Julie Norway 70 Comments

The Kjeragbolten hike is one of the most spectacular hikes in the world. We have hiked on some amazing trails around the globe, in countries like Australia, South Africa, China, and Nepal. The four of us agree that the Kjeragbolten hike is still our favorite in the world.

To read about our 20 favorite hikes in the world, read this post: 20 Best Day Hikes in the World. And for our favorite hikes in Europe, take a look at our article 20 Amazing Hikes in Europe.

If you are traveling to Norway and enjoy hiking, put Kjeragbolten at the top of your list!

How to Hike to Kjeragbolten

Where is Kjeragbolten?

Kjeragbolten is located in southern Norway. The closest town is Lysebotn, just 15 minutes away by car. From Oslo, you can fly to Stavanger and then drive to the start of the Kjeragbolten hike. From Oslo, you can also drive to Lysebotn, a 500 km journey that takes 7.5 hours.

Most people stay in Stavanger in order to do this hike. It is a two and a half hour drive between Stavanger and the car park. It’s a very scenic drive and you do not need to take a ferry on this route.

Map to Trolltunga

Øygardstøl is the starting point of the hike. There is a car park (the fee is 300 NOK), bathrooms, and a restaurant here. To find the start of the hike, put “Kjerag parking” into Google maps.

For those without a car, you can take a bus from Stavanger to the start of Kjeragbolten hike (from roughly mid-June through the end of September). The entire round trip journey takes 12 hours. See the Visit Norway site for more information.

Kjeragbolten Hiking Stats

  • Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 570 meters
  • Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Length of Time: 6 to 8 hours

Best Time to Do the Kjeragbolten Hike

The hike should be attempted only during the summer months, between June 1 and September 30. During the winter months the road is closed due to snow and the hike can be dangerous. Snow can cover the roads and the trails through the end of May.

How Long Does the Kjerabolten Hike Take?

The distance of the Kjeragbolten hike is 12 km with 570 meters of climbing.

Allow 6 to 8 hours to make the entire journey, round trip. If you are a fast hiker, it is possible to beat that 6 hour time estimate. It took us six and a half hours to complete the hike and this includes the wait time to take our photos of Kjerag.

Kjeragbolten Hike Elevation Map

Who Can Do This Hike?

Any person with “reasonable fitness.” It’s not a long hike but there are three rather steep, strenuous climbs. No technical climbing skills are necessary, just a sense of adventure. There are chains in the steeper sections (see the photos below) to assist hikers. Beware, when it is wet, the climbs and descents can be slippery!

Hiking to Kjeragbolten with Kids

Yes, kids can do this hike! When we hiked to Kjeragbolten, Tyler was 10 years old and Kara was a few weeks away from turning 9 years old. They loved this hike. This was their first hike using chains and they thought it was pure fun. There was one very steep section where we had to give them a boost but other than that they did the hike without assistance.

We did not allow Tyler and Kara to step out onto the boulder, that was for crazy parents only!

Children 9 years and older, who are very active and adventurous and have prior hiking experience, should be able to do this hike.

The Kjeragbolten Hike in Photos (Trail Guide)

And now here are those photos I promised you. The Kjeragbolten hike is gorgeous. In fact, it is worth doing this hike even if you have no plans to step out onto Kjerag.

From the carpark, you immediately start your first climb. This is one of the most difficult sections, so if you can get to the top of the first section you should have no trouble completing the hike. It was raining when we arrived but luckily the clouds moved out just before we started the hike. The ground was wet and very slippery! This hike would be very difficult, if not dangerous, to do in rainy, foggy conditions.

First Climb Kjeragbolten Hike

 

This is the view from the top of the first climb. You can see the Øygardstøl carpark down below and clouds that were slowly dissipating.

Kjeragbolten Carpark Oygardstol

 

Continue the journey a little farther. This is the view of the first climb down and the green, wide valley.

Entering the Valley

 

Another view descending down into the valley. You can see the trail snaking across the valley and then up the hill for the second climb of the hike.

Kjeragbolten Hike Kids

 

Now we are down in the valley with the second climb in front of us. We saw some sheep here, munching on the grass, their bells clanging as they walked around. This place is awesome!

In the valley

 

The second climb of the hike is the shortest but the steepest. This is the section where you will have to do some rock scrambling and use more chains. We had to give Tyler and Kara a boost up here but on the return journey they scrambled down on their own.

Steep Section Kjeragbolten

 

A closer view of the steepest section of the Kjeragbolten hike.

Kjeragbolten rock scrambling

 

From the top of the second climb, this is the view back down into the valley. The trail climbs up the small ridge in the center of the photo and then disappears down the other side, where the car park is. Now that most of the clouds have cleared away you can see the real beauty of this place.

