Overview
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Preikestolen hike overview
8 km
334 m
500 m
4 to 5 hours
Out & Back
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
About Preikestolen
Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway’s most iconic natural landmarks, located in the province of Rogaland. This huge cliff was formed during the last ice age, around 10,000 years ago, when glacial activity carved out the fjord and left behind this dramatic rock formation. From the cliff, it goes 604 meters straight down to the fjord below.
At the top, the cliff has a flat surface, measuring about 25 by 25 meters, from where you can enjoy a jaw-dropping view over the Lysefjord and the surroundings.
Preikestolen has been declared one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the world by CNN and Lonely Planet. It is therefore not without reason that more than it attracts over 300,000 visitors annually.
Interesting fact: Did you know that Preikestolen was used as a filming location for one of the scenes in ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’, with Tom Cruise?
The hike
The hiking distance to Preikestolen is around 4 km one way, so the total hike is 8 km. You have to ascend a total of 500 meters to reach the top. It is a moderately difficult hike and the terrain alternates between stone paths and stairs, rocks, bridges, and swampland.
The path is very clear and passable with a few steep ascents. Nepalese Sherpas have built decent stairs, making the walk a little more comfortable. Overall, the hike is doable for anyone with decent fitness. Keep an eye on the red ‘T’, which is the typical Norway sign to signpost the hiking route.
It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Preikestolen. Depending on how much time you spend at the cliff itself and how often you stop along the way, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to return to the bottom.
You start your hike from the information center where the walk begins on a fairly steep pebble path. After the pebble path, you arrive in a forest where the path smoothens out a little. This is where the path becomes more rocky. The more you move on the more the terrain will shift from rocky to stone stairs and swampland with decking paths, until you reach the gorgeous cliff of Preikestolen.
You pass by some amazing views over lakes and fjords. Take your time, stop every now and then and take a look around. You will be amazed by some incredible sceneries.
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The best time to hike to Preikestolen
Season
You can hike to Preikestolen all year round but you have to be prepared for different weather conditions.
The peak season is from June to August. Weather conditions will be nice but during these months it can get extremely crowded along the trail and on the cliff. You will have to queue to take your pictures at this famous cliff.
If you want to avoid the crowds, and if you can, it is best to hike to Preikestolen during shoulder season, in the months of May, September, or October.
It is also possible to hike Preikestolen during winter but be prepared for different weather conditions and fewer hours of light. The trail is covered in snow, so hiking to Preikestolen requires good preparation and the right equipment. We highly recommend hiking with a guide if you want to visit Preikestolen in winter.
Time of the day
If you want to have Preikestolen all to yourself, we recommend you hike on weekdays in the shoulder season (depending on weather conditions) and start hiking before sunrise. Another option is to stay overnight along the trail. But note that it is not allowed to camp on Preikestolen itself. Please, respect this.
Visit preikestolen365.com for more detailed information on how to avoid the crowds and the best time to visit.
How to get to preikestolen
By car or campervan
There are two parking lots: A lower parking (P1) and an upper parking (P2). We recommend you parking at the lower parking.
The parking fee is 250 NOK (€22,3) and overnight stays are not allowed.
Tip: Note that the parking spaces fill up quickly. We advise you to arrive early to make sure you still have a spot on P1. If this parking is full, you can park on P2 adding an extra 2 kilometers to your hike to Preikestolen.
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By bus
There are two bus operators driving from Stavanger to Preikestolen: Gofjords and Pulpit Rock Tours. Both operators will drop you off at the trailhead at P1.
Gofjords offers two-morning departures in April, May, and September, and four-morning departures in June, July, and August.
Pulpit Rock Tours starts operating in March and has two morning departures.
It’s important to know you have to buy your tickets in advance online, as it’s not possible to buy them on the bus. You have to use the same bus operator for your return to Stavanger.
For more details, you can check preikestolen365.com.
By organized tour
Preikestolen is the perfect day trip from Stavanger. There are many organizations offering various types of guided tours, such as sunrise hikes, winter hikes, evening hikes, and more!
By cruise
To truly get the most out of your trip to Preikestolen and to see the Lysefjord up close, you can combine your hike with a fjord cruise. This cruise departs from the Strandkaien in Stavanger and takes you across the Lysefjord. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the towering Preikestolen cliff from the water.
At the end of the cruise, the boat will drop you off at a bus that will take you to the trailhead of the hike, which you can hike on your own. After the hike, you can take the bus back to Stavanger.
From May to September, this cruise departs daily at 10 AM. In October, the boat departs only on Saturday and Sunday at 11 AM. A ticket costs 1245 NOK in 2024 (1340 NOK in 2025). You can find all the current information on the Rodne website.
Where to stay
Accommodatie
Right at the Preikestolen trailhead, you can stay at Preikestolen Base Camp. Here, you can choose from various types of accommodations such as the beautiful Preikestolen Fjellstue mountain lodge, the cozy Pulpit cabins, or luxurious camping on a pier in Vanncamp. If you like glamping, Hikers Camp, which is also part of Preikestolen Base Camp, is a great option. They truly have something for every type of traveler!
The biggest city close to Preikestolen is Stavanger. From here, you can easily visit Preikestolen on a day trip. You will find a wide choice of accommodations from luxurious hotels to bed and breakfasts.
Camping
Unfortunately, overnight parking at the Preikestolen parking lot is not allowed. The nearest campsite is Camping Preikestolen, located at the beginning of the road leading to the trailhead. If you’re traveling with a camper, you can also stay overnight at the Preikestolen Bobilparkering, close to this campsite.
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Tips & Safety considerations
- Although you see many drone images of Preikestolen, drones are unfortunately not allowed here.
- Preikestolen is a very exposed cliff with a straight drop-off of 600 meters to the fjord. Please, stay at least 1,5 meters off the edge and don’t risk your life sitting on the edge. Several people have fallen off the cliff in the past.
- If you don’t have a lot of hiking experience, we recommend you hike to Preikestolen with a local guide. From Stavanger, you can join a guided sunrise hike.
Important hiking tips!
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Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
