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Top attractions

Time to tick off Preikestolen from your bucket list?

Last updated: 30.01.2024
En dame som står på Preikestolen med Lysefjorden i bakgrunnen.
Imagine having the sunrise at Preikestolen all to yourself!|© Thomas Hawkins/Sunday Post
Imagine having the sunrise at Preikestolen all to yourself!|© Thomas Hawkins/Sunday Post

Preikestolen is one of Norway's greatest tourist attractions. Every year, thousands of photos of the iconic rock formation with its spectacular view over Lysefjorden are shared on social media. You can hike to Preikestolen all year round, but experiencing the sunrise in autumn or walking with crampons in winter are unique hiking experiences you will never forget. Preikestolen is on the bucket list of people from all over the world. Is it time to check it off yours?

© Mathias Fredriksson

The hike to Preikestolen covers a total of 8 kilometres, and it's usual to allocate around 2 hours each way. Throughout the journey, you traverse birch forests and cross smooth rock surfaces in gently undulating terrain. The hike is demanding, but the trail is so well-prepared that most people reach the summit.

The iconic mountain plateau, measuring 25 x 25 metres, towers 604 metres above the Lysefjord. It's no surprise that both CNN Go and Lonely Planet have recognised Preikestolen as one of the world's most breathtaking viewpoints.

Every season has its own appeal!

During the peak season from May to October, the trail can get quite busy. Making the most of the long, bright summer days is a good idea. We recommend starting the hike early in the mornings or in the late afternoon to avoid the large crowds.

Fancy having the iconic mountain plateau nearly all to yourself? Then consider going during the off-peak period!

Experiencing the sunrise from Preikestolen is a distinctive memory you won't forget. The mountain hike sets off in darkness with a headlamp on. Slowly but surely, the sky adopts a chilly blue hue, which transitions into warmer shades of yellow. You shouldn't be far from the summit by then! Being a witness to the magical hush at dawn and watching the sun ascend behind the mountains is an uncommon experience.

To personer som står på den snøkledde Preikestolen.
© Ruben Soltvedt

Winter is a splendid time to visit Preikestolen. The snow transforms the landscape into a wild and beautiful wonderland. The air is fresh and clear, and the snow crunches underfoot as you move along the trail. Remember to dress in warm clothing and wear crampons on your shoes. Using walking sticks might also be wise. There's a good chance you'll be almost alone as you relish the tranquillity and take in the view of the Lysefjord and the stunning winter scenery around you. Certainly a hike that should be on your bucket list - preferably with a guide!

Regardless of the time of year you visit Preikestolen, it's crucial to have proper footwear, a packed lunch, drinks, and warm clothing in your backpack. Even if the weather is warm, there's often a chilly breeze at the summit.

At Preikestolen 365, you can get updated information about the weather, trail conditions, and parking.

Click here to view the webcam from Preikestolen Basecamp.

Experience Preikestolen

Hike to Preikestolen in the Lysefjorden

Hike to Preikestolen in the Lysefjorden

Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock) rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, and is one of Norway's biggest attractions. The view at the top is stunning.

Guided sunrise hike to Preikestolen with Explore Lysefjorden

Guided sunrise hike to Preikestolen with Explore Lysefjorden

Premium guided hike: Explore Lysefjorden offers a unique Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) adventure. The hike starts at twilight, and you arrive at the iconic rock formation in time to catch the sun rising over the famous Lysefjord in Ryfylke.

To personer på vei opp Sherpa-trappene til Preikestolen.
© Mathias Fredriksson

Other hikes in the area

Moslifjellet

Moslifjellet

Moslifjellet (718 m.o.s.l.) in Ryfylke has the same starting point as Preikestolen, but is higher and has a great view over the Lysefjord, most of outer Ryfylke, the archipelago and towards Stavanger. Why not hiking the both?

Rindatroll - hike

Rindatroll - hike

The Rindatroll stands not far from the Preikestolen mountain lodge. It is a fine little stroll, also for the smallest.

Lysefjord Panorama Trail

Lysefjord Panorama Trail

The hike from the unique cabins at The Bolder to Preikestolen BaseCamp offers several spectacular viewpoints over Lysefjorden, such as Seiajuvet, Skjerajuvet, Hatten, Fantapytten, and Fantagjuvet.

To personer som går over plankene på myra, omgitt av trær, på vei til Preikestolen.
© Mathias Fredriksson

Other activities near Preikestolen

Floating Saunas at Preikestolen BaseCamp

Floating Saunas at Preikestolen BaseCamp

Enjoy a perfect start to the morning, or unwind after a day in the mountains, aboard one of Preikestolen BaseCamp's floating saunas, close to the trail to Preikestolen.

Water activities at Preikestolen Basecamp

Water activities at Preikestolen Basecamp

Preikestolen offer rental of kayak, canoe, pedalos, rowboat and SUP board at the beautiful Refsvatnet lake, close to the trail to Preikestolen.

Preikestolen Golf Club near Jørpeland

Preikestolen Golf Club near Jørpeland

Preikestolen Golfklubb, which is located near the iconic Preikestolen in Ryfylke, has a challenging and spectacular 9-hole course in scenic surroundings.

En jente som er inne i Hikers nest hvor veggen er dekket av et bilde av Preikestolen.
© Preikestolen Basecamp

Stay the night near the trail

Preikestolen mountain lodge

Preikestolen mountain lodge

Preikestolen Basecamp is idyllically located near the shore of Revsvatnet lake and the trail to Preikestolen in Ryfylke, just 30 minutes from Stavanger.

Hikers’ Camp at Preikestolen BaseCamp

Hikers’ Camp at Preikestolen BaseCamp

Preikestolen Basecamp's Hikers' Camp, close to the path to Preikestolen, is perfect if you want a fun camping experience without a tent.

Preikestolen Camping close to Preikestolen

Preikestolen Camping close to Preikestolen

Preikestolen Camping, just outside Jørpeland in Ryfylke, is the nearest campsite to the starting point of the hike to Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock).

En person som tar bildet av Preikestolen. Preikestolen vises på mobilskjermen.
© Thomas Hawkins/Sunday Post

How to get to Preikestolen?

There are several ways to reach Preikestolen. There are daily bus departures from Stavanger city centre to Preikestolen parking area during the high season.

If you're arriving by your own car from Stavanger, you'll drive through Ryfast, which is the world's longest underwater tunnel. When you reach Solbakk, head towards Jørpeland and follow the signs to Preikestolen. There's a parking fee.

Charging facilities for electric cars are available in the parking area.

people hiking to preikestolen bus to preikestolen

Bus to Preikestolen from Stavanger, Sandnes, Jørpeland or Oanes

Bus transport with Pulpit Rock Tours to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, the starting point for the mountain hike to the famous Preikestolen.

En rosa buss som kjører på en vei gjennom åpent skogsterreng.

Preikestolen Express Bus from Stavanger to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge

The Preikestolen express bus runs directly between Stavanger city centre and Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, the starting point for the hike to Preikestolen.

For more inspiration about Ryfylke.

Related articles

Sunrise hike to Preikestolen

Sunrise hike to Preikestolen

Standing on Preikestolen and watching the sun rise from behind the mountains along the Lysefjord is a truly unique experience. And best of all, you’ll almost have it all to yourself.

Iconic hikes

Iconic hikes

Fjord Norway is a region of contrasts, from dramatic rock formations at Kjerag, Trolltunga and Preikestolen, to cascading waterfalls at Langfoss and bustling coastal towns.

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