Stavanger Norway Cruise Port: Lysefjord Boat & Pulpit Rock
After a full week sailing the Sky Princess through the Norway Fjords, our final stop was Stavanger — and this was the port I had been looking forward to since the moment we booked the cruise. It was the very first excursion I locked in, and it ended up being one of the highlights of our entire trip.
We were traveling as a multi‑generational crew:
my parents in their 70s
me in my 40s
my 17‑year‑old son
My goal was simple: find something scenic, relaxing, and enjoyable for all of us. The Lysefjord boat tour checked every box.
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Why We Chose a Lysefjord Boat Tour in Stavanger
Stavanger is one of the easiest ports for DIY exploring, and the fjord cruise is perfect for families, older travelers, and anyone who wants to see Norway’s dramatic landscapes without hiking Pulpit Rock.
If you want to see all our Norway cruise adventures — fjords, waterfalls, Viking history, and more — start here: 👉 Sky Princess Norway Fjords Guide
And if you’re packing for your own Norway cruise, here are the travel essentials I never leave home without: 🎒 My Must‑Have Travel Essentials
How to Book a Stavanger Fjord Cruise (Cruise Line vs. Independent)
I book excursions in a mix of ways depending on distance, timing, and risk:
Cruise line → when the tour is far away or all‑day
Viator / GetYourGuide → when the tour is close to the port and easy to access
Shore Excursion Group → when I want smaller groups or better pricing
For Stavanger, the Rodne Fjord Cruise leaves right from the same pier where the Sky Princess docks. Since it’s close, not a full‑day tour, and super easy logistically, I booked independently to save money.
Book the Tour We Did:
Rodne Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord (GetYourGuide)
Rodne Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord (Viator)
Rodne Fjord Cruise Review: Lysefjord, Pulpit Rock & Waterfalls
The boat boards just steps from the ship — truly one of the easiest ports of the entire itinerary. Our boarding time was noon, and even though we arrived 20 minutes early, the line was already long. Don’t stress: everyone made it on, and we still found seats inside for my parents.
Once we were underway, we headed up to the mid‑deck to enjoy the fresh Norwegian air. The entire cruise lasted about 3.5 hours, and it was peaceful, scenic, and the perfect pace for our group.
Highlights of the Lysefjord Cruise
✔ Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) You may recognize it from Mission Impossible 6. Seeing it from the water is incredible — the cliffs rise straight up from the fjord.
✔ Goats at the Waterfall Yes, actual goats. They come right down to the water’s edge. It’s a fun, unexpected stop.
✔ Hengjanefossen Waterfall The captain gets close enough for great photos. The spray feels amazing on a warm day.
✔ Smooth, relaxing ride The RIB boats look fun, but I’m glad we chose the slower, more comfortable option for our multi‑generational group.
Overall, this was one of our favorite excursions of the entire cruise. Seeing the Norwegian coastline from a smaller boat gives you a completely different perspective than the big ship.
Is the Lysefjord Boat Tour Good for Cruise Passengers?
Absolutely — this is one of the best DIY cruise excursions in Norway.
It’s:
Easy to walk to from the ship
Scenic without being strenuous
Great for families and older travelers
A perfect “last port” activity before heading home
If you want a low‑stress, high‑reward day in Stavanger, this is it.
Rodne Fjord Cruise Review: Lysefjord, Pulpit Rock & Waterfalls
The boat boards just steps from the ship — truly one of the easiest ports of the entire itinerary. Our boarding time was noon, and even though we arrived 20 minutes early, the line was already long. Don’t stress: everyone made it on, and we still found seats inside for my parents.
Once we were underway, we headed up to the mid‑deck to enjoy the fresh Norwegian air. The entire cruise lasted about 3.5 hours, and it was peaceful, scenic, and the perfect pace for our group.
Highlights of the Lysefjord Cruise
✔ Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) You may recognize it from Mission Impossible 6. Seeing it from the water is incredible — the cliffs rise straight up from the fjord.
