Hiking trip to Preikestolen

Climbing to the top of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) by the Lysefjord is one of Norway’s most popular hiking trips.

This hike is considered relatively easy by Norwegian standards. One can do the trip in just half a day, and there are multiple routes to choose from. A good alternative is to follow the main trail to the top, choosing one of the alternative routes downhill. There are buses leaving from the city centre of Stavanger to the Preikestolhytta mountain lodge on a daily basis in the high season.

For a crowd-free hike experience, Outdoorlife Norway offers guided sunrise hikes with headlamps through the short and light Norwegian summer night, to welcome the sun as it rises above the Lysefjord.
Pulpit Rock Experience and Lysefjorden Adventure also propose guided hikes. 
Experience the Pulpit Rock on one of Fjord Tours' trips.

About the route

• Season: April – September
• Grade: red. The trip is considered to be easy.
• Length: 6 km from Preikestolen mountain lodge. The trip takes about two hours to the top, and about 4 hours both ways, including a stop at the top.
• Preikestolen reaches 604 meters above Lysefjorden.
• There is no fence or barrier at the plateau, so be careful and mind your steps!
   

Alternative routes down

1. Return via the top Mosli mountain. A sign will show you which direction to follow.
2. Follow the trail southwest along the edge of the Lysefjord. Turn north from Skåpa mountain and pass by the farm Torsnes before the return to Preikestolen mountain lodge.
3. 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. See ferry route map. Check Kolumbus.no for schedules.
    

Gear and equipment

• Bring something to eat and drink, good hiking shoes and a camera.
• Check the weather report before you go, and be prepared for changing weather.
• The Preikestolen mountain lodge has food and beverages for sale at the starting point. You may wish to bring an extra set of warm clothes, even in summer!
• Read more about safety and equipment.