Climbing Pulpit Rock

At 604 metres, Preikestolen offers glorious views over Lysefjord… but be prepared to put the effort in!

 

One of Norway’s most famous mountain hikes, Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) is a towering cliff-plateau directly suspended over Lysefjord.

Getting to Preikestolen

By bus: Buses leave from Tau to Preikestolen mountain lodge daily while in season (April and September). These correspond with the ferry leaving from Fiskespirterminalen in Stavanger (from April through September).

The rest of the year, the bus stops at Jørpeland. From here, catch a taxi to Preikestolen mountain lodge and hike from there.

By boat: A combined boat, bus and hiking trip lasts about eight hours and Rødne offers daily trips from Skagenkaien in Stavanger in June, July and August. The cruise is a great way to see Preikestolen mountain.

By ferry: If coming from Stavanger, Norled is the ferry provider that transports you to Tau. The car ferry runs all year and leaves from Fiskepiren. The crossing takes around 35-40 minutes.

On weekdays there are departures every 40 minutes, while there are fewer departures on Saturdays and Sundays.

Tickets for the ferry must be purchased directly onboard. You cannot reserve beforehand. Click here for the timetable (correct as of 2018).

By car: Drive to Lauvvik wharf (RV 13) and catch the ferry to Oanes. Continue on RV 13 to Jøssang and follow signs to Pulpit Rock.

You can also get to Preikestolen by catching a ferry to Tau and then follow RV 13 via Jørpeland.

Tip: Don’t start your trip too late in the day, as you might risk having to hike in the dark.

What to pack:
Hiking boots
Wind and waterproof outerwear
Extra set of clothes such as a hat, a scarf and gloves
Water
Backpack
Hiking equipment, such as map and compass and first-aid equipment
Fully charged mobile phone
Food and drinks

Tip: Some of the route consists of walking on boulders, which can become very slippy after rain, so avoid trainers or shoes that do not have a good grip.

At 604 metres, the hike to Preikestolen is a four hour-round trip on rough terrain and has an elevation gain of around 500 metres.

This is not an easy hike. Some sections are steep and is graded as medium difficult.

The summer season extends from April to October/November and during the winter season, keep in mind rough weather conditions.

The top offers unobstructed views over the meandering blue fjord formed by Ice Age glaciers. Preikestolen mountain lodge is the starting point for the hike.

Tip: Outdoorlife Norway offers guided sunrise hikes with headlamps through the Norwegian summer night, to welcome the sun as it rises above the Lysefjord. This is a great way to avoid the crowds. The price is NOK 1,290 per person. Click here for more information.

Tip: If you’re inexperienced or feel unsure about the trip, join a guided hike. Click here for dates.

Stay in the know:

Weather conditions can change quickly, so always check the weather forecast before you start your trip and talk to the locals about what kind of weather to expect. Click here for the weather forecast for Preikestolen.

 Alternative routes down:

• Return via the top Mosli mountain. A sign will show you which direction to follow.
• Follow the main trail from the Pulpit Rock to Neverdalskaret and then follow a marked trail towards the east to Bratteli by Lysefjorden. Here you can go back to Lauvvik/ Stavanger or further into the fjord to Flørli or Lysebotn by boat.
• Follow the trail southwest along the edge of the Lysefjord and turn north from Skåpa mountain. Pass by the farm Torsnes before the return to Preikestolen mountain lodge.

 

Checking out C & J