Preikestolen Hike: My Pulpit Rock Trail Guide

The Preikestolen hike is a five-mile out-and-back mountain walk to Pulpit Rock, 604 metres above Lysefjord in Norway. We completed the walking in approximately 3.5 hours, but spent about 5.5–6 hours on the mountain after stopping for photographs, exploring the higher viewpoint and enjoying roughly 1.5 hours around the summit.

My verdict: the route is exceptionally well organised and straightforward to follow, with engineered stone steps, wooden walkways and a clear trail. The physical challenge is moderate rather than difficult, although there are large rocks, a few slippery surfaces and narrow exposed sections beside an unprotected cliff edge. I would not recommend attempting it in snow unless you have the correct winter experience or join a guide.

Region: Lysefjord, Stavanger – Norway

Places To Stay: Stavanger is the closest city to Lysefjord, and is more than likely where you will fly into. You can stay in or near Stavanger, although you may want to base yourself in the rural areas on both sides of the fjord. Looking for more Norway trails? Head to my ‘Norway Hiking Guides‘ page to see all regions and routes.

We were staying in Borestranda, Klepp, close to Stavanger, and it took us just over an hour to drive to the start of the Preikestolen hike. The tolls made it a fairly expensive journey, but driving through the enormous tunnels was an experience in itself. We couldn’t believe how long some of them were, with one stretching for more than 14km.

Once we arrived at Preikestolen Fjellstue Mountain Lodge, we paid for parking on arrival, had a quick look around the excellent shops and cafés, used the toilets and then set off on the five-mile return hike. Our continuous walking time was approximately 3.5 hours, but the full experience took around 5.5–6 hours after photographs, stops and roughly 1.5 hours around the summit.

Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most famous hikes, so don’t expect to have the trail to yourself. For fewer crowds and a chance of seeing the sun rise over the landscape, you’ll need to start very early. Another option is to arrive later in the afternoon, once many of the morning walkers are heading back down.

We arrived at around 11.30am at the end of May and the lower car park was already quite full, even though it was still early in the main hiking season. There is also an upper parking area, so it is worth checking both on Google Maps before travelling and knowing where your alternatives are.

Planning more hikes around Lysefjord? If you’re visiting the area, don’t miss the brand new Fantapytten trail, or challenge yourself with the unforgettable Kjeragbolten hike, where you’ll have the chance to stand on the famous boulder suspended high above the fjord. Together with Preikestolen, they make three completely different hiking experiences that showcase some of the very best scenery Norway has to offer.

Below are a few ideas for day tours, guides and transfers around the Lysefjord, with GetYourGuide offering great discounts and easy booking + a huge amount of options in the Stavanger area, see more here.

For a wider choice of accommodation in Stavanger, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.

Getting There: Directions, GPX and Map

• Start/Finish: The start point at the lower car park is Preikestolen Fjellstue Mountain Lodge
• Parking: There are two large car parks at Preikestolen Fjellstue Mountain Lodge.
• Transport: Seasonal buses are available from Stavanger, you’ll have to check with the local services and tours that are available.
• GPX: Download the GPX file here.
• Follow this route on my Outdooractive and Komoot profiles.
• Avoid the early start – find accommodation in Stavanger

Travel Data: I use eSIMs to stay connected — quick setup and no roaming faff. Sim Local has been solid in Italy and elsewhere in Europe.

Preikestolen Hike Profile

• Distance: Exactly 5 miles / approximately 8km
• Duration: Approximately 3.5 hours of walking; allow 5.5–6 hours for stops, photographs and time at the viewpoints
• Highest Point: ~1981ft / 604m
• Difficulty: Moderate. The ascent is gradual on a well-organised trail, but there are long stepped sections, large rocks, occasional slippery surfaces and exposed cliff-edge sections.
• Route conditions: Well-built stone paths, steps, wooden walkways and bare rock. Wear supportive footwear with good grip.

Flying into Norway? Quick Skyscanner Checker

From Heathrow, we flew to Oslo then Stavanger and hired cars. Skyscanner helped us compare the flight options.

Hike Description

Our hike started at Preikestolen Fjellstue Mountain Lodge after the drive from Klepp, and we arrived at around 11am. It was already fairly busy, but we managed to find three parking spaces for our group of 12. After having a quick look around the shop and café, we set off on the beautiful 8km return hike, heading almost immediately into the woods.

The route changes constantly as you climb towards Preikestolen, taking you through forest, across areas of swampland and up the impressive stone stairways built by Nepalese Sherpas. I won’t spend too much time explaining every turn because the trail is extremely obvious and, in all honesty, you are unlikely to be walking alone. Just follow the marked path and the steady stream of people heading uphill.

Walking through the forest is a real treat. The stone paths are beautifully laid, the surroundings are stunning and we simply took our time, stopping regularly to take photographs. There are a few sections where you walk directly across bare granite, but most of the route follows well-built paths and stone steps.

One of the most interesting parts of the walk is the swampland, where sturdy wooden walkways carry you safely across the wetter ground. I imagine a lot of water gathers here after the winter snow begins to melt, but there is nothing difficult to worry about. The walkways are excellent and continue guiding you steadily upwards towards Preikestolen.

