Transport to Preikestolen

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The majestic Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) in the Lysefjord has been proclaimed the world's most breathtaking viewpoint (Lonely Planet) and tops the list of must-see natural wonders (CNN).

No one will be disappointed by the wild and beautiful landscape and the dramatic, breathtaking panoramic views that a trip to Preikestolen offers.

How can you get to Preikestolen without a car?

Pulpit Rock Tours takes you safely and securely to a memorable experience of a lifetime. During high season, they have 9 daily departures - more frequent and affordable than anyone else.

They'll take you to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, where the hike starts - so you'll avoid the mess, chaos and cost of parking. And hey, the return ticket can be used up to four days after travelling, so it's perfectly possible to make the experience more than just a day trip. Find out more, see the timetable and book tickets at www.pulpitrock.no.

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Tour description and difficulty

Hiking up to Preikestolen is one of the most famous and popular hikes in Norway. You can hike up to Preikestolen all year round, but weather-wise it's best from May to October, with most traffic in June and July, when the sun doesn't set until late in the evening.

The round trip of around 8 kilometres is considered moderately demanding and takes around 4-5 hours up and down. It depends on your level of physical fitness and how used you are to travelling in rough terrain. Some sections are steep. You should allow more time if you are unfit or have children with you.

It takes some physical effort to cover 330 metres of altitude in a varied landscape that constantly changes and alternates between climbs and plateaus, through lush western Norwegian nature, gently undulating terrain and rugged mountain landscapes, over bridges, swamps and marshes, and through idyllic and picturesque forest terrain, but on clearly marked hiking trails and in fantastic granite steps carved by mountain-savvy Sherpas from Nepal.

Along the way, you'll pass great vantage points (don't forget to take photos along the way!), pools and lakes where you can take a dip, and take food and rest breaks if you need it. Food never tastes as good as it does out in nature!

Then the landscape opens up, Preikestolen is right there in front of you and your efforts are rewarded with a unique, dizzying, wild and beautiful view of mountains and fjords that can take anyone's breath away and that you're guaranteed never to forget.

It's also possible to combine a fjord cruise in the Lysefjord with a hike to Preikestolen. And if you're a real outdoor enthusiast, it's a good idea to check out the other hiking opportunities in the area. For example, if you're really sporty, you can reach both Moslifjellet (718 metres above sea level) and Preikestolen in one round trip.

On the plateau

The plateau itself is about 25 x 25 metres. For more than 100 years, people have been coming up here to experience the breathtaking encounter with nature, the self-control as they step over the crack in the Preikestolen's ridge, the concentration as they approach the edge, the butterflies in their stomachs as they approach the edge, the small, quivering nervousness before the precipice.

Most people wisely stay at a safe distance, because the impressions are gripping and dizzying. Neither the plateau nor the hike up this mountain is for people with a fear of heights. Even if you're not dangling 604 metres above the Lysefjord, as Tom Cruise did during the filming of "Mission Impossible 6" in 2017, we can still guarantee a special experience.

Guided tour

If you're unfamiliar with the mountains, inexperienced and unsure of yourself and what you can handle, you should sign up for a guided tour. These run daily throughout the high season, from April to October, with experienced mountain guides making sure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.

Children

Children who are used to hiking will be able to complete the tour without difficulty, but you should still allow a little more time if you're bringing children or people with no experience. The tour may be a little too demanding for children under school age.

Camping

If you want to experience Preikestolen without the company of other hikers and tourists, pack a tent and sleeping bag and spend the night near the summit. The right of public access allows you to pitch a tent almost anywhere in Norway, but: Not on Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) itself. However, there are a few patches of grass in the immediate area where it is possible to pitch your tent.

When dusk arrives and darkness falls, there is an adventurous and somewhat mysterious atmosphere in the mountains, even in drizzle and if the fog settles over the fjord. If you're lucky, you can enjoy breakfast to a powerful sunrise. It's a strong impression that sticks with you. Another advantage is that you get the trail almost entirely to yourself and don't have to queue back down. There are fewer people on the trail after 17:00 and before 09:00.

Where to stay

If you want to stay overnight, but not in a tent on top, there are other options. Remember: the return ticket on Pulpit Rock Tours is valid for up to four days after departure. The closest option is the hotel comfort of Preikestolen Fjellstue, where the hike starts and ends. Here there are comfortable beds and a good restaurant.

Preikestolen Base Camp has its own Hikers' Camp, idyllically located by Refsvatnet Lake, where you can swim, paddle, hire a floating sauna and go fishing with a rod. There are 24 Hikers' Nests with mattresses, lighting, heating and USB sockets, outdoor fire pits for cooking and shared showers and toilets in the service building at Preikestolhytta. Tip: You may want to book a place in advance.

Tips for a safe and enjoyable trip

Every year, rescue teams are called out to retrieve tired and injured people from the mountains. They are often poorly dressed and ill-equipped. Make sure you're not one of them!

• Think about whether you are physically fit enough for the trip.
• Check the possibilities of participating in a guided tour.
• Check the weather forecast. Listen to local advice. Don't set off if the weather outlook is poor, with high winds, rain or fog. In that case, it's better to postpone the trip, especially if you have children or people less used to the mountains in your party.
• Start your hike early in the day, and don't be surprised by the darkness.
• Please note! There are no toilets on the trail. Use the facilities in the car park before you set off.
• Remember food and drink.
• Dress sensibly. Pack a hat and a pair of hiking gloves, as the weather and temperature change quickly in the mountains. Jeans and jogging trousers are not suitable for hiking.
• Have the right equipment. Make sure you have good, sturdy walking shoes. The terrain can be slippery when wet.
• Stay on the trail. For your own safety and to minimise wear and tear on nature.
• Do not build cairns.
• Respect the drone ban.
• Show consideration: No use of loudspeakers for music and videos.
• Turn back in time.
• Trackless travelling. Everything you take with you on your trip must be returned to you at the start. There are bins along the path.
• Dogs must be kept on a lead all year round.
• Remember the general ban on bonfires between 15 April and 15 September.
• The use of disposable barbecues is prohibited.

Welcome on board!

Pulpit Rock Tours takes you safely and securely to a memorable experience of a lifetime. Read more, see the timetable and book tickets at www.pulpitrock.no

• Follow Pulpit Rock Tours on social media:
  • Pulpit Rock Tours Facebook
  • Pulpit Rock Tours Instagram

We wish you a good, safe and memorable trip!

Book your bus ticket today!

Make your trip to Preikestolen easier and more comfortable with the bus company Pulpit Rock Tours. Book your ticket in advance and enjoy a comfortable and safe journey to the starting point of one of Norway's most beautiful mountain hikes.