If you're an avid hiker like me, and always looking for new stunning views, then Norway should definitely be added to your travel list. Why Norway? For me, it's all about the landscape. The Scandinavian mountains, lakes and fjords are calling to me. So, I planned my trip for a few months, and hiking Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) was on my bucket list.
The Preikestolen trek attracts more than 300,000 people every year due to its unique rock formation. Let's dig deeper. Here's everything you need to know to enjoy this hike in Norway's Rogaland region.
*** Thanks to Jerome Lortie, writer and founder of Required basics To write this guest post. Jerome is a big fan of pizza and the outdoors. He is an avid hiker and always looking for the next big mountain to climb. For him, nature is a place where he finds peace and recharges his battery. While others plan their trips to relax, he plans his trips according to the mountains he will be able to climb.***
Preikestolen height summary
distance: The return is about 8 km (5 miles).
Height at top: 604 m or 1982 ft.
Height gain: 334 m or 1096 feet.
Time needed: About 4 hours.
Hiking hours: The parking lot is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Dogs: Allowed on leash.
camping: Camping is not permitted in the parking area.
Parking location: There are two parking areas available, P1 and P2. I suggest you arrive early in high season to secure a parking spot at P1. Total capacity is about 1,000 cars and fees are the same per parking lot.
- Q1: Parking area closest to the start of the trails. It has a capacity of 400 cars and places for bicycles and motorcycles. Address: Preikestolvegen 521, 4105 Jørpeland, Norvège.
- P2: This parking area is located 1 km from the start of the trails. It will add 2km to your total round trip, so 10km instead of 8. There is a capacity of 600 cars in P2 and here is the address: 4105 Jørpeland, Norvège
expenses: The only fee for the Preikestolen trip is the parking fee. There is no fee to access the trails. Take your parking ticket when you arrive at the site and pay at the machine when you leave. Prices depend on the type of car you have.
- Bike: free
- Car – less than 15 minutes: free
- Motorbike: 100 NOK (about $13 CAD)
- Car – less than 2 hours: 40 NOK (about 5 CAD)
- Car – more than 2 hours: 250 NOK (about 31 CAD)
- Bus: 1,000 NOK (about $125 CAD)
Best time to do hikingThe best period to do the Preikestolen trek is from May to October. The weather is nicer and the trails are easier. The trails are open year-round, but you may need special equipment if you intend to climb between November and April. High season is from June to August and will be crowded. I hiked the Preikestolen area at the end of August, and I can tell you it was crowded. But I was able to make the most of the trails by leaving early to hike.
Difficulty level: Moderate – Some steep sections, but nothing extreme. Most people with hiking experience will be able to complete the trek.
Terrain: Like most hikes in southern Norway, the trails are mostly made of rocks and eventually form a kind of staircase. Large steps make it easy to climb.
What to take: Sturdy hiking boots with good grip lugs, for wet trails and rocks. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, there aren't really any trees up there to protect you from the sun. Carry 2 liters of water and a snack to eat while enjoying the view.
Why high Preikestolen?
I love a good physical challenge, and this hike strikes the perfect balance between physical effort and gorgeous scenery.
The reward you can get for a 4 hour flight is totally worth it. Preikestolen is an iconic symbol of Norway and a unique rock formation that you can't see anywhere else.
In addition to Pulpit Rock itself, the view of the Lysefjord is breathtaking. No wonder this place attracts more than 300,000 people every year.
Do you need a guide to leveling up Preikestolen?
If you are an experienced hiker, I don't think a guide is necessary. Especially from May to October when the trails are well located and there are a lot of people coming in and out every day.
You might consider hiring a guide if this is your first hiking experience – or if you want to hike with a group of people and make new friends. Getting help from a guide may also be a good idea if you intend to hike Preikestolen in the off-season (November to April) when you need specific equipment and knowledge to enjoy the trails safely.
Description of the Preikestolen height
I hiked Preikestolen in late August. Remember, a height of 334 meters awaits you on this climb. Most of the hike will be done in the first half of the trip (2 km).
The path starts in the woods and you will soon reach an open field and walk on a wooden path with a small arched bridge. It's really beautiful.
You've made the most of your hiking and climbing when you arrive at Tjødnane, a small lake/pond. Many people stop to take a breath and drink water.
On the day my brother and I made the Preikestolen trip, the sky was clear and the sun was hot. We even saw some hikers jumping into the lake for a refreshing swim. After that, it's mostly smooth sailing. You have another big elevation gain remaining with over 1.5km of trails.
The view of the rock itself is impressive, but I dare you to walk on the edge of the rock. You can't see anything lower than 604 metres.
It's enough to give you goosebumps, I tell you from experience. For me, hiking is also about giving unique sensations to your body, and looking down this massive cliff did the trick for me.
Stay away from crowds
The view is amazing, but I won't lie to you. I did this hike in high season and it was very crowded. Almost everyone stops at the summit to enjoy the view and eat before returning. If you're looking for the perfect photo, you'll have to stand in line.
How do you stay away from people and enjoy your snack in peace? If you care to look around, you will see that it is very easy to climb another level. Like a baby goat, you can make your way to a higher view and a quieter area. It should not take more than 5 – 10 minutes.
Advice for Preikestolen hike
The uniqueness of the site matches its reputation and the landscape is well worth a visit.
If you're planning to hike Preikstolen during high season, arrive early to fully enjoy your adventure. I would suggest arriving at the parking area before 9am. Be prepared because you will meet a lot of people in the hallways on your way back
Go to the top of Preikestolen rock to enjoy some peace at the summit.
Consider doing this hike in the fall (October or November). There will be fewer people on site and the snow and ice may not have arrived yet.
Where to stay near Preikestolen hike
There are many options available to you and one of them is to rent an Airbnb. We booked a small apartment in Stavanger and it suited our needs perfectly. By car, it took us about 40 minutes from our place to Preikestolen P1 stop. You can find hundreds of rentals with prices starting at 650 NOK (about $80 CAD).
Another option is Preikestolen Base Camp. You can't get close to this. They have many options to suit your needs. Prices range from 1,100 to 4,000 NOK ($135 to 500 CAD) depending on the accommodation you choose.
They have everything from gorgeous cabins to hotel rooms or their own water camp. Be aware that you must book in advance due to the high demand for the campsite.
Further reading about things to do in Norway
Click on the image to bookmark your Pinterest boards.
