Stand atop the plateau of Preikestolen
Peer over the sheer 604-metre granite cliff into the silent blue expanse of the Lysefjord below.
At a glance
May to October for clear trails and long daylight; June to August offers warmest hiking weather
Early morning before the main hiker stream or late afternoon for golden fjord light
4 to 5 hours round trip hike from the trailhead base
Mountain trail hike · Coastal fjord cliff ascent
Moderate
Drop-in possible
Why Preikestolen is Europe's ultimate cliffside vantage point
Preikestolen, or the Pulpit Rock, is one of Scandinavia's most dramatic natural geological formations. The plateau was carved out tens of thousands of years ago during the Ice Age when expanding glaciers wedged into granite fissures and sheared away the mountainside, leaving an almost geometrically square 25-by-25-metre rock shelf hanging high above Lysefjord.
Unlike heavily barriered viewpoints elsewhere in the world, Preikestolen remains entirely unfenced in keeping with Norwegian outdoor traditions of allemannsretten and personal responsibility. Standing near the edge and watching silence settle over the 42-kilometre-long fjord below is an unforgettable physical experience.
The eight-kilometre return trail was expertly upgraded by Nepalese Sherpas with robust granite stairways, making what was once a boggy clamber into a satisfying, well-drained mountain hike accessible to anyone with reasonable fitness and sensible footwear.
The journey up through Birch forests and granite plateaus
Trailhead ascent from BaseCamp
Begin the climb from Preikestolen BaseCamp at 270 metres elevation, ascending through native birch and pine woodland along wide stone staircases.
Krogebekkmyrane and sub-alpine tarns
Cross gentle wooden boardwalks over tranquil peat bogs and small mountain lakes where hardy cottongrass sways in the coastal breeze.
The Neverdalskaret stone staircase
Tackle the steepest section of the route on hand-placed Sherpa steps before reaching the undulating exposed granite bedrock above the tree line.
Arrival on the granite pulpit shelf
Round the final cliff path to emerge suddenly onto the massive flat shelf, with Lysefjord opening up 604 vertical metres directly beneath your feet.
Plan your experience
When to go
The main hiking season runs from May through October when the trail is clear of snow and daylight is long. Summer provides extended twilight, while September brings crisp autumn air and golden bog colours.
Getting there
From Stavanger city centre, take the world's longest undersea road tunnel (Ryfast) via route 13 directly to Preikestolen BaseCamp in roughly 40 minutes. Dedicated shuttle buses run regularly throughout the season from Stavanger bus terminal.
Booking & permits
The mountain trail itself requires no ticket or advance reservation. Parking fees at BaseCamp are paid on departure via automated number plate recognition. Shuttle buses are best booked online the day prior during peak July periods.
What to bring
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support and reliable grip on smooth granite
- Windproof and waterproof jacket, plus warm insulating fleece layer
- Refillable water bottle (clean mountain streams offer fresh water refills)
- Packed trail lunch, energy snacks, and fruit
- Compact backpack and lightweight sit-pad for summit resting
Before you go
- Check the local mountain weather forecast on yr.no before departing Stavanger
- Start early in the morning to enjoy uncrowded trail conditions and serene summit silence
- Stay a respectful distance from unfenced cliff edges, particularly in strong gusty winds
- Carry all rubbish back down to the BaseCamp recycling facilities
Official information
Always verify permits, seasonal weather conditions and access directly with public authorities:
Official Norwegian tourism portal covering trail safety, mountain code, and transport options.
Official BaseCamp portal detailing parking, shuttle connections, equipment hire, and trail conditions.
Ways to experience it
Hike independently along the clearly marked red-T trail from BaseCamp at your own pace, pausing at mountain tarns and resting spots.
Join a professional wilderness guide for sunrise or sunset departures to experience the plateau in solitude when daylight breaks across the fjord.
Certified providers & operators
Explore Lysefjorden
Guided sunrise and off-season mountain treks
Local outdoor specialists offering headlamp dawn ascents and safety guidance.