If you're a travel enthusiast, chances are you've come across a photo or video of Preikestolen. And if you're anything like me, you were likely amazed by the incredible landscape: a flat rock perched on the edge of a beautiful fjord in Norway.
Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway's most famous landmarks. The plateau measures about 25m x 25m and sits 604 meters above the Lysenfjord.
If that wasn't enough to convince you, take a look at Tom Cruise and Henry Cavell, who had an incredible duel right there at Pulpit Rock in 2018's Mission: Impossible – Fallout 😉
When I was planning my Norway itinerary, Preikestolen was at the top of my must-see list . I knew I couldn't visit Norway without experiencing the breathtaking view from Preikestolen.
Posts to inspire you and help you travel to Norway:
.
.
When to go to Preikestolen - Pulpit Rock
It is possible to hike Preikestolen year-round, but in winter there is a lot of snow and adverse weather conditions, making it challenging to hike.
Therefore, it is recommended to hike the trail during the summer months, from June to August. However, even in June, there can still be snow on the path, and in August, it can already start to snow. These are also the busiest months of the year.
We went at the end of July (more precisely, on July 29th) and we had excellent weather. The sun was shining all the time with a few clouds, and the temperature was very pleasant, ranging from 15 to 20°C. There was no snow on the trail or any of the mountains that can be seen from the trail.
In the table below, taken from Preikestolen official website , you can get an idea of how the trail is throughout the year and the number of people with whom you will share the views:
.
Where to stay to hike Preikestolen
We stayed in Stavanger, which is the best city to use as a base for the hike, unless you have a motorhome, in which case it would be better to spend the night somewhere closer to the trailhead.
Stavanger is Norway's third-largest city, with a charming center and a cool vibe.
We stayed in a wonderful Airbnb, a house where the hosts live and rent it out when they are on vacation elsewhere. It was located in the Byhaugen region, and to go downtown we had to catch a bus.
If you prefer to stay in hotels, there are many options in Stavanger: the Radisson Blue Atlantic Hotel is a top choice and is where the bus we took to Preikestolen departs from. Other options include the Thon Hotel Stavanger and the historic Hotel Victoria, housed in a building dating back to the early 1900s.
At the start of the trail, you'll find Preikestolen BaseCamp, which offers a range of accommodations, including both hotel rooms and cabins.
Check hotel availability and rates here:
.
.
How to get to Preikestolen, Norway
There are at least three ways to get to Preikestolen trailhead:
1 – By car: Norwegian roads are excellent but often single-lane and winding. Until recently, you had to take a ferry from Stavanger to Tau and then continue by bus or car. However, since December 2019, the Ryfylke Tunnel (toll fee required) has made the trip much easier, reducing the travel time to around 40-50 minutes for the 38 km distance.
There are two parking lots near the trailhead, but finding a space can be challenging in the summer, depending on your arrival time.
2 – By Chartered Bus: There are two companies that run the Stavanger – Preikestolen route: Pulpit Rock Tours and Go Fjords. Tickets must be purchased online in advance. This link has the departure times for the Pulpit Rock Tours and GoFjords.
Note that this service is not a guided tour; it only provides round-trip transportation and operates seasonally.
We used Go Fjords. The bus left from the Radisson Blu Hotel (located in central Stavanger, next to the central station) at ten am, arrived at the trailhead at eleven am, and departed back to Stavanger at four pm, giving us five hours for the hike. The bus was punctual on the return trip.
3 - With a Guided Tour: There are several guided tour options departing from Stavanger, offering varying levels of comfort. Some tours They pick you up at your accommodation others follow a side trail that is claimed to be less crowded. Others offer additional activities, such as a kayak tour. With a range of options available, you can choose the one that best fits your interests and preferences.
.
How much does the Preikestolen trail cost?
It costs nothing! Hiking the Preikestolen trail is free! , a relief in a country as expensive to travel as Norway).
However, you should be aware that there are some costs associated with getting to the trailhead:
– If you go by car:
Ryfylke Tunnel toll (if in Stavanger) = $140 NOK
Parking = $250 NOK
+ cost of fuel and car rental
– If you go by bus from Stavanger:
GoFjords = $450 NOK per adult; $230 NOK per child
Pulpit Rock Tours = $399 NOKper adult; $263 NOK per child (there are different ticket categories, check the website)
(prices researched in August/2024, US$1.00 = $10.89NOK)
.
The hike to Preikestolen - Pulpit Rock
As for the trail itself, it's 8 km round trip (4km each way), with an elevation gain of 330 m.
The trail is well marked with red T-shaped markers, so getting lost shouldn't be a problem, especially if you go in summer, as it will be you and the crowds following the same path.
Guided accompaniment is not necessary.
The trail is generally considered to be of moderate difficulty. There are some flat stretches over wooden walkways, but most of the route is uphill on uneven stone pavement. The last few meters are on a relatively flat rock, which provides stunning views of the fjord.
The trail is mostly shaded in a wooded area , but there is little to no shade in the final section.
With the exception of a small viewpoint right at the start of the trail overlooking the lake next to BaseCamp, there are no views along the route, but the trail is beautiful and very pleasant.
.
On the day we went (the last Saturday in July), the trail was very crowded. There were so many people that in some sections, the stone steps were packed. While other times of the year or different days of the week might be quieter, if you visit on a summer weekend, be prepared for significant crowds.
To avoid the crowds, try arriving early or starting the trail later. Tour groups typically hike from 11 am to 4 pm, so starting at 7 am or around 3 pm could mean you'll share Pulpit Rock with far fewer people. However, be mindful of the recommended start times: in July, it's advised not to begin the hike after 5:30 pm, and in August, not after 4:30 pm.
Also, drones are not allowed at Pulpit Rock, so there's no need to bring one along.
