Preikestolen / Pulpit Rock, Norway

Preikestolen, known in English as Pulpit Rock, is a flat-topped cliff that rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord in southwestern Norway. The hike begins at Preikestolen Basecamp (formerly Preikestolen Fjellstue), the main hub for hikers, with parking, toilets, a café, and accommodation. Most visitors base themselves in Stavanger, the nearest city. Since the opening of the Ryfast subsea tunnel, there is no longer a car ferry: driving from Stavanger now takes about 40 to 60 minutes via the tunnel, which carries a toll of roughly 167 NOK each way, with parking at the trailhead costing around 250 to 275 NOK per day. Seasonal express buses also run directly from central Stavanger to the trailhead in about an hour and must be booked online in advance.

What Makes Preikestolen Famous

The cliff’s almost perfectly flat, square plateau, perched dramatically above the deep blue Lysefjord, has made it one of the most recognisable natural sights in Norway and a frequent feature on “best viewpoint” lists. Like much of the region, it was shaped by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Standing near the unfenced edge, with the fjord stretching out hundreds of metres below, is the experience that draws several hundred thousand hikers here every year.

Practical Information and Tips

The hike is around 8 kilometres round trip with roughly 500 metres of elevation gain, and most people complete it in four to five hours including time at the top. It is considered moderate by Norwegian standards rather than extreme, and the trail was substantially rebuilt with stone steps by Nepalese Sherpas in 2013–2014. Good footwear and weatherproof clothing are essential, as the weather can change quickly and the rock can be slippery. There are no facilities along the trail, so bring water and snacks. The main season runs from May to September; starting early or hiking in the late afternoon helps avoid both the crowds and the busy car park.