By RIB to Flørli and its 4,444 steps

About this experience

Flørli has no road. It's a cluster of houses round a hydropower plant that opened in 1918, further into the Lysefjord than Hengjanefossen, where the sightseeing boats turn. Normally you reach it on the Kolumbus boat from Lauvvik. This trip goes direct from Stavanger: the skipper meets you at the RIB at Strandkaien 37, briefs you on safety, and runs about an hour into the fjord, with about half an hour of sightseeing on the way.

At Flørli you have about four hours. The main event is the staircase: 4,444 wooden steps climbing about 740 m beside the old pipeline to the lake at the top, about 3 to 4 hours there and back. There's a shorter route of about 750 steps. Fjord Norway advises against walking down the stairs, and guests report a challenging descent by the trail. If you'd rather not climb, the café in the old power station serves coffee, a simple lunch or dinner.

This is a hard day. The listing asks for hiking experience and good shoes, rules out children under 8 and low fitness, and guests call the climb super tough. Lunch isn't included: bring your own or pay at the café. The Flørli stairs season runs from mid-April to the end of October, so check dates. Online it starts from $204 per person; check the price for your date.

• Past the cruise turning point, into the deeper Lysefjord
• The world's longest wooden staircase: 4,444 steps
• A roadless village with a 1918 hydropower plant
• About four hours at Flørli: climb, short route or café
• 12 people at most on the RIB
• Porpoises, seals and sea eagles possible on the way

How the day runs

1. 15 min beforeMeet the skipper

   At the RIB at Strandkaien 37. Safety briefing and gear.

2. About 1 hourRIB into the fjord

   Past Pulpit Rock, on beyond the Whisky Falls and into the deeper fjord.

3. About 30 minSightseeing on the water

   Time on the fjord before you land at the Flørli quay.

4. About 4 hoursFlørli

   Climb the 4,444 steps, try the 750-step route, or sit at the café in the power station.

5. About 1 hourBack to Stavanger

   The same RIB brings you back to Strandkaien 37.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Wear hiking boots with grip. Guests stress that the way down is harder than the way up.
• Look for the guestbook in a hut at about the 3,000-step mark, guests report.
• Pack food and water; the café is the only option at Flørli and it isn't included.
• Not up for the full climb? The 750-step route gives you a view without the whole day's effort.
• Booking in spring or late October? Ask whether the stairs are clear of ice.

Read next:

• Ferry to Lysebotn
• Best time to go

Frequently asked questions

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