Hiking to Kjerag

@spectacularnorway

Emergency telephone numbers

The Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) has the overall operational responsibility during mountain search and rescue operations.

51 51 70 00 – JRCC Southern Norway75 55 90 00 – JRCC Northern Norway

For other emergencies:

110 – Fire112 – Police113 – Ambulance120 – Emergency at sea22 59 13 00 – Poisons Information Center1412 TDD (textphone for the deaf or hearing impaired)

Mountain safety tips

Every year, Norwegian volunteer rescue crews go into the mountains to retrieve travelers who have lost their way, are tired or injured, or have encountered problems after dark. These travelers are often dressed in everyday clothes and lack suitable equipment.

Do this:Research the length, duration, and recommended physical conditioning for the hike you want to do.

Check the weather conditions and always listen to local mountain residents.

Buy or rent the right equipment for your trip.

Always bring enough food, drinks, and an extra change of clothes in your backpack.

Check out the possibility of joining a guided tour

Avoid this:Do not wear jeans, trainers, or other everyday clothing.

Do not start your trip too late in the day, as you might risk having to hike in the dark.

Never start your mountain hike without being in good enough physical shape.

Do not depend on a map on your mobile device, as there is not always coverage in the mountains.

Don’t leave anything, including trash, behind.

Season

Kjerag is a seasonal hiking destination. Before the county road between Sirdal and Lysebotn opens around the middle of May, Kjerag is considered to be accessible only to guests with special equipment and accompanied by a tour guide. The snow is deep and skis or snowshoes are required. The season ends when the road closes for the season due to snow conditions in October/November.

6–10 hour hike

The hike to Kjerag is around 11 kilometres long and the round trip takes 6 to 10 hours. You need to be in good physical shape before heading out on this mountain hike which has an elevation gain of 800 metres. In some places, you have to pull yourself up and slide down with the help of wires, so it is a demanding hike even for experienced hikers. The starting point is at the parking lot at Øygardstøl. Ask the staff in the parking lot about the current conditions – they will give you all the information you need. Be especially aware if it rains as the trail can get slippery.

Guided hikes

If you are inexperienced or feel unsure about doing the trip, we recommend that you join a guided hike. A good guide can turn a bad day into a fantastic experience.

Safety measures

Rescue operations are triggered by hikers every year. To make sure you won’t be one of them, prepare yourself properly for the hike, and join a guided hike if you’re not an experienced hiker.

Also, read up on mountain safety before you go.

Weather conditions in the mountains

Even if sunshine and fair weather are predicted, the weather conditions can change quickly. Always check the weather forecast before you start your trip, and make sure that you are prepared for changing weather. Do not hike if the forecast predicts strong winds, heavy rain, or fog. Get the latest weather forecast on yr.no.

Proper hiking equipment

Pack a 30-litre backpack to be sure that you have enough room for everything you need in the Norwegian mountains. A map and compass, first-aid equipment, a fully charged mobile phone, and a headlamp are just some of the things we recommend you keep in your backpack. Scroll down the page for a complete packing list video.

Warm, suitable clothing

Always bring suitable footwear. Hiking boots are recommended. The hike to Kjerag goes across rough terrain, and you will need ample foot and ankle support. Occasional strong gusts can occur at Kjerag, so please use wind and waterproof outerwear. An extra set of clothes including a cap, a scarf, and gloves or mittens belong in your backpack.

Food and drink

Bring enough food and drink when you set out on a trip. It is important to have enough refills to make sure your energy reserves last all the way back down.

Toilets

There are no toilets along the trails, so use the car park facilities before you start your hike. If you have to go along the way, keep downhill from the trails and well away from streams and lakes. Bring your rubbish back to the bins at the car parks.

How to get there

You can take the car ferry from Stavanger to Lysebotn and continue from there to Øygardsstøl by car or taxi. You can also drive towards Lysebotn via Sirdalen. In the summer, there is a bus service to Kjerag/Øygardsstøl from Stavanger. The bus departs early in the morning and returns to Stavanger in the afternoon.