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Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) in Norway

This stone plateau is situated 600 m above tremendous Lysefjord and is a nice place to rest after the hike and enjoy a spectacular view

Best time: April–September

Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

After the exhaustive hike 600 m up the Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock, you will be rewarded with the astonishing view on Lysefjord that opens in front of you from the relatively flat plateau. As you come up to the edge, you are likely to find yourself at a loss for words at the sight of such a natural beauty. The hike takes about 1.5–2 hours upwards and 1-1.5 hours downhill.

The months between April and September provide all the necessary conditions to successfully reach the top of the Pulpit Rock, whereas the time between October and March is known as the low season due to short days and slippery ground.

Besides the snow condition, seasonality of visit to the Preikestolen is shaped by the bus services. As the most convenient way to get to the hiking trail is to catch a ferry from Stavanger to Tau and then a bus to the Preikestolen parking, tourists are heavily dependent on a bus from the ferry to the start point. Buses usually run between April and early October. However, once a tunnel between Stavanger and Solbakk is completed, there might be some changes in the logistics.

In terms of popularity, we recommend hiking to the Pulpit rock before it gets too crowded (April-May), as the hike isn't as pleasant and you will have to wait for too long to get a perfect picture without dozens of other visitors. Another good tactic to avoid crowds is to stay overnight in the camping grounds and hike up the mountains in the early morning.

Practical info

When is the best time of year to hike Preikestolen?

The ideal time to hike Preikestolen is between April and September. At this time, the trail is less slippery, and there is more daylight. Conversely, the period between October to March is not recommended due to the trail's high risk. Consequently, this period is the low season at Preikestolen. Show more

Where is the starting point for the hike to Preikestolen?

Begin hiking at the parking lot set aside for hikers going to Preikestolen. The ferry from Stavanger to Tau and another bus ride from Tau will get you to the parking lot. The construction of a tunnel between Stavanger and Solbakk may change these logistics. Show more

What is the duration of the hike to Preikestolen?

Ascending to Preikestolen takes at least 1.5-2 hours while going downhill can take 1-1.5 hours, averaging about 3.5 hours both ways. A hiker requires a good constitution and comfortable shoes, playing around rocks and loose stones on this hike. Show more

How can tourists get to the hiking trail to Preikestolen?

Taking a ferry from Stavanger to Tau and then boarding a bus to the Preikestolen parking lot offers tourists the best means of transportation to the hike to Preikestolen. Alternatively, visitors who prefer to self-drive can drive themselves to the parking lot if they are confident behind winding roads to the parking. Note that the bus only runs between April and early October. Show more

What are some strategies to avoid crowds at Preikestolen?

The low season at Preikestolen sees fewer visitors, making it an excellent opportunity to hike the trail with less traffic. Begin viewing early or even overnight at the campgrounds and start hiking at dawn to avoid the crowds. Try to avoid the months between June and August, which are considered high season at Preikestolen. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin