Saturday, June 19, 2010

Exploring Lysefjorden in Rogaland, Norway

It promised to be a glorious day of sunshine and clear skies. Pat and I drove 2h from Egersund to see the Pulpit Rock. It is this amazing rockface that graced many Norwegian postcards. Also known as Preikestolen. We had to take a car-ferry over a stretch of lake and continued driving. It was an endless scenery of fjords/ lakes and mountains. Rich deep blue waters against lush greenery.

After much navigation, we got to our destination. The hike to the top of Pulpit Rock was a steep one upwards. The chart estimated a 2h hike each way, but we completed a round trip in 3h. The hike was not as tough, but the view was most breath-taking and out of this world. That rock formation was scary and awe-inspiring at the same time. We spent some time at the plateau of Pulpit Rock soaking in the sun and having our packed sandwich lunch.

We wanted to continue on to Kjerag to see another magnificent rock formation - a round rock wedged in between two columns. It is a very popular site for base jumping and rock climbing. Alas, the drive would take 3h and the hike 5h. There was not enough time, sigh.

So we detoured to a nearby waterfall an hour's drive away - Manafossen Falls. It is biggest in Rogaland region, and the 9th highest free-falling waterfall in Norway. The hike to the fall was much tougher than this morning. It was very steep, with loose rocks and sections of steel chains and barricades to guide hikers.

And then it was another 2h drive home. A tiring but worthwhile day. It was a pity we missed the Kjeragbolten. It was not possible to combine both the Pulpit Rock and Kjerag in a single day. Perhaps the next time, we shall arrange a multi-day trek through the beautiful Lysefjorden.

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