Another View Kjerag Hike

 

And then, here it is, the final climb of the Kjeragbolten hike. If you look closely, you can see tiny people on the trail. This is the longest climb of the hike but once you are at the top the views are unbelievable!

Final Climb to Kjerag

 

From the bottom, this is a look up at the final, long climb. Yes, those tiny specks are hikers.

Looking Up at the Final Climb

 

Once you get to the top, the terrain levels out, and it is like you are walking on the top of the world. Now it is series of smaller climbs and descents until you get to Kjeragbolten.

Beautiful View on Kjeragbolten Hike

 

Another view from the top of the world. It’s worth doing this hike just to see this!

Kjerag Hike View

 

Along the way are signs posted, pointing hikers in the direction of Kjeragbolten. You can also follow the red T’s on the ground.

Kjeragbolten Sign

Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife.

 

And then, there it is, Kjeragbolten. This is looking down on the boulder and the “waiting area.”

Aerial View Kjerag

 

Here is a closer view. You can see a person stepping out onto Kjerag.

Kjeragbolten Hike

 

Here is Kjerag…do you dare?

Kjeragbolten

 

This is a view looking at the back of Kjerag, another crazy person posing for a photo, a lady waiting her turn, and Tim taking video of 1000 meters of empty space below the boulder. There is a chain lying on the ground to help you step out onto Kjerag but it almost seemed more dangerous bending over to grab it than just stepping out onto the boulder unassisted. The top of Kjerag seemed larger in real life than how it looks in photos.

Back of Kjerag

 

What was it like stepping out onto Kjeragbolten? It was scary, knowing that one misstep could send me plunging into Lysefjord far below. Yes, it’s crazy, but isn’t that the appeal of Kjeragbolten?

Tim Rivenbark

 

While you are waiting, this is your view looking down at Lysefjord.

Looking Down at Lysefjord

 

After you smile for the camera, getting those photos that you will cherish forever, it’s time to hike back to the car park. You will follow the same route that got you to Kjerag. This is a view down the first descent, the same spot as the final climb to Kjeragbolten. Lysebotn is in the valley far, far below.

Kjerag chains

 

By the time we got back to the car park, our legs were exhausted from the constant descending. But we had two happy kiddos who were amazing on the trail. The restaurant is a convenient spot to grab a bite to eat or get some ice cream…well-deserved after this hike!

Kjerag Sign

Guided Hikes

If you would prefer to hike Kjeragbolten with a guide then the following guided tour gets excellent reviews. Plus the tour includes your transportation.

What Else to do in the Area

If you have your own car, it is worth driving down to Lysefjord. This is a crazy road!! It rapidly descends 1000 meters and the road is a constant series of hairpin turns. It doesn’t take long to drive it and it was something we thought was cool to do.

Hike to Pulpit Rock. Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, sits across from Kjeragbolten on Lysefjord. Pulpit Rock is much shorter and easier than Kjeragbolten. It’s also a lot more crowded. If you only have time for one hike, skip Pulpit Rock and do the Kjeragbolten hike.

What to Bring

Good hiking shoes, lots of water, and enough food to fuel you for six to eight hours of hiking. And don’t forget your camera!!

Check the Weather before You Go

This is very important. The weather can change quickly and this is a hike that you do not want to be attempting in rainy, foggy weather. Please note, weather conditions can vary dramatically between Stavanger and Kjeragbolten. Just because it is raining in Stavanger it doesn’t mean that it will also be raining at Kjerag (or vice versa). We drove in and out of rain showers to get to the start of hike and we questioned if we should even be making the drive out to Kjeragbolten. Well, I am glad we did. Right at noon the rain stopped, the clouds disappeared, and we made one of our best travel memories ever.

However, if you arrive at the car park and it is rainy or foggy, do not attempt this hike. There are reports every year of people losing their way in the fog and then needing to be rescued. Don’t be one of these people.

Where To Stay for the Kjeragbolten Hike

Lysebotn is the closest town. There are a few bed and breakfast options in town.

Stavanger. This is a much farther drive (2.5 hours) but there are many places to stay as well as a bunch of great restaurants for dining. Stavanger is a charming town to walk through. This is the perfect place to hike to Pulpit Rock and there is an airport here, connecting you to Oslo and the rest of Norway.

We stayed in Stavanger at the Comfort Hotel Square. This was within walking distance of the restaurants and harbor area of Stavanger.


Is this hike on your list of things to do in Norway? Comment below if you have any questions about how to hike to Kjeragbolten.

More Information for Your Trip to Norway

PLACES TO GO IN NORWAY: For a list of top experiences in Norway, don’t miss our Norway Bucket List. If you are a hiker, we also have a hiking guide with 14 epic day hikes to do in Norway.

