Stavanger fjord cruises

Panoramic, Open-top views
Panoramic, Open-top views
Frequent Departures
Frequent Departures
Audio guide & Commentary available
Audio guide & Commentary available
Cruise ship sailing near Stavanger fjord with passengers enjoying the view.
























































Quick overview

  • Cruise options: Choose between scenic Lysefjord sightseeing cruises, silent electric cruises, high-speed RIB adventures, or a 3-course dinner cruise through Stavanger’s coastal archipelago.
  • Boat types & onboard experience: Standard and hybrid-electric ships offer quiet sailing, indoor lounges, outdoor decks, Wi-Fi, and panoramic views, while RIB boats provide fast, open-air exploration with protective gear.
  • Routes & key highlights: Most cruises sail through Lysefjord to see Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Fantahålå cave, waterfalls, and steep granite cliffs; dinner cruises explore Stavanger’s surrounding island archipelago.
  • Comfort & onboard facilities: Larger sightseeing vessels include warm indoor seating, toilets, and viewing decks, while RIB boats focus on mobility and adventure with safety equipment provided.
  • Boarding point: All cruises depart conveniently from Stavanger harbor, within walking distance of the city center and main transport hubs.
  • Recommended option: Choose silent electric cruises for comfort and photography or Stavanger dinner cruises for a premium dining experience.

Which Stavanger Fjord Cruise ticket is best for you?

Cruise typeDurationWhat’s includedBoat typeBoarding pointWhy choose this
Standard cruise to Lysefjord

2.5 hours

Audio guide in 7 languages, indoor lounge, decks

Modern sightseeing ship

Strandkaien

Classic Lysefjord cruise with views and audio guide commentary

Silent cruise to Lysefjord

3.5 hours

Guide, indoor lounge, decks, Wi-Fi

Hybrid-electric ship

Strandkaien

Quiet and eco-friendly cruise with minimal noise and disturbance

RIB tour to Lysefjord

1.5 hours

High-speed RIB, skipper, thermal gear, safety gear

Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB speedboat)

Strandkaien

Best for adventure seekers needing close cliff access and thrilling speed

Stavanger dinner cruise

2.5 hours

Gourmet 3-course dinner, floor-to-ceiling views, heated saloons

Hybrid-electric ship

Strandkaien

Enjoy a luxurious dining cruise with scenic, climate-controlled comfort.

What to expect on your Stavanger fjord cruise

Cruise ships docked in Stavanger harbor with city center buildings on a sunny day.
Guests on RIB boat with guide during Lysefjord Safari, Norway.
Guests on a RIB boat during Lysefjord Safari, Norway, with scenic mountain views.
Guests taking photos on Lysefjord cruise near waterfall in Stavanger.
Guests on Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger, viewing cliffs and water through boat window.
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Smooth boarding at Stavanger harbor

Board your vessel directly from Stavanger’s central harbor with a quick check-in. Depending on your ticket, step onto a comfortable sightseeing boat, silent electric ship, RIB speedboat, or dining vessel, each designed for different levels of comfort and adventure.

Cruise past coastal islands and archipelago views

As the cruise departs, sail through Stavanger’s surrounding islands and open waters. Larger sightseeing and silent vessels offer indoor lounges and outdoor decks, while RIB boats provide faster travel and closer proximity to coastal scenery.

Enter the dramatic Lysefjord

As the vessel enters Lysefjord, the scenery shifts dramatically. Towering granite cliffs rise sharply from the water, and the fjord narrows, creating one of Norway’s most iconic cruising environments with uninterrupted views in every direction.

Enjoy live commentary and landmark views

Cruise beneath Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and pass natural highlights like Fantahålå cave and Whiskey waterfall. Guides or audio commentary explain these landmarks, while slow cruising speeds allow clear viewing and photography opportunities.

Onboard comfort and facilities

Silent and sightseeing cruises include warm indoor saloons, toilets, and Wi-Fi, while dinner cruises add a gourmet 3-course Nordic meal with panoramic views. RIB tours provide thermal suits and safety gear for outdoor fjord exploration.

Things to know before booking your Stavanger fjord cruise tickets

Booking window:

• Stavanger fjord cruises operate year-round, with the highest demand from May to September due to longer daylight hours and clearer fjord visibility. Summer departures, especially silent and dinner cruises, sell out quickly.
• Booking at least a few days in advance is recommended in peak season. RIB tours have smaller group sizes and may require earlier reservations.

Cruise types & formats:

Standard Lysefjord sightseeing cruises offer multilingual audio guides and stable vessels, making them ideal for first-time visitors wanting to see Pulpit Rock and Lysefjord comfortably.
Silent hybrid-electric cruises provide warm indoor lounges, Wi-Fi, and panoramic decks. These are best for photography, quiet sailing, and relaxed sightseeing.
RIB speedboat tours focus on adventure, using high-speed boats and thermal suits to reach fjord areas faster and closer than larger vessels.
Dinner cruises from Stavanger combine fjord sailing with a gourmet Nordic 3-course meal and indoor panoramic seating, ideal for travelers prioritizing dining and atmosphere.

Routes & duration:

• Most sightseeing and silent cruises explore Lysefjord, passing major landmarks such as Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Fantahålå cave, and Whiskey waterfall.
• Dinner cruises focus on Stavanger’s archipelago rather than Lysefjord, offering coastal island views instead of deep fjord landmarks.
• Standard sightseeing and dinner cruises typically last about 2.5 hours, while RIB tours run around 2 hours with faster travel and more dynamic movement.

