Tiger_Lily

Hi, I will be drving a 9-seater minibus in Sweden to see the fjords this June. Could someone advise me how long the drive is from Kristiansand to Stavanger and to Bergen? Can I do it in 1 day? The guide books say that there are hairpin coastal turns. And I've not driven manual in ages...

norskie

Do you just want to get to Bergen from Kristiansand? That is supposed to be about an 8 hr drive. Stavanger is a major detour from that drive and is a great town to visit. If you go to Stavanger, you would likely want to also visit Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock. Then head on to beautiful Bergen.

Hopefully, others who have actually driven the route from Kristiansand will post more information.

I like using www.maporama.com to get an idea of routes and distances.

Have a great trip!

Tiger_Lily

Maporama is a great link, norskie. Thanks. Its going to save me lots of trouble. From your experience, how accurate are their time estimates? I mean, if it takes into consideration the road conditions.

Looks like we have to break the journey into 2 days then. Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock sounds interesting. How long would that side trip take?

helen

If going coastal via Stavanger is possible, but would not recommend it and you will not have time to more than a quick snack in Stavanger. Do not remember hairpin bends, as it is mostly low country. There are two car-ferries, one north of Stavanger (ferry-half an hour) and one south of Bergen (ferry-one hour). I would probably add this to the driving time. If going coastal I suggest enjoy your time and first go to Stavanger. Do a daytrip to the Pulpit Rock and walk to it the view of the fjord from the rock is greate. It really is something you will remember for years, but it is not worth it if you do not do walk. It is possible to do a fjord cruise, but I think it's overrated. Continue to Bergen the third day. If driving direct Kristiansand-Bergen I would instead suggest driving Setesdal valley road #9 followed by #13. And if not having to hurry I would stay by the Hardanger fjord either at Lofthus or Utne and arrive fresh in Bergen next morning. You will then have seen mountains, great waterfalls, and a 'real' fjord. Of course it all depends on what else you have planned for you're stay. I'm sure others can help in deciding as well.

helen

I am ashamed by the numbers of typos in my text

Tiger_Lily

hahaha... No worries, Helen.

Thanks for the wealth of knowledge. I only just registered on this forum yesterday and I am amazed at the myriad of seasoned travellers willing to share. Not to mention rapid responses too.

Going to have to research more on what you've given me and discuss with the family.

I plan on taking the midnight Color Line ferry from Hirtstals, Denmark to Kristiansand and drive to Stavanger starting at 7am.

Would I be able to do the Pulpit Rock side trip after I've checked into the hotel? How do I get there - By driving or another car ferry? And how long should I ration that trip?

Sorry for the bombardment of questions but from what you wrote, it sounds such a waste to miss it. And am surprised why the guide books don't seem to mention Pulpit Rock.

Cobos

Another norwegian that lives in Stavanger and that post her is Gard. Check out his webpage http://www.gardkarlsen.com/ it has some information about the pulpit rock...

Cobos

helen

Gard's page pretty much says it all
http://gardkarlsen.com/preikestolen.htm
http://gardkarlsen.com/preikestolen/...en_profile.jpg

To get there, two options: drive south to Lauvik, take the 10 min. ferry to Oanes or take the ferry from Stavanger centre for 40 min. and drive south from Tau. There is bus-service from Tau in summer, but driving yourself is better not having to worry about getting back in time. I first went 8 years ago, took the bus from Tau. The walk from Preikestol-cabin took me 1,5 hours, a little less for the return. The official walking estimate is 2 hours, but know someone walking it on little over one hour (depends on fitness level). Went back last summer but took the Lysefjord cruise this time, it was nothing in comparison. From the pulpit rock there is a ladder taking you higher, enabling you to look down on the pulpit rock with the fjord below, Great pictures. Remember passing a group of Polish tourist doing the walk on high heels, it still makes me smile. Time? Don't remember exacty, think we left Stavanger at 9:00 and came back to Stavanger at 16:00. I do remember Preikestol-cabin having some tasty Norwegian waffles with strawberry jam. Spent a few hours on the top eating packed lunch and writing postcards.

gard

Hi

I'm glad to see that there are others here that also recommends Stavanger I would say that Stavanger is worth a day or two. Sure, it is not a big city but the area has some stuff to offer. Preikestolen has been mentioned already. I would say that Kjerag is even better but you need more time to do this trek. Kjerag is a longer drive...but it is also a beautiful drive along some of the valleys in the area. On the way you will also pass Byrkjedalstunet and Frafjord when you can find the highest waterfall in this area (Månafossen). Well, maybe I will see you in Stavanger Tiger Lily You can find some more info on my homepage www.gardkarlsen.com

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway