Norway offers some fantastic cycle routes. There are roads everywhere and some of these roads wind along fjords & mountains and lakes & valleys. If you want to experience some of the diversity of nature experiences Norway has to offer, in just three days, then this tour will give you a taste of the best that can be experienced on a bike in Norway. And if you add one day, we will take you on a private guided tour to Preikestolen away from the crowds.
Arrival & Departure
We recommend staying at Kronen Gaard Hotel in Sandnes before starting your tour. The cycling route begins at the hotel, which is located just outside Sandnes. If you have rented a bike from us, it can be delivered to the hotel by arrangement.
Day 1 – Gateway to Ryfylke
- Sandnes – Tau 60 km
- Height meters: + 961 / - 954
After breakfast, we’re ready to start cycling toward Lauvik. The approximately 20 km route to Lauvik features gently rolling terrain on low-traffic roads. For those who want a longer first stage, the route can be extended via Hommersåk and Bersagel, adding about 10 km and some extra elevation. From Lauvik, we take the ferry across Høgsfjorden to Oanes, then continue along Kolabygdvegen to Botne. Here, we join Ryfylkevegen again and follow small side roads to Jørpeland. Here we will make a stop to see the Sun Mirror, also called the "Norwegian Stonehenge," and we also recommend spending time in Jørpeland.
The route continues along Ryfylkevegen toward Tau. At Solbakk, you can take a scenic detour via Nesveien over Heia to add a few kilometers and elevation, or alternatively follow Hellandsheivegen for a longer loop. Upon arriving in Tau, we check in at Lilland Hotel for the night.
Day 2 – Rural Romance in Årdal
- Tau – Årdal 41 km
- Height meters: + 605 / - 602
We leave Tau and cycle past Alsvik, Kjølevik, and Fiskå on low-traffic roads. At Sørskår, we load our bikes and ourselves onto a boat for a short trip across the fjord to Helgøy. The boat ride takes only a few minutes, just long enough to get a glimpse of the archipelago outside Stavanger. From Helgøy, we cross the bridge to Mosnes and continue past Fister and Hetlandsvatnet before joining the main road to Årdal.
In Årdal, we stay at the charming Høiland Gård, an ideal retreat for enjoying the tranquility of a rustic and romantic setting.
Day 3 – In the Realm of Preikestolen
- Årdal – Preikestolen BaseCamp or optional Sandnes
We leave Høiland Gård and follow Songesandvegen from Årdal, across Lyngsheia, to Lysefjorden. As we climb, the lush landscape of Årdal fades behind us. In Lyngsheia, you’ll feel immersed in the wilderness, with vast views over the moors. After Mørkebudalen, the descent toward Lysefjorden offers spectacular views, including glimpses of Neverdalen and Preikestolen in the distance. The final stretch to Songesand winds through an enchanting forested gorge along the Dalaåna river.
At Songesand, we catch the ferry from Lysebotn to Forsand (Option 1) or Lauvvik (Option 2). On clear days, you may see Preikestolen towering above the fjord from the boat.
- Option 1 - 50 km. Height meters: + 1 336 / - 1 104
At Forsand, we disembark and cycle toward Preikestolen Basecamp. The route includes a long climb, but the steepest sections are manageable. Upon arrival at Preikestolhytta, you can relax in the beautiful surroundings or take a walk around Revsvatnet, ending the day with a sauna and a swim.
Overnight at Preikestolhytta.
- Option 2 - 52 km. Height meters: + 1 023 / - 1 088
From Songesand, take the ferry to Lauvvik. From Lauvvik, there are several routes back to Sandnes. If you have the energy, we recommend cycling to Hole and following the road to Hommeland and Seldal, then down Søredalen to Sviland and onward to Sandnes and Kronen Gaard Hotel. Alternatively, you can return via the same route you took on Day 1.
Day 4 – Preikestolen off the beaten track
Join a guided hike to Preikestolen, following trails that bypass the main path to the plateau. The guides know the terrain well, ensuring a peaceful and unique experience.
In the afternoon, you will be picked up at an agreed time and driven back to Sandnes.