Eventually, you leave most of the forest behind and reach a more open plateau as you move closer to Pulpit Rock and Lysefjord. There are several small ponds along this section, and on such a warm day we saw plenty of people cooling off, swimming and generally having a great time.

That is the walk up covered, but the real reason everyone comes here is Preikestolen itself. Nothing quite prepares you for standing on that enormous slab of rock, 604 metres above Lysefjord, surrounded by views that almost look computer generated.

The deep blue water, green mountains and the fjord disappearing into the haze in the distance make it feel as though you’re watching a film rather than standing there yourself. It is difficult to put into words, so I’ll let the photographs explain it better than I can. What a place.

Preikestolen is somewhere you really should experience if you visit this part of Norway. We continued to the higher viewpoint behind the main plateau, which I strongly recommend in suitable conditions. From there you can see the entire Pulpit Rock plateau below you and look along the length of Lysefjord. It is spectacular—almost Hollywood scenery—and provides the classic view that puts the scale of the landscape into perspective.

We spent approximately 1.5 hours around the summit, resting, exploring the higher viewpoint, taking photographs and enjoying the views. There is plenty of room away from the main rock, so you can find somewhere quieter to sit even when the central viewpoint is busy.

Once we were ready, we retraced the same route back down towards the mountain lodge, already talking about the ice cream and coffee waiting for us at the Hikers’ Café.

The ice cream was excellent and definitely worth trying after the walk. There is also a good shop, cafés and very clean toilet facilities around the parking area, which makes the whole day feel well organised from beginning to end.

Preikestolen might be busy and it might be one of Norway’s most photographed places, but once you stand above Lysefjord and see that view for yourself, you understand exactly why everyone comes.

An option for you is a Pulpit Rock guided hike with pickup options. A guide is particularly worth considering in winter conditions or if you are not confident on exposed mountain terrain.

Walk this route yourself in 3D!

The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.

I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.

Hike to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway’s Most Famous Trek – 3D Video

Places to Stay in and near Stavanger

For a wider choice of accommodation in Stavanger, Booking.com has a huge variety to browse through.

Recommended Stays

Home Again Apartments Nygata 1

Home Again Apartments Nygata 1 in Stavanger is housed in a historic building, offering a unique and charming environment. Located 12 km from Stavanger Airport, the property is a short walk from Stavanger Maritime Museum and City Hall. Nearby attractions include Godalen Beach and Stavanger Art Museum.

Check Availability

Thon Hotel Stavanger

This modern hotel is centrally located in Stavanger, just 5 minutes’ walk from Stavanger Station. WiFi and access to a well-equipped fitness room are free for guests.

Check Availability

Practicalities

• Parking: The hike starts from Preikestolen Parking beside Preikestolen BaseCamp. Parking is paid and the site can become extremely busy during the main summer season, so arriving very early or later in the afternoon is worth considering. Toilets, food, shops and visitor facilities are available near the trailhead.
• Distance & Time: Our recorded route was exactly 5 miles, or approximately 8km, returning along the same trail. We completed the walking in around 3.5 hours and spent approximately 5.5–6 hours on the mountain after stops, photographs and 1.5 hours around the summit.
• Terrain: This is a well-built trail, but it is still a proper mountain hike. Expect woodland, rocky paths, wooden walkways, bare granite and long sections of stone steps built by Nepalese Sherpas. The trail is straightforward to follow but can still feel physically demanding.
• Difficulty: Moderate. The ascent is gradual and the path is exceptionally well organised, but walkers still need sufficient fitness for the stone steps, large rocks and uneven ground.
• Season: The route is most straightforward in the normal hiking season. Snow and ice completely change the risk, particularly beside the exposed cliffs. I would not recommend walking it in snow unless you have suitable winter experience and equipment or go with a qualified local guide.
• What to Wear: Wear hiking boots or supportive trail shoes with good grip. Carry a waterproof jacket and additional layers because conditions can change quickly around Lysefjord. Sun protection is also useful during warm summer weather.
• Water & Food: Bring enough water and food for the complete hike. Food, drinks and toilets are available around Preikestolen BaseCamp, but there are no facilities once you are on the mountain trail. Plenty of walkers bring lunch to enjoy away from the busiest part of the plateau.
• Safety: Preikestolen has no fences, barriers or warning signs around the main cliff edge. A few narrow trail sections beside the drop only comfortably accommodate one or two people, so stop and allow others through rather than squeezing past. Stay well back from the edge, supervise children closely and remember that wet or icy granite can be slippery.
• Crowds: Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most popular hikes. Starting well before 7am or later in the afternoon generally offers a quieter experience than setting off during the main morning rush.
• Toilets: Excellent toilet facilities are available beside the parking area and Preikestolen BaseCamp before you begin the hike.
• Transport: We drove from our accommodation near Stavanger, which gave us the most flexibility. Visitors without a car should check current organised bus trips, transfers or guided tours before travelling because schedules can change.
• Mobile Signal: Mobile coverage is generally available but may become patchy in parts of the route. Download any maps or useful information before setting off.
• Drones: Drone use is currently prohibited at Preikestolen for visitor safety, privacy and nature protection.

Preikestolen FAQs

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