Comfort & onboard experience:

• Larger sightseeing and silent vessels include indoor seating, toilets, and stable decks, making them suitable for families, seniors, and longer cruising comfort.
• RIB tours provide safety gear including thermal suits, goggles, and life jackets, but remain exposed to wind and weather conditions.

Policies & rules

• Boarding takes place directly at Stavanger harbor, within walking distance of the city center.
• There are no airport-style security checks, but arriving 15–20 minutes before departure ensures smooth boarding.
• Wildlife sightings and waterfall visibility depend on weather and natural conditions.
• Cruises operate in light rain and typical fjord weather, but strong winds or severe conditions may lead to route adjustments or rescheduling.

What you'll see on your Stavanger fjord cruises

Fjordcruise view of Lysefjord cliffs and water trail near Preikestolen, Norway.

Preikestolen corridor

Cruises glide along Lysefjord’s north wall passing beneath Preikestolen, the 604-meter cliff visible as a towering natural monument. The route follows a gentle curve near the harbor before unfolding into expansive fjord panoramas.

Waterfall cascading into Lysefjord with a rainbow, Lysefjord, Norway.
Lysefjord in Norway with steep cliffs and calm reflective waters.
Guests on RIB boat with guide during Lysefjord Safari, Norway.
Lysefjord bridge spanning over the fjord with rocky cliffs in Norway.

Plan your Stavanger Fjord Experience

  • How early to arrive: Arrive 15–20 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding, especially during busy summer departures.
  • Documents/tickets needed: Show your mobile or printed ticket at boarding. ID may be requested for verification on select cruises.
  • Dress code: Wear comfortable clothing and bring a light jacket. Even in summer, fjord winds can feel cool on open decks. RIB tours provide thermal suits and protective gear.
  • Find your check-in point: Go to the Stavanger harbor departure point listed on your ticket. Most cruises depart from the central waterfront near the city center.
  • Boarding process: Boarding happens directly from the harbor pier. Staff will scan your ticket before you step onboard.
  • Crew tip: Arrive early to choose your preferred viewing spot and settle in before departure, especially on sightseeing and silent cruises.
  • Operating hours: Cruises operate year-round from Stavanger harbor with departures in the morning and afternoon.
  • Last departure: Final sailings usually occur around 3:30pm, allowing enough time for boarding and pre-cruise briefings.
  • Best time of day to go: Morning sailings offer calmer waters and optimal light for photography.
  • Best season or month to visit: May through September provide favorable weather and enhanced fjord visibility.
  • Visit duration: Typical cruises last between 2 and 4 hours.
  • Location: Departures are from the Strandkaien area of Stavanger harbor.
  • Address: Strandkaien, Stavanger, Norway. Find on map for easy navigation.
  • Getting there: The boarding point is accessible via bus from Stavangersentrum and train from Stavanger Station; a short 5–10 minute walk is required.
  • Onboard amenities: Heated indoor saloons and comfortable seating areas are available.
  • Restrooms: Clean and accessible restrooms are provided onboard throughout the cruise.
  • Wi-Fi: Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging stations are available in the waiting areas.
  • Refreshments: A café onboard offers coffee and light snacks for purchase.
  • Safety equipment: Life jackets and all necessary safety gear are on board along with a first aid kit.
  • Informational tools: Audio commentary or live guides provide detailed insights along the route.
  • Boarding: Step-free ramps at the main pier allow smooth and accessible boarding for wheelchair users and travelers with limited mobility.
  • Onboard: Larger sightseeing and silent cruise vessels include wheelchair-accessible areas and restrooms for comfortable movement during the journey.
  • Limitations: RIB speedboats have limited space and narrow seating, making them unsuitable for wheelchairs or reduced mobility.
  • Assistance: Crew members are available to assist with boarding and seating. Arriving early helps ensure proper support and easier access.
  • Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted onboard. Most vessels offer drinks and snacks for purchase.
  • Wearing provided safety gear, including thermal suits and life jackets, is mandatory on RIB speedboat tours.
  • Smoking is restricted to designated outdoor areas and is not allowed inside indoor lounges or enclosed spaces.
  • Large luggage and bulky items are not recommended due to limited onboard storage space.
  • Personal photography is allowed, but drone use is prohibited unless special permission is granted.
  • Cruises operate in most weather conditions, but severe weather may lead to route changes or rescheduling.

Tips & guidelines

  • Wear layered clothing, including a waterproof jacket and comfortable closed-toe shoes. Fjord waters can be chilly and windy, so be prepared for sudden weather changes.
  • Bring your camera or smartphone with an extra battery, as silent electric cruises offer excellent photo opportunities of dramatic cliffs and wildlife in soft morning light.
  • Remain quiet during close wildlife sightings so that seals, porpoises, and seabirds remain undisturbed; gentle conversation helps everyone appreciate nature’s sounds.
  • Keep personal belongings secure in a waterproof bag; sudden splashes or sea spray may make items slippery or damp, ensuring your gear stays protected.

Frequently asked questions about Stavanger fjord cruise tickets

Most cruises last between 2 and 4 hours. The standard sightseeing cruise usually runs 2.5–3.5 hours while RIB tours are shorter. Duration depends on the option you choose, so please check your ticket details for the exact time.