Lysebotn Explorer Roundtrip

Immerse yourself in the majestic fjords, dramatic mountains, and captivating coastline of Norway. This exclusive roundtrip adventure reveals the untamed beauty of Norwegian landscapes, including the iconic Lysebotn climb. With top-tier accommodations and expert guides, your journey begins effortlessly the moment you will be greeted at the airport. Welcome to an unforgettable exploration!

This journey takes you to some of Norway’s most breathtaking destinations. You’ll conquer the legendary Lysebotn climb, featuring 27 dramatic hairpin turns and stunning panoramic views, and pass through Gloppedalsura, Northern Europe’s largest boulder field – a true geological marvel. The route also highlights the captivating Jæren coastline, with its expansive white sandy beaches and rolling farmland, offering a unique glimpse of the region’s coastal allure.

Along the way, you’ll visit Jøssingfjorden, home to the historic “House Under the Rock” at Helleren, where you’ll uncover stories of life in this isolated area and hear fascinating accounts from World War II. You’ll also cycle along the scenic Jæren Beach, a pristine stretch of coastline that perfectly captures Norway’s untamed natural beauty, and explore Old Stavanger, Northern Europe’s best-preserved wooden house settlement, brimming with history and charm.

This tour is a simplified version of the Signature Tour, making it perfectly suited for e-bikes or all-round bikes, ensuring a more accessible and enjoyable experience. This tour is designed for cyclists accustomed to biking 30-60 km per day over relatively flat terrain, with some inclines and the occasional climb. If you consider yourself a reasonably active person who can comfortably stay active for several hours, this tour is well-suited for you. It’s also an excellent choice for e-bike riders. You can rent an e-bike only to cycle up the hill in Lysebotn and switch back to a regular bike at the top.

You ride on a Fenix SLiC – the culmination of three generations of endurance bikes, representing a continuous evolution. Featuring fully concealed cables, disc brakes, and 11-speed gearing, it offers a comfortable ride with more aggressive handling compared to our standard option.

• 11-speed drivetrain
• 50/34 Crankset
• 11-32 Cassette
• Hydraulic disc brake

Day 1 - Individual Arrival to Stavanger - Meet the Guides

hotelKronen Gaard Hotel, Sandnes

restaurantDinner

Arrive individually in Stavanger or Sandnes. Pickup and transportation to the hotel can be arranged upon request.

We will gather at Kronen Gaard Hotel at 6:00 PM for a welcome dinner and evening event. During the evening, you'll be given an overview of the upcoming itinerary, as well as an introduction to the guides and equipment. Bike fittings will also be available upon request and can be arranged during this time.

The Kronen Gaard Hotel is a charming yellow Swiss-style villa, located behind a majestic weeping beech tree planted in 1907. The hotel offers a striking first impression as you enter the courtyard. It provides elegant, traditional accommodations in the beautiful countryside of Sandnes, while maintaining the charm of its historic past.

Day 2 - Welcome to the Fjords

hotelSirdal Høyfjellshotell, Tjørhom

restaurantBreakfast, lunch and dinner

directions_bike60 km (ferry Lauvvik-Lysebotn)

1618 m

994 m

We load our luggage onto the support vehicle and start the day with a hearty breakfast before departing the hotel. Today’s cycling route is divided into two parts: Kronen Gaard Hotel to Lauvvik ferry dock, and Lysebotn to Sirdal Høyfjellshotell. The ride to Lauvvik takes us through gently rolling terrain on quiet roads, giving a preview of the challenges ahead.

From Lauvvik, we board a ferry to enjoy the spectacular Lysefjorden. Along the way, we’ll pass Preikestolen, Flørli, and the impressive Kjerag cliffs. In Lysebotn, the climb begins! After a brief flat section, we tackle 27 hairpin bends with an average incline of 10%, peaking at 15%. The road design makes the climb surprisingly manageable. A tunnel after the second bend requires bike lights, which are included with our rentals or available from the support vehicle. E-bikes are available to rent for the climb. Your regular bike will be transported to the summit, and the e-bike returned to Lysebotn afterward.

We’ll pause at Øygårdstøl, the Eagle’s Nest, at 640 meters above sea level, to refill water, take in the views, and enjoy a snack. The final climb reaches 932 meters, surrounded by a barren, otherworldly landscape. From there, it’s mostly downhill to Sirdal Høyfjellshotell. After settling in, relax while the guides prepares for the next day. In the evening, we’ll gather in the firehouse for a dinner featuring local delicacies - a memorable way to end the day!

