Preikestolen has been named one of the world's most spectacular viewing points by both CNN Go and Lonely Planet. It rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord.
The mountain plateau of about 25 x 25 metres was most probably shaped by the expansion of ice some 10,000 years ago. Water that froze in the crevices in the mountain broke loose large edged blocks of stone that the ice glacier brought along on its course. In the old days, the name of the plateau was Hyvlatånnå (planed tooth), and was already then well known as a landmark for fjord travelers in the Lysefjord. It was not until around 1900, that the first tourist traveled to the top and Preikestolen as a touristic destination was discovered.
Main hiking season: April - October
Off season: Guide is recommended
Ascent: 500 m
Time: 4-5 hour t/r, 7,6 km.
Preikestolen hike
The trail to Preikestolen is certified as Norwegian Scenic Hikes.
The hike starts from the parking (parking fee applies) by the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge. Located here is a service facility with toilets. The hike consists of slightly hilly terrain with a difference of altitude of 500 metres. The prime attraction on the hike you obtain on top of the plateau with a mesmerising view of the outstanding Lysefjord. Additionally, there are nice spots to take a dip as well as enjoyable resting areas along the path.
It is important that you check the weather conditions at all times. If there is snow in the mountains, it is not recommended to do the hike, or you should use a nature guide.
Remember good footwear, preferably mountain shoes, warm clothing, food and drinks. Should the weather indicate difficult conditions, please use walking sticks/ski poles on the hike. A general good physical fitness is necessary. To avoid the loss of daylight on your return hike, you must not embark on this hike too late in the day.
Off season hike
You can hike to Preikestolen all year round, and sunrise and winter hikes are getting more and more popular.
Because of the presence of snow and ice, hiking to Preikestolen without a guide during the wintertime (January–March) is not recommended. Professional guides from Explore Lysefjorden are trained to safely maneuver through the rapidly changing weather conditions. They carry with them all necessary navigation and safety equipment.
The guide company also organize transport, which can be a challenge outside the main hiking season.
More information
Time for sunset as well as other weather conditions: preikestolen365.com
Click for web camera from Preikestolen Basecamp.
Get to Preikestolen by bus
- Bus to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge with provider www.gofjords.com
- Bus to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge with provider www.pulpitrock.no
- Bus to Preikestolen with provider Pelle's Reiser.
Get to Preikestolen by car
From Stavanger, drive the subsea tunnel to Solbakk and follow signposting to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge. Or take car ferry from Lauvvik to Oanes, and drive to Preikestolen Mountain Lodge from there. Parking fee.
Preikestolen from the fjord
It is also wonderful to experience Preikestolen from the fjord, either from a sightseeing boat or from a car ferry going from Lauvvik, Oanes, Stavanger, or from several other places of call on Lysefjorden (Kombibåt or tourist ferry).
Fun fact about Preikestolen
The crevice in Preikestolen The Preikestolen plateau almost looks like it has been carved out with a knife. The angular pattern of the fissure is evidently visible when looking at the plateau from above. You can easily imagine that large blocks next to Preikestolen have plummeted down into the Lysefjord.
Along the entire fjord, you will find so-called depressurisation gaps, and a textbook example of this is the crevice in Preikestolen. When the glacier melted away some 10 000 years ago, the pressure from the ice disappeared and the mountain cracked open.
Discovering Preikestolen
The gymnastic Thomas Peter Randulff was travelling in the Lysefjord with steamboat Oscar II. The captain of the ship pointed his finger at the special rock formation high above the fjord, and said; -this looks just like a pulpit (preikestol)! For the gymnastic and athletic Randulff the goal was set. He wanted to get to the top of this mountain. This was the start of the tourist traffic to Preikestolen. In 1949, the Stavanger Trekking Association built the Preikestolen lodge so that tourists would have easier access to the area. In 1961, the road up to the lodge was built.
