Kjeragbolten

Lysefjorden is one of the most famous fjords in all of Norway. This is mainly due to Preikestolen located above it, which is probably known to everyone who has ever googled any views from Norway on the Internet. However, on the other side of the 42 km long fjord there is another very interesting place worth visiting - less popular than Preikestolen, but one that nevertheless still pops up on postcards from time to time.

This is Kjeragbolten, a boulder that got stuck in a narrow crevice between two vertical cliffs. We started our trip to Kjeragbolten in the morning in Lysebotn, a tiny village at the end of the fjord. The first stage of the trip is done by car, although the steep mountain road full of switchbacks can give you shivers (we counted as many as 24 them!)

After reaching the parking lot, we start the hike which is almost 5 kilometers long. Unfortunately, we were greeted by not so nice weather - clouds, rain and fog. The solid, steep rock where your only support are the chains proves to be a challenge even in fine weather. In our case, it was quite an extreme experience. Cold, we would try and hide from rain in every possible place, and we had a few moments when we doubted whether we should continue. But we never gave up! :)

Fortunately, the rest of the trail to Kjeragbolten was easier. The hike goes through mountains which are typical to Norway. They are more like plateaus only ending with steep cliffs by the fjord. Because of this, you will not find any long, difficult ascents. The trail is rather flat. Of course, the typical Norwegian weather still made it difficult, so we made frequent stops waiting for the rain to stop. We would then continue for 15-20 minutes, during a window of better weather.

At our destination - the Kjeragbolten boulder suddenly appears. In better weather, the view would certainly be more impressive; we could only see the fog behind it, instead of the fjord. Some of the people who reached the boulder would stand on it, despite the rainy weather. We decided to spare ourselves that, it was very slippery after all.

Despite the fatigue, being wet and slight bruises on the skin from clinging to the chains, it was definitely worth it! We have great memories that will last a lifetime, and pølse med brød as a reward afterwards tasted great :)