GUIDED PREMIUM HIKES
We invite you to a variety of unique hiking adventures in Lysefjorden, all year round!
Norway is a land of fjords; valleys carved by glaciers long ago and now flooded by the ocean. Lysefjorden is one of the most beautiful fjords, and is located an hour’s drive from Stavanger in Norway. If you wish to see the most iconic natural attractions (Preikestolen/Pulpit Rock, Kjerag, Flørli), or if you would rather visit the hidden gems, we can accommodate you with an experienced, friendly, and local nature guide. We take care of the transportation and logistics, offer clothes and equipment to rent, and provide the option of purchasing high-quality photos taken on the hike.
We offer group hikes with transportation from and to Stavanger, or private hikes which can be custom tailored to your desires. The tours are designed with safety in mind, and with the goal of connecting people to the culture, nature, and history, of this mountain wilderness.
OUR GUIDED HIKES TO PREIKESTOLEN (PULPIT ROCK)
OUR GUIDED HIKES TO KJERAG
HIDDEN GEM DAY HIKES
AMAZING MULTI-DAY EXPERIENCES
NEED ACCOMMODATIONS?
If you want to avoid the hectic city life and get a good night’s sleep surrounded by nature and stunning scenery, we recommend the following accommodations:
– Gøysa Gard – An authentic farm in a small village, with a stunning view of Lysefjorden. The history of this place is rich and deep, going back as far as early Bronze age settlements. There have been people living on this location for thousands of years, and when you get here, you will understand why.
– Preikestolen Basecamp – Their Mountain Lodge offers hotel standard rooms, while Preikestolhytta offers guests rustic cabin charm. There’s also Hikers’ Camp, their glamping alternative. That’s an exciting alternative for children of all ages. You can also sleep under the stars at the lakeside WaterCamp. These accommodations are located in the same area as the Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) trailhead.
MEET OUR GUIDES
Guide: Erlend Berne
Born just outside of Stavanger on the island of Hundvåg, Erlend is a true native to our beautiful region. Since he was a little boy, he has been fascinated by anything that moves and grows in nature. “As a child I was happy if you gave me a bucket at the beach and let me be off on my own to explore.”
Erlend studied biology at NTNU, and has a passion for photography. He has been a guide since 2016. Erlend joined us at Explore Lysefjorden in late 2021, bringing years of know-how with him. So, even though our company is a recent arrival on the guiding stage of fjord-Norway, you will be in good hands if you book a hike with us!
Today, besides guiding guests from all over the world, Erlend’s main areas of responsibility are back-office functionality, photo editing and booking management. The hike Erlend arguably most enjoys to guide on is Preikestolen at sunrise. “Hiking in the quiet of night is magic. Twilight gives way to dawn as you arrive at Preikestolen, and you’re left standing there: at the edge of a new day, and at the edge of the world.”
Erlend also has a lovely border collie named Balder, and the two are almost unseparable. You will often see this handsome dog on our Instagram feed!
Guide: Stephan Birnmeyer
Originally from Germany, he moved to Stavanger with his wife in 2021 because of his job. He has always liked to be out and about doing sports. But with Norway and its beautiful mountains, he has found his passion for hiking either on foot or on skis in the winter. He enjoys sharing this passion with others and bringing them closer to the beautiful Norwegian nature.
Guide: Petter Jacobsen
A trip to Kjerag with pleasant guests from different parts of the world on a sunny morning is in itself a good starting point for a glorious day. But it only gets better. Clear clean air, rushing cold water, spectacular views and the feeling of happiness of using your strength over a full day in the mountains. The satisfaction of reaching Kjeragbolten, sharing food, blackcurrant toddy and chocolate can hardly be beaten.
I have a strong urge to be outside. Especially in the mountains. Love to walk in the areas around the Lysefjord. The actual guiding for Explore Lysefjorden is a pleasurable task. I like meeting new people and think it’s a nice bonus to give them insight and understanding of nature and terrain.
Studied communication in Lincoln, England and in Stockholm, Sweden. I usually work with communication and marketing from my office in Stavanger. Married to Swedish wife. Lives in Stavanger. Often spends weekends camping, summit trips and skiing. Guiding for Explore Lysefjord is something I can do when I have a free day in my calendar. Most often in the summer season.
Guide: Bendikte Baadsvig
Born in South-Korea, then adopted as a little child, she has lived all her life in Norway, and now resides in Sandnes with her boyfriend. She is a woman with a lot of energy, and has been guiding since 2017.
Nature is her lifestyle, and she spends all her sparetime immersed in it. As a result, she has tonnes of experience with everything outdoors. Some of the activites she is most passionate about are mountain skiing, kayaking, climbing and hiking. It gives her so much joy to see the happy faces on her guests after they have struggled up the hills:
“My primary motivation for bringing guests out on hikes is to help them achieve a sense of accomplishment. I will do my best to give you the best experience on our hike together.”
Guide: Terry Haugvaldstad
Born in South Africa. After moving here 13 years ago, he lives just outside Stavanger with his family. Terry is the father of 3 beautiful girls, and works as a professional photographer when he’s not guiding for us.
He loves wildlife photography, and he loves taking trips into the outdoors to catch some good shots. Beyond that he just enjoys being out in Norwegian mountains and wilderness.
Guide: Christer W. Dysjaland
From being an ultra runner and a hiking fanatic, for Christer there is not a single stone left unturned in the hiking landscape offered by Lysefjorden. It has become his second home. However, as with most things, it’s better when shared with likeminded people.
With a bachelor from the Police University, a bachelor in sport science (with an emphasis on outdoorlife), and currently finishing his third bachelor (this one in theology); his interests are diverse as can be.
Combining his job as a guide with being a teacher is a testament to how much he enjoys connecting with people through activities and discourse, and he strives to give his guests both a fun and professional experience as their guide.
Describing his favorite hike, he says: “I love the Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike. It brings together the epic and unique Preikestolen with the true off-beaten nature experience; the best of both worlds.”
Guidepup: Balder
Balder is Erlend’s trusty companion. Born on January 14th 2019, on a farm in Vikeså, he descends from a proud family of prize winning sheepdogs. Although his siblings quickly discovered the instinct to herd (something farmers refer to as “waking up”), little Balder didn’t seem all that excited to live the life of a sheepdog. Balder just wanted to play and cuddle. He was thus the last pup to be sold, despite his robust frame when young.
Erlend bought Balder the same day he found the advertisement about pups for sale, and the two have been inseperable since. The cuddly border collie is a testament to his species: playful and sweet; silly yet brilliant. And, of course, more giving of love than any person deserves. If any dog has ever earned the title “Man’s Best Friend”, it is Balder.
Erlend sometimes brings Balder for guided hikes (if every guest gives the okay), and if you want, he can perhaps join yours! Ask us about him, if you want to meet him!
