Kjerag is a seasonal destination. Before the opening of the county road between Sirdal and Lysebotn around mid-May, Kjerag is only suitable for well-prepared walkers with a local guide. The snow is deep and requires skis or snowshoes. The season ends when the road closes due to snowfall in October/November.
The hike to Kjerag takes from six to ten hours up and down again, and is around eleven kilometers long. You must be in good physical shape before embarking on this mountain tour, which has an ascent of 800 metres. Certain stretches require you to hoist yourself up and down using a steel wire, so this hike is challenging even for experienced hikers. You start at the car park in Øygardstøl. Ask the hosts in the car park for weather updates - they will give you all the information you need before departure. In rainy weather, you must pay particular attention to the fact that the path can be slippery.
If you are inexperienced with mountain walks or feel unsure about going on such a trip without an escort, we recommend that you take part in a guided tour. A good guide can turn a bad day into a wonderful experience.
Every year, volunteer rescue teams go out to pick up tourists in the mountains. Some are tired, injured and unsure of the way forward, while others have lost their direction due to the darkness. These tourists are often scantily clad and lack appropriate equipment. That's why you should read up on safety in the mountains before you set off on your trip, so that you don't run into the same problems.
Even when sunny and good weather is reported, weather conditions can change quickly. Therefore, you should always check the weather forecast and ask local acquaintances for advice before starting the trip. Do not set out on a trip if strong winds, heavy rain or fog have been reported.
Pack a sturdy 30-litre backpack to fit everything you need. Map and compass, first aid kit, fully charged mobile phone and headlamp are just some of the things we recommend you take in your bag. Further down the page you will find a nice package video with the entire list.
Always wear the right footwear. Hiking boots are recommended. The trip to Kjerag is over rough terrain, and you will need solid foot and ankle support. At Kjerag you can occasionally experience strong gusts of wind, so dress in windproof and waterproof outerwear. An extra change of clothes, including hat, mittens and scarf, must be in your backpack.
Always bring enough food and drink for the trip. Remember that you have to be able to walk the whole way back as well.
There are no toilets along the trails, so use them before you start your hike. If you must walk along the way, stay on the lower side of the trails, well away from streams and lakes. Take the trash back to a trash can.
There are both tourist car ferries and combi ferries to Lysebotn, and from there you travel by car or taxi to Øygardsstøl. You can also drive via Sirdalen towards Lysebotn. In the summer, there is a bus to Kjerag/Øygardsstøl from Stavanger. Departures are early in the morning with return to Stavanger in the afternoon.
Source Visit Norway