Ryfylke Explorer Roundtrip

Over five days on a bike, the tour covers most of Ryfylke and its magnificent nature. Stunning landscapes and highlights unfold as the group winds through the steep and narrow valleys of Ryfylke. On the final day, cycling is combined with a fantastic boat ride from Sauda to Stavanger.

Arrival and Departure

Participants arrive individually at Stavanger international Airport, Sola by boat to Risavika, or by bus or train to Sandnes or Stavanger. It is recommended that all participants stay at the Kronen Gaard Hotel the night before the first day of cycling. One of NBE’s guides meets participants at the airport or another pre-arranged location and brings them to their hotel. Once everyone has gathered, there is a group dinner, an overview of the tour, and an introduction to the guides and equipment. Bikes are adjusted as needed and agreed upon.

On the departure day, NBE arranges transport to Stavanger International Airport, Sola, in the morning. For those who have booked additional activities, such as a hike to Preikestolen the NBE guide provides the necessary information regarding meeting points and other details.

Day 1 – Small Villages

Sandnes - Tau, 60 km

Elevation: +797 m / -815 m

Luggage is loaded onto NBE’s support vehicle, and cycling starts from the hotel after breakfast, timed with the ferry from Lauvvik. The group cycles approximately 20 km to Lauvvik through gently rolling terrain on low-traffic roads, providing a taste of what awaits later.

The ferry is taken across Høgsfjorden to Oanes, where the stage to Tau begins. The stage follows Hesten Nature Reserve on the old road between Forsand and Jørpeland. In Jørpeland, a detour is made to see the solar mirror, also called the “Norwegian Stonehenge.” In the afternoon, the group arrives in Tau and checks into the Lilland Brewery Hotel.

Day 2 – Fjords and Mountains

Tau - Hjelmeland, 58 km

Elevation: +874 m / -876 m

The destination for the day is Hjelmeland. The group cycles along the southern side of Bjørheimsvatnet to Bjørheimsbygda, following the main road briefly before switching to the old main road along Tysdalsvatnet, which is closed to vehicles but open to cyclists. After a short stop at Høiland Farm, the route continues along Ryfylkevegen with beautiful views of Årdal on the left. After passing through Fister, the group reaches Hjelmeland. Here, participants may enjoy the sauna just outside the hotel or dip in the fjord, although the water temperature may not be very comfortable.

Day 3 – Norway in Miniature

Hjelmeland - Sand, 56 km

Elevation: +1,344 m / -1,355 m

The day begins with a 20-minute electric ferry ride from Hjelmeland to Nesvik. From Nesvik, the group cycles along the fjord before ascending to approximately 600 metres above sea level at Gullingen. From there, the ride continues downhill to Sand, where the group checks into Ryfylke Fjord Hotel. Here, participants can relax in the sauna by the beach or join activities such as a salmon safari in Suldalslågen River, a tour of Mo Salmon Farm and Brewery, or a visit to Norway’s first salmon studio.

Day 4 – Lysefjord Nature

Sand - Nesflaten, 49 km

Elevation: +783 m / -684 m

The group leaves Sand and cycles towards Nesflaten along the beautiful Suldalsvatnet. A detour is made to Børkjenes Farm, a restored farm offering a glimpse of life hundreds of years ago. This stage includes numerous tunnels, most between 150–500 metres long, with one extending 2,200 metres. Safety is prioritised, and detailed instructions are provided on how to cycle through tunnels. Headlights and taillights are mandatory. Upon arrival in Nesflaten, the group checks into the Energihotellet.

Day 5 – Wild Nature

Nesflaten - Sauda, 67 km

Elevation: +1,560 m / -1,654 m

This is the ultimate mountain stage! The group departs from Nesflaten, following Brattlandsdalen to Røldal in gently rising terrain. In Røldal, the route turns off the main road and climbs 10 km to Røldalsfjellet, reaching the summit at 980 metres above sea level. From the summit, the ride continues downhill towards Sauda, with a stop at Allmannajuvet before arriving at Kløver Hotel. Guests of the hotel have access to Saudahallen, featuring a large swimming pool and wellness facilities.

Day 6 – Sauda - Stavanger (boat)

Stavanger - Stavanger, 49 km

Elevation: +437 m / -436 m

An early start is required to take the fast boat to Stavanger, departing at 7:00 a.m. The boat ride offers breathtaking views, and cameras are recommended. After a three-hour journey, the group begins sightseeing by bike in Stavanger, cycling along the harbour, across the city bridge to Hundvåg island, and continuing to other highlights, including the Viking monument Sword in rock. The day ends with check-in at Hotel Victoria and a farewell dinner to reminisce about the tour’s highlights.