Western Norway Coast route: Stavanger to Lysebotn
This 310.8 km coastal route along Western Norway follows the fjord-lined landscape starting from Stavanger. The drive northward showcases dramatic scenery including mountain passes, single-lane roads, and coastal settlements typical of Norway's geography.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Gamle Liten
- End
- Lysebotn
- Stops
- 6
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Gamle Liten — Historic old town district in Stavanger featuring traditional wooden buildings and narrow alleyways with local shops and cafés.
- Øvre Holmegate — Beautiful colorful street and alleyway in Stavanger's old town with boutique shops, restaurants, and charming local atmosphere.
- Stavanger — Natural resource hub and gateway city on Norway's west coast, famous for oil industry and colorful old town with traditional architecture.
- Kjeragbolten — Iconic balanced boulder suspended between cliffside 1000 meters above the fjord, one of Norway's most famous hiking destinations and photo spots.
- Lysefjord — Dramatic fjord surrounded by high cliffs and accessible by scenic single-lane mountain road with tunnels descending to the fjord bottom.
- Lysebotn — Small remote village at the base of Lysefjord with bed-and-breakfast accommodations offering authentic Norwegian countryside experience.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Pick up rental car in Stavanger. One-way car rental for 10 days costs approximately $1,200 USD. Expect high one-way fees for long-distance drives.
- Where to stay
- Book accommodations via Airbnb instead of hotels—prices are nearly a third cheaper. Paid $80/night for basic Airbnb vs. $250/night for hotel.
- Tip
- Pack extra layers and rain-repellent clothing. Weather in Norway fluctuates dramatically and rain comes unexpectedly. Buying clothes in-country is expensive.
- Save money
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Norway has clean tap water and this reduces waste and saves money instead of buying bottled water.
- Tip
- Use Apple Maps instead of Google Maps for navigation in Norway. Google Maps gives inaccurate estimates and sometimes hides routes.
- Where to stay
- Book accommodation in Lysebotn area in advance, especially bed-and-breakfasts. Highly limited availability but exceptional experience.
- Tip
- Kjeragbolten hike takes 4 hours up and 4 hours down. Bring extra clothing layers and rain gear. Extremely tiring hike despite locals claiming it's easy.
- Transport
- Lysebotn road is single-lane; pull into curves to let oncoming vehicles pass. Descends rapidly through tunnels into the fjord at the bottom.
- Where to stay
- Stay in Fiordland for a night or two to relax. Beautiful white cabin accommodations on the fjord available.
- Timing
- Geirangerfjord attracts tour buses and large crowds. Visit early or plan for kayaking and hiking activities to justify the trip.
- Transport
- Atlantic Ocean Road requires 2.5-hour drive each way plus ferry costs (~$50 round-trip). Best viewed by drone; limited perspective from ground level.
- Where to stay
- Hotel 1904 in Holmestrand costs $175/night. Mid-range option; cheaper Airbnbs available but this hotel quality was good.
Video on this route
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