Visit Stavanger, Norway: Lysefjord Excursion

One of the most popular port excursions for Stavanger, Norway has to be a boat ride to Lysefjord - a 42 kilometer long fjord carved and formed by the glaciers during the Ice Age. You can either opt to take a cruise or a rib (rigid inflatable boat). We decided to book the rib as it seemed more thrilling. Highly recommend you make a reservation in advance as several people were turned away. We booked with the company Stavanger Rib through Viator and it was about $125 per person.

We met at the meeting place 15 minutes before our 12pm time. The entire excursion is about 1 hour and 45 minutes. It was a warm day so you could get away with wearing just a windbreaker, but since we didn’t bring our jackets, they provided us with floating suits. Each boat fits 12 guests. There’s no need to worry about getting wet unless it is raining.

We set off immediately and it was a fast trip to the first major landmark- the historic “Vagabond Cave” of Fantahålå, then a stop to see the famous Pulpit Rock which was featured in a Mission Impossible movie, and finally to the Hengjanefossen waterfall, one of the tallest waterfalls in Norway.

Vagabond cave is named after vagabonds that hid there to avoid police. 

You can see Pulpit Rock jutting out. You can hike to the top of the rock in 4-5 hours.

Hengjanefossen fall is about 400 meters!

This excursion was definitely one of the highlights of our trip and we would highly recommend!

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Review: Travelon Anti-Theft Messenger Bag

It's a little hard to make out, but I am wearing the Travelon messenger.  You can see my water bottle peeking out.

While planning for my family’s trip to Europe, I was constantly warned about pickpockets and also not to accept anything from strangers - be it a flower or a charm as they will ask you for money in return.  I was most worried about getting our passports stolen so I researched the travel sites and purchased a money belt and a Travelon anti-theft messenger bag. 

We never used the money belt, but I felt solidly secure with my Travelon bag knowing that the strap was cable reinforced and slash proof.  The bag also featured locking zippers and two zippered expansion pockets that I used for my water bottle.  It was the perfect bag for me for this trip.  I thought it was reasonably priced at just $38.50 from Amazon and it comes in a variety of prints and colors.     

Lucky for us, we never encountered any pickpockets, but we did have a couple of people make small talk and try to give us a bracelet.  We politely said no thanks.  I’m eager to return to Europe so I am happy to have this bag in my collection. 

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