✔ Goats at the Waterfall Yes, actual goats. They come right down to the water’s edge. It’s a fun, unexpected stop.
✔ Hengjanefossen Waterfall The captain gets close enough for great photos. The spray feels amazing on a warm day.
✔ Smooth, relaxing ride The RIB boats look fun, but I’m glad we chose the slower, more comfortable option for our multi‑generational group.
Overall, this was one of our favorite excursions of the entire cruise. Seeing the Norwegian coastline from a smaller boat gives you a completely different perspective than the big ship.
Is the Lysefjord Boat Tour Good for Cruise Passengers?
Absolutely — this is one of the best DIY cruise excursions in Norway.
It’s:
Easy to walk to from the ship
Scenic without being strenuous
Great for families and older travelers
A perfect “last port” activity before heading home
If you want a low‑stress, high‑reward day in Stavanger, this is it.
Shopping in Stavanger: Viking Cups & Local Finds
After the cruise, we wandered through Stavanger’s colorful streets and did a little shopping — the first port where we actually bought souvenirs.
We picked up:
Matching Viking cups for my dad and Tanner
Earrings for Tanner’s girlfriend
Stavanger has charming shops with unique, meaningful souvenirs (not the typical cruise‑port trinkets).
What to Pack for a Stavanger Cruise Port Day
Here’s what worked perfectly for our fjord cruise:
Light layers — it gets breezy on the water
Comfortable shoes — you’ll walk the pier and decks
Crossbody bag — I used my Away crossbody
Sunscreen — MD Sciences tinted sunscreen
Waterproof jacket — optional but helpful
Shop My Stavanger Essentials:
Athleta layers
Reef sandals
Away crossbody
MD Sciences sunscreen
Scout Bags
EtravelSIM
Faye Travel Insurance
Ready to Travel for (Almost) Free?
If you want to learn how we book cruises, flights, and hotels using points and miles, start here: ✨ Best Points Credit Cards for Travel
❓ Stavanger Norway Cruise Port: FAQ
Is Stavanger a walkable cruise port?
Yes! Stavanger is one of the easiest ports to explore on foot. The Rodne Fjord Cruise departs from the same pier where most cruise ships dock, and the Old Town is just a short walk away.
Is the Lysefjord boat tour good for families and older travelers?
Absolutely. The 3.5‑hour cruise is smooth, scenic, and relaxing — perfect for multi‑generational groups. There’s no strenuous walking, and you can sit inside or outside depending on comfort.
How long is the Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger?
Most tours, including the Rodne Fjord Cruise, last about 3.5 hours. It’s the ideal length for a port day because you still have time to explore Stavanger afterward.
Can you see Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) from the boat?
Yes! The boat sails right beneath Pulpit Rock, giving you incredible views of the cliff from below. It’s one of the highlights of the entire tour.
Do you need to book the fjord cruise through the cruise line?
Not necessarily. Because the boat leaves right from the pier and isn’t an all‑day excursion, many travelers (including us) book independently through GetYourGuide or Viator to save money.
What should I wear for a fjord cruise in Stavanger?
Layers are key. It can be breezy on the water even in summer. I recommend:
Light jacket or fleece
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen
A crossbody bag
Optional: waterproof layer if you plan to stand outside near the waterfalls
Is Stavanger a good port for shopping?
Yes — especially for small, meaningful souvenirs. We found Viking‑themed items, handmade crafts, and jewelry. It’s not a big shopping port, but the quality is great.
What else can you do in Stavanger besides the fjord cruise?
If you have extra time, consider:
Exploring Old Stavanger (Gamle Stavanger)
Visiting the Norwegian Petroleum Museum
Walking the colorful Øvre Holmegate street
Grabbing coffee or pastries near the harbor
Is Stavanger a tender port?
No. Ships dock directly at the pier, making it one of the easiest ports of the Norway Fjords itinerary.
