Fjords are the main attraction in Norway. But this country has so much more to offer—mystical landscapes, untouched nature, and epic rock formations that seem straight out of a Viking legend. When people talk about Norway, they usually picture three iconic spots: Kjerag, Preikestolen, and Trolltunga. Two of them are in the same place—Lysefjord. So, where did we go? Stavanger, of course.
Troll Country
Norwegian tourism doesn’t leave anything to chance. Sunshine? That’s more of a luxury than a guarantee. Most of the time, the mountains are wrapped in fog, drizzle, and half-light, giving them the eerie feel of a Scandinavian fairytale. They look like Gulliver’s legs sticking out of the sea, mysterious and untouchable.
For adventure-seekers, Norway has its hardcore destinations—like the Lofoten Islands or the icy wilderness of Svalbard. But those are for experts, people who know exactly what they want. We? We went for the most accessible challenge—Preikestolen.
Preikestolen
Hiking with a Few Thousand Friends. We set off from Stavanger, ready to explore the corners of Lysefjord. The first challenge? The parking lot. No joke. It takes longer than expected because, well, everyone and their grandmother is also here.
Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most famous cliffs, hanging 600 meters above Lysefjord. If you want a peaceful experience, start early. Over 250,000 tourists hike here every year—most of them with cameras glued to their faces.
“Are we on a pilgrimage to Santiago? Stuck in traffic outside Frankfurt? Or is this a May Day parade?” Nope. Just the marketing genius of one very photogenic rock.
The hike takes about two hours. We could’ve done it faster, but you can’t just leap over people’s heads. The views are breathtaking, the nature is pure… and the rain? Oh, the rain. We got soaked four times and dried off four times. My waterproof softshell saved my life.
No barriers
And then… the crowds.
Standing at the top, there are no railings, no chains, no safety nets. We can barely see two meters ahead. Visibility is zero, which is fantastic, because it means we can’t see the 500-meter sheer drop right next to us.
But then—magic happens.
The mist clears. The fjord below reveals itself. Sunlight flickers across the water. Then, just as quickly, the view disappears into the clouds again.
That’s Preikestolen for you.
Kjerag: The King of Lysefjord
If Preikestolen is famous, Kjerag is majestic.
Standing 984 meters above the fjord, it’s home to one of Norway’s most legendary photo spots—Kjeragbolten, a giant boulder wedged between two cliffs.
For adrenaline junkies, this is the ultimate challenge. You can step onto the boulder, get that insane Instagram shot, and officially prove your insanity.
Did we try it? Nope.
Some risks are just… not worth the likes.
Trolltunga: The Ultimate Rock Throne
Norway’s most photogenic rock? Probably Trolltunga—the Troll’s Tongue.
This thin, dramatic rock slab juts out 700 meters above Ringedalsvatnet Lake. The view? Unreal.
Unlike Preikestolen or Kjerag, getting to Trolltunga is a serious trek. It’s longer, harder, and more remote. That’s why we saved it for next time.
Norway’s Natural Icons
Preikestolen, Kjerag, and Trolltunga—the big three of Norwegian hiking. But Norway’s wilderness offers much more.
In summer? It’s a hiker’s paradise. In winter? It’s a cross-country skier’s dream (fun fact: cross-country skiing and nordic walking was invented here).
And if I told you that trolls still roam these lands? Some say they’re just folklore. Others swear they’ve seen them under the moonlight. We didn’t see any trolls… But watching some tourists sit on the edge of Preikestolen, we’re not so sure anymore.
Next Stop is Oslo.
