Gøysa Gard, Lysefjord
Gøysa Gard, located in Lysefjord, is the best hotel apartment complex in the region close to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), close to Stavanger.
Gøysa Gard, located in Lysefjord, is the best hotel apartment complex in the region close to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), close to Stavanger.
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On our road trip from Vestland to Agder, we couldn't resist a stop in Rogaland. We'd always wanted to see the amazing Lysefjord and hike the famous Pulpit Rock, that giant flat cliff.
Finding a good place to stay near the hike was important. We wanted to be close enough to start the hike early, before it got crowded. We searched online and found a wonderful place to stay right in Lysefjord. It wasn't just a hotel, it was like a dream - little cabins with beautiful views of the fjord, the perfect place to rest up before our Pulpit Rock adventure.
Staying in Lysefjord ended up being one of the best parts of our whole trip. Waking up to fresh air and seeing the amazing scenery before our hike made it an unforgettable experience. Gøysa Gard surprised us in the best way possible!
Staying in Lysefjord was like stepping into a postcard. But before we get to our cozy cabin haven, let's rewind a bit. A fjord, for those who might not know, is a long, narrow inlet carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Imagine a giant icy spoon scooping out a deep valley between steep mountains, then the ocean filling it in. That's basically a fjord!
Lysefjord itself is a dramatic example, stretching for 42 kilometers with cliffs that tower over 1,000 meters high. The name even translates to "Light Fjord" because of the pale granite rocks that line its shores. It's a place of untouched beauty, with waterfalls cascading down the cliffs and lush forests clinging to the mountainsides.
The only way to cross the fjord by car is on the Lysefjord Bridge. This impressive feat of engineering opened in 1995 and is a suspension bridge that hangs 50 meters above the water. It's a thrilling drive across, offering panoramic views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains. We may have even stopped for a picture or two (or ten) after reaching our cozy cabin!
Our perfect spot turned out to be Gøysa Gard, an apartment complex nestled in the charming village of Forsand. Forsand acts like a gateway to Lysefjord, a peaceful village ideal for exploring the dramatic scenery. It's the perfect place to unwind after a day of adventure, with a quiet atmosphere and a slower pace of life. Plus, it's not far from the bustling city of Stavanger, so you can easily mix fjord adventures with some city exploring.
The main reason we chose Gøysa Gard was its proximity to Preikestolen, the famous Pulpit Rock. This towering cliff face was actually featured in the movie Mission: Impossible - Fallout, where Tom Cruise did some seriously daring stunts hanging off the edge. We knew staying close to Preikestolen would give us the chance to conquer the hike early in the morning and enjoy the breathtaking views with minimal crowds.
Later, apart from the main reason, we found out that these apartments are not your typical hotel rooms. They offer a true home away from home feeling, like a wonderful summer house for a special holiday. Although we visited during winter, we were still enchanted by the village's beauty in the colder months. While I haven't experienced the summer season here yet, I can definitely recommend visiting in winter as well. The Lysefjord landscape adds a unique charm to the already stunning scenery.
Previously, we were looking for a nice hotel close to Preikestolen, and Gøysa Gard turned out to be the perfect option.
Gøysa Gard is situated in the charming village of Forsand, placing you right on the doorstep of the Lysefjord's wonders. This convenient location makes it an ideal base for exploring the region's natural beauty and participating in outdoor activities. Preikestolen, a major draw for many visitors, is just a short drive away, allowing you to easily conquer this iconic hike.
The view from Gøysa Gard apartments complex was incredible, showcasing the majestic Lysefjord Bridge and the Lysefjord itself. The sight of ships occasionally passing by, often bathed in the warm glow of the sun, added to the picture-perfect scene. Gazing out our window each morning, we were greeted by a breathtaking panorama of Lysefjord. The water stretched out before us like a mirror, reflecting the snow-capped peaks that lined the opposite shore.
The majestic Lysefjord Bridge, a marvel of modern engineering, seemed to snake across the water, connecting the two sides of the fjord. Every now and then, a ship would chug its way through the fjord, its silhouette dwarfed by the immense scale of the landscape. The sight of these vessels, particularly when bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, added a touch of movement and life to the scene. It was a constant reminder of the connection between this peaceful village and the wider world.
The welcome at Gøysa Gard was just awesome. The manager was this super friendly person. She was smiling and she had tons of energy explaining everything about the apartment complex. She even shared an interesting mysterious historical story about the hills behind the village, which was so beautiful.
But the manager wasn't the only one who welcomed us in Gøysa Gard! Two resident cats totally added to the chill vibes. They were always hanging around, being playful. We especially fell in love with the white cat, this adorable little cat who was super friendly (except when he wanted treats, then there would be the occasional meow that basically meant "food now, please?"). Those cats really made Gøysa Gard feel like a home away from home – a place where not just the view was amazing, but the people and even the feline residents were super welcoming.
Stepping inside our cabin felt like entering an extension of the breathtaking landscape. The room was designed and architected in such a way to immerse you in the embrace of the scenery, as if you were swimming in a pool of your favourite drink. Each time I looked out the window, I couldn't help but wonder how many people before us must have been astonished by this same prospect. The large windows with their captivating views were definitely the highlight of the room.
The facilities of the room made our stay even more enjoyable. Super-fast Wi-Fi kept us connected, the coffee machine provided a much-needed morning pick-me-up, the bathroom offered strong water pressure for a refreshing shower, and the powerful air conditioning system ensured comfortable temperatures. Most importantly, the room was spotlessly clean, and the soft bed guaranteed a restful sleep before and after our adventures.
In general, we loved the entire Gøysa Gard complex. It had a warm and welcoming ambience, reminiscent of a cosy home. The play area kept the children entertained, the well-equipped kitchen allowed us to prepare our own meals, and the large private parking lot right in front of our room provided convenient parking. The complex also offered competitive prices and was conveniently located near all the places we wanted to visit. It truly was the perfect base for exploring the beauty of Lysefjord.
