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4 Things You Need to Know About The Flørli 4444 Stairs

Vanessa ChiassonAuthor

They were built to follow a hydropower pipeline over 100 years ago. Today the 4444 Flørli Stairs are among Norway’s most popular hikes. Making it to the top of the stairs is like climbing the Eiffel Tower more than 2,5 times!

In 1918, the tiny community of Flørli welcomed one of the first hydropower plants in southern Norway. Though the technology has since modernized, this remarkable feat of engineering continues to leave its mark on the village.

For instance, the old power plant functions as a small museum. The local eatery is called the Power Cafe. And – best of all – the original 4444 stairs which followed the hydropower pipeline up the mountain are now part of Norway’s most unique hikes.

Flørli power plant seen from the Lysefjord — Photo: Flørli 4444

The Flørli Stairs Are The Longest Wooden Stairway In The World

Flørli’s famous 4444 stairs were built so workers could easily maintain the pipeline. Now, this route is the longest wooden stairway in the world and one amazing hiking challenge.

Making it to the top is like climbing the Empire State Building almost twice or the Eiffel Tower more than two and a half times !

Every year, between April and September, travelers from around the world come to earn some hiking bragging rights.

woman walking up the 4444 steps up Flørli stairway — Photo: Ina-Cristine Helljesen

Anyone Can Hike The Stairs

Unlike most “highest” and “longest” activities, the Flørli Stairs are remarkably accessible. It costs nothing to hike them and even children and senior citizens take up the challenge.

There’s no time limit and you can go as quickly or slowly as you like. You don’t even have to be a superstar athlete. You simply need to be reasonably fit and have a lot of motivation!

In addition to the old pipeline and the stairs, visitors will notice an old rail line which once transported heavy goods up the mountain. Alas, it’s non-operational. Hikers will have to lean on their own tenacity instead.

Man climbing the 4444 stairs at Flørli — Photo: Flørli 4444

Getting (And Staying) There Is Half The Adventure

The small hamlet of Flørli is a roadless destination served only by ferry. Visiting the community (and hiking the 4444 steps, if you’re so inclined) is a popular day trip from nearby Stavanger.

However, you can spend the night at Flørli’s hostel or even the tiny Radioshed mini-suite, a 4 sq.m.(43 sq. ft.) former communications building-turned-glamping unit that offers spectacular views of the Lysefjord.

Hot tub at Flørli power plant along the Lysefjord — Photo: Flørli 4444

The Stairs Are Just Part Of Flørli’s Outdoor Offerings

Flørli is filled with opportunities for outdoor adventure and it’s a tremendous destination for fishing, kayaking, and hiking. One easy way to enjoy a hike in the area is to follow in the footsteps of most stair-climbers and hike back down to the village once you reach the top.

In addition to being a practical measure (the narrow stairs aren’t exactly accommodating to two-way traffic), it affords travelers the opportunity to see an entirely different scenic area on their descent.