Activity: Kayaking.
Day 5 – Distance: 4km, Time: 1 hour, Activity: Kayaking. Distance: 8km, Time: 5-6 hours, Activity: Hiking.
Day 6 – Departure day. Optional hike of 2 hours.
Water
Whilst doing adventurous activities, it is important to carry enough water and stay hydrated. We strongly recommend taking between two and three litres of water. Your guide can give you advice on where to get water each day. This is often likely to be from a fresh stream, so please bring purification tablets if you feel it necessary.
Food
You will have the chance to taste a great variety of local specialities. The breakfast includes porridge, eggs, bacon, bread, coffee, tea, yoghurt and berries. For lunch you will be given sandwiches and fruit. For dinner, you will enjoy local food, cooked on an open fire.
If you have any food restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, gluten intolerance etc) please make us aware of this when completing your registration form. The guides can cater for most people.
The minimum age is 18, or 16 if accompanied by a parent/guardian.
You stay in a dormitory-style cabin on day 5. The cabin has toilets, showers, and a kitchen.
The wild camp will be in tents on the side of the fjords. There will be very basic toilet facilities at these camps, so it is important that you bring a toilet roll and hand sanitizer. This is also mentioned in the required gear list.
Single supplement is available when camping only.
No. There are no laundry facilities available on this trip.
Yes. You must be able to swim to attend this trip. You will be asked to complete and sign a waiver stating this when you attend the trip.
We recommend bringing dry bags to keep your things dry. It’s easier to pack multiple smaller bags in sizes 10-15L into the kayak than a few big ones.
You will need to bring everything you need during the trip in the kayaks.
If your desired date for this kayak trip in Norway isn’t available in our booking schedule, you’re welcome to send us a bespoke request by email to info@nordicpaddling.no