10 DAYS IN THE FJORD REGION:On this 10 day itinerary through the fjord region, visit southern Norway: Bergen, Geirangerfjord, and Stavanger and hike Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten.

BEST OF THE LOFOTEN ISLANDS: For an overview of the best things to do, read our Lofoten Islands Top Ten List. Great hikes in the Lofoten Islands include Ryten, Reinebringen, Festvagtind, and Svolvaer Floya. For a big adventure, climb Svolvaergeita for one of the most unique experiences in the Lofoten Islands.

SVALBARD: Plan the perfect visit to Svalbard with our Svalbard Travel Guide. We also have articles about the best things to do in Longyearbyen, what it is like to go glacier kayaking, and how much does it cost to visit Svalbard?

EUROPE TRAVEL INSPIRATION: For more great ideas on where to go in Europe, check out our article 30 Beautiful Places to Visit in Europe. You can also get more travel ideas in our 10 Days in Europe itinerary guide, which has 10 great itineraries for your next trip to Europe.

Planning a trip to Norway? Read all of our articles in our Norway Travel Guide.

 

Kjeragbolten Hiking Guide

 

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Comments 70

  1. Avatar for Lance
    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      This hike would be challenging for someone with a fear of heights. There are a few places along the trail where there are small drop offs, but nothing too bad. Someone with a mild to moderate fear of heights should do fine on the trail. But of course, Kjeragbolten is very exposed. Even without a fear of heights, it was quite nerve wracking standing on the boulder. Cheers, Julie

  2. Avatar for Petr
    Petr

    Our 5 y.o. daughter was able to reach the stone. But it was dry weather. It’s very steep, so I can’t imagine a hike during our just after the rain. We split the hike into two days and slept in a tent up there. However, We didn’t allow her to step on the stone.

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Hello Petr. Thank you for writing in with your experience. That’s awesome that your 5 year old daughter did this hike! Cheers, Julie

  3. Avatar for Sue
    Sue

    Thank you for your wonderful article on hiking Kerjag! We are going to give it a try this summer. Do we really need a guide? Judging by your pictures, the trail appears to be well marked.

    Also, I have heard you can take a ferry to Lysebotn, even put your car on it. Do you have any experience with the ferry? I’m wondering if it would give us a good sense of the beauty of the fjords.

    Many thanks,
    Sue

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Hello Sue. That is exciting that you will be hiking Kjeragbolten this summer! You do not need a guide for this hike. It is well marked and there will be plenty of other people on the trail. We don’t have experience with the Lysebotn ferry however we have ridden other ferries in Norway and it is a scenic way to travel. You could potentially do a loop if you are staying in Stavanger, using the ferry for the one of the legs of the trip. Online, look up the ferry schedule before you go. It might be better to put it in the afternoon, giving you less driving to do after the hike, so you can relax. Cheers, Julie

  4. Avatar for Lauren
    Lauren

    Desperately trying to find a guide that can lead us on a hike. There is no way to contact you all directly unless I have a code and I can’t find the code. Can someone please contact me via my email asap. We want to hike there on Saturday, June 17th. The only company I can locate – and I’ve tried for well over a week to reach them – hasn’t responded to emails / phone calls. I appreciate your guidance. Thank you!

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      Hello Lauren. We don’t know of any guides for Kjeragbolten and we live in the USA, so we won’t be able to help you out on the hike…although we’d love to hike Kjeragbolten again! Good luck in your search. Cheers, Julie

  5. Avatar for Cornelia
    Cornelia

    Very good and useful text!
    We are hiking to Kjeragbolten this Saturday, just have one question… how is it with water, can you fill your bottle from nature or do I have thousands of liter water carrying with me? 😅

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      We have heard of people drinking right from the rivers but we never did it, and I don’t quite trust it. You could bring a water filter to be on the safe side. Have a great hike! Cheers, Julie

  6. Avatar for Vinay
    Vinay

    Just bookmarked you.. Thanks for the detail.. Some more pictures of the Trail will help plan Hikes such as this with various levels of fitness in our group.

  7. Avatar for Rudy
    Rudy

    Amazing site. You provide so much useful and practical information. We will be going to Norway and we will for sure reply on much of the helpful into you have here.

    I am wondering what app or tool you use to color the countries you have been, under Where Have We Been?

    1. Avatar for Julie Post
      Author
      Julie

      That is a screenshot of our map on our Destinations page. The map is generated with a plug-in for this website that allows the map to be interactive. The plug-in is called Interactive Maps but can only be used if you have WordPress (or so I believe). I have also generated maps on Travellerspoint.com and this is something worth looking into, if you want to map your travels. Cheers, Julie

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