Hiking Kjeragbolten: Norway’s Wild Boulder Adventure
Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten had been on my radar since I first visited Norway back in 2008. Staying with friends I’d met in India the year before, I asked about their favorite spots in Norway, and without hesitation, they raved about these two iconic landmarks. I hadn’t seen photos of either before, so when they showed me, I was completely blown away by how impressive they looked. I knew about the fjord cruises, but hiking up to these stunning natural wonders? That was a whole different story. The Norwegians are built differently, I thought. I loved the idea, but for one reason or another, I never found the time to make it happen.
Fast forward to 2018, and I finally had my chance. I had decided to take individual trips with each member of my family as a way to create lasting memories. For my brother, this was our perfect trip. I love him dearly, but like many family relationships, time together always seemed to slip away. This was our opportunity to bond and experience something extraordinary.
I showed him photos of Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten, and he was immediately pumped. We planned to tackle both in one weekend. However, our ambitious idea of hiking both in a single day quickly proved impossible-unless we were prepared to hike in the dark, which we weren’t. We’re adventurers, not expeditioners.
After some research, we found great advice online: Norway is expensive, and Kjeragbolten is remote, so stock up on supplies. We stayed at the Quality Airport Hotel, just a 20-minute walk from the airport, and the breakfast there was phenomenal. You can easily make sandwiches and fill up water bottles for the hike. This advice was pure gold. The hotel was perfect for our needs, and that breakfast powered us through the day.
Getting to Kjeragbolten
Kjeragbolten is located in southern Norway, near the town of Lysebotn, about 20 minutes by car from there. It’s a 2 hour and 40-minute drive from Stavanger, and while the drive itself is easy, the scenery is breathtaking. Just remember, Norway is rural-you won’t find many shops or places to refuel along the way, so top up your tank before leaving the city to avoid any surprises.
The hike begins at Øygardstøl, where there’s a car park (275 NOK) and bathrooms-use them before you set off! We rented a car directly from the airport, which was pricey (Norway isn’t known for its bargains), but it gave us the flexibility we needed. For those without a car, there’s a bus from Stavanger to the trailhead, available from mid-June to the end of September, which takes about 12 hours round trip.
The Hike: Challenging but Worth It
- Distance: 12.6 km round trip
- Elevation: 582 meters
- Difficulty: Challenging but enjoyable
- Time: 6 to 8 hours
The hike itself is about 12 km long with an elevation gain of 580 meters. It usually takes 6 to 8 hours to complete, depending on your pace and how long you spend marveling at the boulder. We finished in about 4 hours, but that included plenty of time for photos and soaking up the atmosphere on Kjeragbolten.
Who Can Do This Hike?
If you’re reasonably fit, this hike is definitely doable. We saw kids hiking, and while they moved a bit slower than us, they were all smiles when they reached the top. That said, there are some steep, challenging sections. Chains are in place to help, but you don’t need special equipment-just a bit of determination. Your heart will race, though, especially when you reach the famous Kjeragbolten, the boulder suspended between two cliffs.
I’ll admit, the boulder looks more impressive in photos than in person, but don’t let that take away from the wild thrill of standing on it. There’s about a meter of space on top to stand comfortably, but the drop below is immense, and the nerves kick in when you’re standing on it. It’s one of those experiences where you feel both exhilarated and terrified at the same time.
Embracing the Adventure
The hike to Kjeragbolten is stunning, even if you don’t want to step onto the boulder itself. The trail takes you through beautiful landscapes, and there’s something incredibly peaceful about being surrounded by Norway’s untamed beauty. I loved chatting with my brother, reflecting on life, and enjoying the sandwiches we made at the hotel. It was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
The experience is everything you’d want from a weekend trip-breathtaking views, a heart-pounding challenge, and the chance to bond with the people you care about most. Kjeragbolten may be known for its iconic boulder, but the hike itself is just as rewarding.
Final Thoughts: A Perfect Weekend Adventure
Hiking to Kjeragbolten was the highlight of our trip. While the boulder itself is a nerve-wracking photo opportunity, the entire experience was what made it unforgettable. The conversations with my brother, the incredible views, and the challenge of the hike all came together to create a weekend I’ll never forget.
If you’re planning a trip to Norway and want to experience both natural beauty and a little bit of adventure, Kjeragbolten should be at the top of your list. Just be sure to stock up on food, fill your tank, and prepare for a journey that’s both challenging and incredibly rewarding.
