🥾 Hiking Ryfylke Mountain

Kjerag

6 h

Difficult

👥 Can be crowded 🅿 Limited parking ⛅ Weather dependent ⚠ Caution required

Kjerag is a granite massif on the south side of the Lysefjord, rising to 1,132 meters above sea level. The main attraction is Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged in a crevice about 1,000 meters above the fjord. Standing on it makes for an iconic photo, but there is no railing and the drop on both sides is fatal.

The hike starts from Øygardstøl at the top of Lysevegen. It is 5.5 kilometers each way with 750 meters of elevation gain. Allow 6 to 10 hours for the round trip. The trail crosses three ridges with steep sections equipped with chains and metal footholds. In wet conditions the rock becomes extremely slippery. Snow can block the trail well into June.

People have died here. The cliff edges have no barriers and the drops are vertical. Do not attempt this hike in rain, fog, or if there is snow on the trail. Wear proper hiking boots, bring enough food and water, and start early. The trail is a designated Nasjonal Turiststi.

Kjerag was also one of the world's most popular BASE jumping locations until it was discouraged due to fatalities. Today most visitors come for the hike and the boulder photo.

Parking at Øygardstøl fills up fast in summer. There is a shuttle bus from Lysebotn. The season runs roughly from June to September, depending on snow conditions.

Good to Know

Crowd Tip

Parking fills up fast. Start early or take the shuttle bus from Lysebotn.

Weather Tip

Only go in dry weather with good visibility. Snow can block the trail into June.

Safety Note

People have died from falls. No barriers at cliff edges. Do not hike in rain, fog, or snow. The rock is extremely slippery when wet.

Questions & Answers

How long does the Kjerag hike take? ▾

The round trip takes 5-7 hours for most hikers, covering about 11 km with roughly 570 metres of total ascent. The trail crosses three mountain ridges with steep sections aided by chains. Start from the Øygardstøl car park. It is shorter than Trolltunga but steeper and more technical in places.

Is stepping onto Kjeragbolten dangerous? ▾

The boulder itself is wedged firmly between two rock faces and is geologically stable. The danger is the 984-metre drop on either side and the fact that the rock surface can be slippery when wet. There are no railings. Many people walk onto it for photos, but it requires nerve and dry conditions. Nobody is obligated to step on it.

When is the Kjerag trail open? ▾

The trail is typically accessible from June to October, depending on snow. The road to the Øygardstøl trailhead usually opens in late May or early June. Outside the summer season, snow and ice make the steep chain-assisted sections dangerous and the hike is not recommended without winter mountaineering experience.