.
Is it possible to hike Preikestolen with kids?
YES, Preikestolen is open to hikers of all ages.
My daughters, who were 9 and 11 years-old at the time and had some previous trekking experience from short trails in Tayrona Park, Colombia; at the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, USA and Chapada dos Guimarães, Brazil.
This was the longest and steepest trail they had ever done.
We also saw much younger children walking the trail with ease, as well as many people with dogs of all sizes.
However, be aware that he trail has no fences, railings, or protective barriers (except for a short section near the end), and neither does the summit of Preikestolen . Safety is entirely up to you.
There are often people who sit on the edge of the cliff and dangle their legs, which I consider unnecessary and dangerous. According to the official website, around three hundred thousand people visit annually, with only one fatal incident reported in recent years.
I, for one, kept a safe distance and made sure my daughters did not get too close to the edge.
.
I don’t think the trail is inherently dangerous, but it’s important to keep an eye on your children. Everyone knows their own kids and how they might handle such situations. As long as you keep a safe distance from the cliff edge, it shouldn’t be risky.
One surreal aspect is the huge queue that forms for an “Instagrammable” photo at the edge of the rock. It seems absolutely unnecessary to me. You’re already in a breathtaking location with stunning views and plenty of photo opportunities from various angles, but some people still insist on getting that one iconic shot at the very tip.
I wonder how much time people are willing to spend just to get that perfect Instagram photo. The line extended far beyond where I took the photo below.
.
I find it much more interesting to capture the queue itself and everyone waiting for their turn! 😂
It’s also worth noting that it’s usually quite windy at the top of Preikestolen. It was windy when we visited, but nothing out of the ordinary. However, be prepared for potentially strong winds on the day of your hike.
If you plan to do the trail with children, consider two key factors: (1) you know your children and how they might handle an 8 km trail, which includes steep and uneven stone steps; and (2) if you’re using a chartered bus, there’s a time limit—5 hours for the entire trip, including hiking, enjoying the view, and returning. Assess whether this timeframe will be sufficient. Additionally, consider whether your children might be too active and get dangerously close to the edge.
Pulpit Rock Tours seems to offer a more flexible schedule than Go Fjords, with a last bus leaving at 6:15 pm. Be sure to check these details in advance to avoid any surprises.
For us, the timing worked out well. We spent a total of 4 hours and 30 minutes— 2 hours and 10 minutes hiking up, about 50 minutes at the top, and 1 hour and 30 minutes hiking down. We could have stayed longer, but I was concerned about the time and wanted to ensure we had enough to descend calmly. Oddly enough, I find descending more challenging than climbing!
.
What to bring to the Preikestolen trail
At the start of the trail, near the BaseCamp and close to the bus parking lot, there’s a small shop, snack bar, and bathroom. However, be prepared for steep prices here, which are even higher than the already expensive general prices in Norway.
There are no amenities along the trail or at the top of Pulpit Rock — no bathrooms, shops, or stalls.
We decided to I recommend bringing water and a snack, especially if you are hiking with children. There are a few points along the trail where you can refill your water bottles—these are safe to use, as we did and experienced no issues.
We bought our snacks the day before at SPAR Torget, which is conveniently located near the bus departure point in Stavanger.
Another important tip is to wear appropriate footwear, such as trekking sneakers or boots. Hiking in flip-flops, running shoes, or casual boots is not advisable, as the terrain is uneven, the trail is long, and conditions can be slippery due to snow or rain.
.
To find out more about Preikestolen and Norway
- Our 12-day itinerary in Norway
- Is traveling in Norway expensive?
- Preikestolen official website
- accommodation in Stavanger
- accommodation at Preikestolen BaseCamp
- Pulpit Rock Tours (tourist bus to Preikestolen)
- GoFjords (tourist bus to Preikestolen)
.
Detailed map of our 12-day trip to Norway
Below is a map showing details of everything we did, where we stayed, and the best places we visited. There are different layers with different colors for each area we visited. The blue line marks the route we drove.
Save the map to your Google account, so when you plan your next trip to Norway, you'll know where to start. ;-) Here's a blog post where I explain how I plan my trips using Google MyMaps check it out!
Posts to inspire you and help you travel to Norway:
.
Other posts about traveling in Europe
- Is it expensive to travel in Norway? Simple strategies to reduce the cost of visiting one of the most beautiful countries in the world
- Preikestolen with children – what it’s like to hike the most beautiful trail in Norway
- What to do in Norway in 12 days – and itinerary suggestions for 7, 10, 15 or 20 days
- 5 unmissable small towns in Europe
- What to do in 2 or 3 days in Athens
- The best itinerary for a 15-day road trip around mainland Greece
- 10 days in Andalucia – Our itinerary through southern Spain
- What to do in 2 days in Granada, Spain
- Ronda, the most charming city in Southern Spain
- Ultimate guide to Kotor, Montenegro: what to do, where to stay, when to go, and much more
- Mostar – what to do in the most charming city in Bosnia and Herzegovina
- 20-day itinerary through the Balkans, in Eastern Europe – Serbia, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina
- What to do in Sarajevo: 1 or 2-day itinerary in the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina
- One week in the Azores - Complete itinerary with Sao Miguel, Pico and Terceira Islands
- São Miguel Island – everything you need to know to visit the largest island in the Azores
- Pico Island – complete guide to visiting the most picturesque island in the Azores
.
Did you like it? So please follow us:
Instagram @danae_explore
Pinterest @danaeexplore
Comments or questions? Leave your comment here or, if you prefer, on social media! I love to chat about travel 😉
Before you leave, SAVE THIS PIN to your PINTEREST account, so you can find this post that explains how to do the Preikestolen trail (with or without kids) in Norway whenever you need!
