Sailing the Fjords: Høgsfjorden / Lysefjorden

Sea chart, Lysefjorden info.(Eng.), hiking: Kjerag, hiking: Pulpit rock,
Flørli - hiking, Flørli art Lysefjorden, Flørli powerstation, Flørli tourist cabin (No.)

Running into Høgsfjorden,

you leave astern the relatively sheltered archipelago surrounding Stavanger.

Høgsfjorden is far more exposed, and heavy sea may occur, especially when the wind blows from the southeast.

58°59N 05°55E. From the Island Idse, east of Stavanger, Høgsfjorden lies stretched out to the southeast, about 15 nautical miles towards the small village Frafjord at the head of the fjord. Midway on the east shore, the mouth of famous Lysefjorden opens up. This fjord stretches 20 nautical miles to the northeast, surrounded by steep mountains and huge cliffs like Pulpit Rock. The distance from Stavanger to the head of Lysefjorden is approximately 34 nautical miles, to far for ordinary day sailing. A tourist ferry from Stavanger might be an option, or for those who like mountain hiking, a bus from Jørpeland towards Preikestolen fjellstue (Jørpeland, by the way, offers a good visitors harbour). By leaving your own boat behind, however, you miss the opportunity to visit many nice spots in this waters.

Høgsfjorden seen from Idsal

Tingholmen at the mouth of Høgsfjorden is always a nice place to let your anchor go. If staying overnight, though, the tiny Torskaviga, two nautical miles further to the southeast, is calmer, but the steep mountains near this cove will cast shadows in the morning. On the opposite shore of Høgsfjorden lies the island Idsal with several beautiful coves around Regeneset. You may also rest to the lee of Marholmen. Idsesundet and Idsalsundet, leading towards Idsefjorden, are - unfortunately - blocked by bridges. Further south on the east side of the fjord, lies the narrow Lerangsvågen. Cabin construction work makes the spot less alluring than before, but you may still anchor in the cove. On the west side of the fjord, behind Aspøy, you will find the entrance to Hølefjorden. Here you ought to glide into the narrow inlet to the lee of Foreholmen, Husabøvågen, a sheltered lagoon with elegant summerhouses. You can make fast along the rocks just beyond the old ferry quay or swing at anchor. From the ferry quay nice cart roads and footpaths wind their way trough the beautiful Ådnøy. Southeast of Hølefjorden, lies Trodalsvågen, a cove with good anchorage.

From here you can steer straight towards Lysefjorden, world famous for its impressive landscape. In the fjord, the small "village" of Flørli is a must, including its old power-station and the famous 4444 steps following a pipeline up the steep mountainside. In 2012 the steps are being restored, and the Flørli quay improved also, offering the visitors of the fjord a harbour while enjoying the Flørli village, art exhibitions or the power-station, or while climbing the steps or hiking in the impressive mountains. Unfortunately the brand new breakwater is gone, though, it was destroyed during a heavy storm.

The many base-jumpers risking their precious lives on the Kjerag-cliff, is another attraction in Lysefjorden, of course (YouTube). Jumping is legal but not recommended, at least not for yachters trying to reuse their old jib or something.

(Guest harbours/natural harbours near/in Lysefjorden: Forsand (no), Lysefjorden marina, Helleren/Vika (No.), Preikestolen/Revsånå (No.), Flørli (No.), Flørli (eng.) Lysebotn. Accommodation in Lysebotn.