Lysevegen (Lysebotn)
Hors Catégorie14 km
Distance
900 m
Elevation Gain
6.4%
Average Gradient
12%
Max Gradient
Lysevegen is Norway's most isolated mountain road and arguably the Western Fjords' greatest undiscovered cycling climb. Cut into the rock above Lysefjord — the fjord where the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) formation towers 604m above the water — the road climbs 900m from Lysebotn at fjord level to the Lyseheiene plateau. The ascent negotiates 27 hairpins, numerous avalanche tunnels, and stretches of sheer cliff-face road construction that make it one of the most technically complex roads ever built in Norway. It opens annually around mid-June and closes in October. Traffic is extremely light compared to Trollstigen, making this the choice for riders who want a world-class Norwegian mountain road without tourist coaches. The fjord views from the middle section are spectacular — Lysefjord's glassy water is visible 700m below between the bends.
Pro Tip
Lysebotn at the foot of the climb is only accessible by ferry from Stavanger (approximately 3 hours each way) — which means the only practical approach for cyclists is by boat, making this a genuine expedition requiring advance planning. Several operators run bike-friendly ferries from Stavanger's Fiskepiren terminal in summer. Most cyclists take the ferry up and ride down, as the return ferry from Lysebotn runs on a fixed timetable.
Part of
Cycling in Western Fjords