Kjeragbolten Hike – Would You Dare?

The Most Daring Hike in Norway

During our trip to Norway, I aimed to conquer three iconic hikes: Preikestolen, Kjeragbolten Hike, and Trolltunga Hike. So, after flying to Oslo, we swiftly rented a car and embarked on our adventure driving across the country and planning our hikes. RENT A CAR HERE

Norway’s First Impression

Think vibrant greenery, spotless surroundings, and enough Teslas to make you do a double take. But fair warning: it’s a pricey playground, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pack your own bed linens or fork out for rentals. Oh, and get ready for some ferry-hopping fun on the west side of Norway!

Key Facts About Kjeragbolten:

  • Location: Kjeragbolten is located in the Kjerag mountain range in Norway, within the municipality of Forsand in Rogaland County.
  • Height: The rock is perched 984 meters (3,228 feet) above the Lysefjord.
  • Size: Kjeragbolten is a large boulder wedged between two cliffs, with a size of 5-cubic-metres.
  • Hiking Difficulty: The hike to Kjeragbolten is considered challenging, involving steep climbs, rocky terrain, and some scrambling.
  • Deaths: While there have been fatalities in the area due to falls or accidents near cliff edges, there are no recorded deaths directly from the boulder itself.
A woman in a black jacket stands by a campfire on grassy terrain, with a serene lake and mountain backdrop. A cozy cabin is visible in the distance.
Rugged rocky path with hikers ascending, surrounded by steep cliffs and deep green valleys under a clear blue sky. Majestic and adventurous atmosphere.

Kjeragbolten Hike

Kjeragbolten is a famous boulder wedged in a mountain crevice in Norway, and hiking to it is a popular adventure for outdoor enthusiasts. The hike to Kjeragbolten starts at Øygardstøl, a parking lot and starting point for several hiking trails in the area.

The hike is approximately 5.5 kilometers each way and took us around 4-5 hours round trip (with photos and snack break). The trail is well-marked and relatively easy to follow, but it does involve some steep climbs and rocky terrain, so it is recommended to wear sturdy hiking boots and bring plenty of water and snacks.

Once you reach Kjeragbolten, you can marvel at the stunning views of the Lysefjord below and even take a daring photo standing on the boulder if you’re feeling brave. Just remember to be cautious and mindful of your surroundings, as the area can be slippery and dangerous.

Overall, hiking to Kjeragbolten is a challenging but rewarding experience that offers breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment. Just make sure to plan ahead, dress appropriately, and enjoy the journey!

A person stands confidently on a boulder wedged between two towering cliffs, overlooking a clear blue sky and distant mountains, conveying adventure.
A large boulder is wedged between two high cliffs. Surrounding grassy patches cling to the rocky landscape. The scene is dramatic and rugged.

How Did it Feel to Step on Kjeragbolten?

 

Stepping onto Kjeragbolten was a mix of pure exhilaration and a bit of fear. I thought the big moment of this hike would be getting on the boulder, but I quickly realized that not many people actually take the leap.

As I neared the boulder, a surge of adrenaline hit me, and my knees felt like they might give out at any moment. I fought the urge to sit down for a bit of stability, knowing that would probably make me feel even worse.

Even though I’m not afraid of heights, I couldn’t help but be drawn to the dizzying drop below, even when I tried to focus on the view. With a shaky breath, I managed to snap a quick photo while standing on the rock, but getting off it? That was a swift exit. Looking back, I’m not sure I’d be ready to do it again anytime soon.

Person on a rocky hill under a vast blue sky with scattered clouds. A jet trail is visible, creating a sense of openness and tranquility.
Majestic mountain landscape with expansive rocky terrain under dramatic clouds. Soft sunlight breaks through, casting a serene, tranquil atmosphere.

Where We Stayed

After doing our homework, we settled on Florli 4444 as our home base. Why? So we could hit the trails bright and early and this was the closest accommodation.

To reach Florli, you’ll need to catch a ferry and park your car in a small area right where you disembark. At check-in, we rented linens but were surprised to find out keys weren’t necessary (I guess only nice people come there). With that sorted, we tackled the steep hill to our cottage. Sharing kitchen and restroom facilities was a new experience for us, but it felt great to connect with other hikers along the way. (in the kitchen)

The name “Florli 4444” is derived from the total number of steps in the iconic Florli Staircase. So, if you’ve got energy or time to spare, seize the opportunity to conquer the Florli Stairs. It’s a challenge worth taking for the stunning views and the sense of accomplishment waiting at the top!

A serene fjord landscape with a lush green mountain backdrop. A small waterfront town is visible, with an arrow labeled "Frolri 4444" pointing to a white building, suggesting a focus on that specific location. Calm water in the foreground reflects the scene, giving a tranquil and peaceful ambiance.
Serene sunset over a calm fjord, with orange clouds reflecting in the water. Rugged mountains border the scene, and a car is parked by the shore.
Ferry on still water reflects under a pastel-colored sky at sunrise. Mountain range in the background adds to the serene, picturesque scene.

Is Norway Vegan Friendly?

 

Even though Norway is increasingly becoming vegan-friendly, with a growing number of options, especially in bigger cities like Oslo, Bergen, and Trondheim, it was still very challenging, and I was glad I came prepared. I brought vegan protein bars for hiking, some vegan salami and cheese, and veggie spreads. I used them with locally bought bread and vegetables.

 

To this day, this hike remains one of my all-time favorites. I highly recommend it, even if you’re not planning to step onto Kjeragbolten. The stunning scenery and sense of adventure make it an unforgettable experience.

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3 Comments

  1. Ginger
    Ginger on January 8, 2025 at 2:42 pm

    I’ve heard of this hike before but had forgotten about it, so I’m glad I found your article. I hope to go one day, it sounds fabulous and I’d love to stand on the boulder too, it looks pretty fun if a little scary.

    Reply
  2. David Stillwagon
    David Stillwagon on January 12, 2025 at 2:18 pm

    The photos are breath taking. What ab exhilarating experience.

    Reply
  3. Laurel
    Laurel on January 13, 2025 at 2:11 am

    I didn’t know it was known for any places to hike. How interesting!

    Reply

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