Stavanger is a fascinating city that sprawls out across a cluster of islands. Sail on the fjords of Stavanger, as they cut through the mountains and gaze up at the imposing rock formations engulfing the scenery.

Boat tours from Stavanger will take you to remote corners of Norway where mother nature reigns supreme, and the only order of business is to try and comprehend the magnitude of what you see around you.

The majesty of southern Norway is not something that can be captured in a few words or images. These dramatic landscapes need to be experienced first-hand, and there is no better way to immerse yourself than with a boat tour.

You will find below all you need to know about boat tours, one of the most exciting outdoor activities from Stavanger.

What are the most popular boat tours in Stavanger?

Boat tours in Stavanger come in various kinds, so it doesn’t matter if you consider yourself a thrill seeker or a slow tourist. Here are the most popular aquatic adventures waiting for you in Stavanger.

Lysefjord cruise

The most iconic body of water in the south of Norway, Lysefjord cuts through the verdant mountains and stretches out for 40 kilometers. A safari cruise from Stavanger will take you past Preikestolen and Kjerag, two awe-inspiring rock formations dangling hundreds of meters above the water.

You can join a relaxing cruise on the fjord or book a spot on a speedy rigid inflatable boat (RIB) to get your heart racing. Along the way, you will stop to see some of the islands, caves, waterfalls and farms that make this landscape so unforgettable.

Lysefjord cruise and hike

Hikers can’t get enough of the dazzling cruise and hike combos available in Stavanger. The grueling hiking trails to Preikestolen and Kjerag draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Combine that with a scenic cruise to start your day on the right foot, and you have an unbeatable day on the cards.

The cruise takes you to the trailhead of either hiking route, where you will undertake a hike that lasts around 6 hours. At the summit of either hike, you will be met with breathtaking fjord views and hair-raising rock formations that tempt you right to the edge of the 1,000-meter cliffs.

The Flørli Stairway offers an alternative hiking opportunity where you go deep into the Norse wilderness but with fewer death-defying cliff edges.

Sailboat rental in Stavanger

Tap into the epitome of luxury by renting a sailboat in Stavanger. Hoist the sails and set out on a one-day adventure of the waters that surround the city, or head deep into the fjords to see Nordic wildlife up close.

Sailing in Stavanger is a choose-your-own-adventure experience where you set the pace and focus. Decide whether you want to spend the day bathing on the deck with your friends, surrounded by the tranquility of nature — or if you want to feel the thrill of the wind billowing in the sails, setting your course across the water.

Private boat cruise of Stavanger city islands or Lysefjord

Board a private yacht to take a cruise through the islands and admire one of the city’s most unique attributes.

The luxury yacht is big enough for 12 people and includes a certified tour guide to tell you all about the intricacies of Stavanger’s islands. Reserve lunch on the boat for an extra treat, or simply lounge on the sun deck and soak in the charming surroundings.

If you are looking to escape the city, you can charter a yacht that takes you into Lysefjord. From here, you can admire the most stunning Norse landscapes from the comfort of a lavish yacht.

How much do boat tours in Stavanger cost?

A Lysefjord cruise or RIB safari starts at US$120 per person, while a cruise with a guided hike is around US$140 per person.

Renting a sailboat from Stavanger starts at around US$230 per day, but the price does not always include a skipper or gas. Some boats are also only available for multi-day rental which influences the price.

A 2-hour private boat cruise of the city islands costs around US$2,000, and a 4-hour cruise into Lysefjord is US$4,000 for up to 12 people.

Which places are seen and visited with a boat tour from Stavanger?

Preikestolen

Pulpit Rock is one of the most visited places in Norway and is a hiker’s dream, thanks to its challenging route and the momentous payoff waiting at the end. A bout trip from Stavanger that passes through Lysefjord will take you to the foot of Preikestolen, nearly 800 meters below its summit.

If you are lucky, you will even spot some daredevil base-jumpers using the cliff as their launch pad. Some cruises include a 5-hour hike to the top of Preikestolen, where you can enjoy unforgettable views of the fjord below.

Kjerak

The second most popular hiking spot in this region is another nail-biting experience for adventurous spirits. Take a cruise on Lysefjord from Stavanger and undertake a 6-hour hike to reach Kjerak.

At the summit, you will reach a massive bolder wedged tightly in a crack of the cliff, a massive 1,000-meter drop looping behind it. Those with nerves of steel can stand on the boulder for the most impressive photo a hiker can dream of.

Fantahålå

On your boat trip from Stavanger, you will pass by Fantahålå, more commonly called “vagabond’s cave,” surrounded by opaque emerald waters. The landscape around Stavanger is steeped in mystery and legend. One famous tale is that of a group of vagabonds that spent months in the rocky outcrops around Lysefjord hiding from the police.

How long does a boat trip last?

A boat tour of Stavanger and Lysefjord lasts around 2 hours, while a cruise and a hike take around 10 hours.

You can rent a sailboat from Stavanger for a day or opt for multi-day bookings to venture further away from the city.

A private tour of the city islands lasts for up to 2 hours, while a private tour to Lysefjord lasts for 3 hours.

Where do boat tours leave from?

The thrilling RIB tour leaves from the floating dock in Stavanger Harbor, while private yacht cruises leave from Strand Quay. Some hike and cruise combo tours offer hotel pickup and drop-offs.

When is the best time for a boat trip in Stavanger?

The best time for a bout tour from Stavanger is during summer, July and August, which are the warmest months in Norway, and you can enjoy long sunny days on the water.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Stavanger?

Travel tips

Wear warm clothes, especially if you are going on a cruise on the fjord.
Make sure you have enough snacks and water if you are doing a cruise and hike combo.
Take a camera with enough battery life to capture the spellbinding scenes that will unfold during the cruise.

Boat Tours in Stavanger