Day 3 - From the Mountain to the Valleys

hotelByrkjedalstunet, Dirdal

restaurantBreakfast, lunch and dinner

directions_bike48 km

395 m

841 m

Today’s ride is mostly downhill. We’ll start in the upper part of Sirdalen, passing through Sinnes and continuing by Valevatn on our way to Byrkjedalstunet, where we’ll spend the evening and night. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy “lapper,” a traditional treat that’s a must-try for any cyclist visiting this charming location. Byrkjedalstunet is renowned for its homemade food, a wide variety of locally produced delicacies, and unique souvenirs.

In the evening, we’ll gather in the mountain hall for an aperitif before indulging in a delightful dinner at the restaurant.

Day 4 - Rocks and Fjords

hotelGrand Hotel, Egersund

restaurantBreakfast, lunch and dinner

directions_bike50 km

958 m

1158 m

The journey continues through Gloppedalsura, Northern Europe’s largest boulder field. From there, we pass Indre and Ytre Vinjevatn en route to Bjerkreim. Along the way, we’ll stop at Myksvoll Microbrewery for freshly roasted coffee and a light snack.

The final stretch takes us to Grand Hotel Egersund, where we’ll spend the night. This stage transitions from the inland valleys and dense forests to the rolling coastal terrain of the south. The ever-changing landscape is breathtaking, making it hard to keep your eyes on the road with so much to take in. Upon arrival in Egersund, we’ll settle into the charming Grand Hotel, where a warm welcome awaits. In the evening, we’ll gather for a delicious dinner, accompanied by a slideshow of captivating photos from the day’s ride.

For those interested, we also recommend optional activities such as a hike to Trollpikken, a visit to the Fayance Museum, or a tour of Berentsens Brewery, founded in 1895. There, you can sample locally crafted beer, whisky, gin, or aquavit - a perfect way to end the day!

Day 5 - The North Sea Route

hotelBryne Kro & Hotell, Bryne

restaurantBreakfast, lunch and dinner

directions_bike57 km

514 m

493 m

Today, we cycle along the stunning coastline from Egersund, passing the charming towns of Hellvik, Sirevåg and Brusand. This area is truly one of a kind, boasting a landscape unlike anywhere else in Norway.

Our first stop is the renowned art and culture center, Hå gamle prestegard, a historic rectory and a must visit on Jæren. Here, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in serene and picturesque surroundings. We then continue along the coast toward Bryne, cycling past some of Norway’s longest sandy beaches and expansive flatlands dotted with farms and cultivated fields - a true agricultural haven. With any luck, we’ll have the wind at our backs, but even with a bit of headwind, this flat and gentle stage is easily manageable.

For the night, we’ll stay at the welcoming Bryne Kro & Hotell, known for its cozy atmosphere. In the evening, we’ll gather in the restaurant for a hearty dinner, sharing highlights and photos from the day’s memorable ride.

Day 6 - Into the City

hotelVictoria Hotel, Stavanger

restaurantBreakfast, lunch and dinner

directions_bike57 km

488 m

509 m

Today, we cycle toward more urban areas, passing a mix of expansive farms and quaint communities as we make our way back to the coastline. Our first stop is at Ølberg, followed by a lunch break at the iconic Sola Strandhotel. After lunch, we visit Sola Ruinkirke, located near Sola Beach, for a photo opportunity.

The journey continues to Vår Energi Arena, where we’ll visit the headquarters of Norway Bike Experience. Here, we’ll enjoy a brief tour of the cycling velodrome accompanied by coffee and snacks. From there, we ride through Forus, the hub of Norway's oil industry, before transitioning to the fantastic cycling highway leading to Stavanger.

As we approach Stavanger, we pass through Sørmarka and tackle Grisabakken, a challenging climb made famous by the Tour of Norway, where top cyclists compete annually. After conquering the climb, we stop at Ullandhaugtårnet for breathtaking views and photos. Our route then takes us to Hafrsfjord and the iconic Swords in Rock monument, where we’ll learn about the historic Battle of Hafrsfjord from the late 9th century.

We conclude the day in Stavanger city center with a short detour through Old Stavanger, home to Northern Europe’s best-preserved wooden house settlement. In Stavanger, we’ll check in at the charming Victoria Hotel and prepare for a special farewell dinner. For those seeking additional adventures, we offer optional activities such as a hike to Preikestolen, a fjord cruise, a visit to the Flor & Fjære gardens, or a guided tour of Old Stavanger, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Day 7 - Stavanger - the Edge of Norway

restaurantBreakfast

The final day of your journey may signal the end of the cycling route, but it doesn’t have to mark the end of your adventure.

For those looking to continue exploring, you can extend your stay with an extra night in Stavanger and enjoy optional activities such as a hike to Preikestolen, a fjord cruise, a visit to the vibrant Flor & Fjære gardens, or a guided tour of Stavanger’s picturesque old town - offering something for every taste and interest.