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- Region
- Norway
- Country
- Worldwide
- Biome
- Fjord (0–604 m)
- Best season
- April – October
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Sea Kayaking
- Beachcombing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Fjord (0–604 m)
- Best season: April – October
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Topic summary
The 604-m Pulpit Rock over Lysefjord — 4-mile round-trip iconic hike.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: April – October
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Fjord (0–604 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) trip tools
How to get there
Preikestolen is in Strand Municipality in Rogaland, on the north side of western Lysefjorden. Stavanger is a regional base in Rogaland. Confirm onward transport and the exact starting location of the Preikestolen path before setting out.
- Preikestolen main path
The most-used walking approach to the cliff, improved by Nepalese Sherpas in 2013. Confirm the trailhead location and transport arrangements before travelling.
- Stavanger
Rogaland's largest city and administrative centre, useful as a regional planning base rather than a trailhead. Arrange onward access to Preikestolen separately.
Sources: Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
Popular pursuits at Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Sea Kayaking
Coastal crossings, tides, and protected camps.
- Beachcombing
Tide-line walking between camps.
Animals around Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)Amazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Planning to fish Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Norway are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)?
- A Norway fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Norway fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Hunting near Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Thinking about hunting Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Norway? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Norway are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)?
- Confirm the land around Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Norway?
- A Norway hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
A small plateau above Lysefjorden
Preikestolen, also called Prekestolen or Pulpit Rock, is a steep cliff in Strand Municipality, Rogaland county, Norway. It rises 604 metres above Lysefjorden, on the north side of the fjord near its western end. The top is almost flat and measures approximately 25 by 25 metres. Those dimensions are central to understanding the destination: the main attraction is a relatively small platform above a very large drop, not an extensive summit area. Plan to enjoy the fjord view without needing to approach the edge. The cliff height describes its position above the water; it should not be treated as the elevation gain of the approach hike. This is a walking destination where care around exposed ground matters as much as reaching the viewpoint.
The approach and the cliff edge
The most-used path to Preikestolen is described as a 3.8-kilometre hike. Nepalese Sherpas improved that path in 2013, but an improved trail should not be confused with an easy or risk-free outing. Wear footwear suited to outdoor walking, carry water and weather protection, and allow room in the day's plan for conditions and a careful return. At the top, the almost-flat surface does not remove the consequences of a fall from the cliff. Keep a comfortable margin from the edge, particularly when moving around other visitors or taking photographs. BASE jumpers also use the cliff; their activity is separate from an ordinary hiking visit and should not be taken as a model for where walkers should stand or move.
Popularity and a regional base
Preikestolen recorded 300,000 visitors in 2024, placing it among Norway's most-visited natural tourist attractions. That popularity is worth considering alongside the plateau's modest size: leave space for others and avoid making an edge-side photograph the goal of the outing. Stavanger provides a regional city base in Rogaland, where it is the largest city and administrative centre. Its preserved old town lies on the west side of the waterfront, and Stavanger cathedral remains largely unchanged since the early 12th century. The city also has Norway's only petroleum museum, reflecting its role as the centre of the Norwegian oil industry. These city sights offer a separate component to a trip, rather than a substitute for checking the practical arrangements for reaching the Preikestolen path.
Route options
- Main path to Preikestolen3.8 kilometres
Follow the most-used hiking path to the cliff-top viewpoint. The stated length describes the approach hike; do not assume it is the total out-and-back distance.
- Preikestolen plateau viewpoint
The viewing portion of the main-path outing, not a separate approach route. The almost-flat top is approximately 25 by 25 metres and sits 604 metres above Lysefjorden. Keep well back from the cliff edge and leave room for other visitors.
Sample itineraries
- Preikestolen day hike · 1 day
Follow the most-used hiking path to Preikestolen and return after visiting the plateau above Lysefjorden. The path is described as 3.8 kilometres long; do not treat that figure as a confirmed round-trip distance. Allow time for breaks and careful movement near the cliff.
- Stavanger and Preikestolen · 2 days
Spend one day exploring Stavanger’s preserved old town, waterfront and cathedral. Set aside the other for the Preikestolen hike. Confirm transport arrangements separately, and choose the hiking day around suitable weather.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; check current trail conditions
Plan around the actual forecast rather than the season alone. If snow, ice or wet footing is present, reassess whether a hike to the cliff is appropriate for the group.
Summer
Summer; check the forecast before departure
Carry water and weather protection for the hike. Preikestolen is heavily visited, and its small summit plateau calls for patience and space around other visitors.
Fall
Fall; confirm daylight and trail conditions
Set a turnaround time that leaves enough daylight for the return. Rain, wind or poor visibility should prompt a more conservative plan near the cliff.
Winter
Winter; confirm access and footing before travel
Do not assume the hiking path is suitable for ordinary walking footwear. If snow or ice is present, seek current local advice and turn back if conditions exceed the group’s equipment or experience.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; check current trail conditions | Plan around the actual forecast rather than the season alone. If snow, ice or wet footing is present, reassess whether a hike to the cliff is appropriate for the group. |
| Summer | Summer; check the forecast before departure | Carry water and weather protection for the hike. Preikestolen is heavily visited, and its small summit plateau calls for patience and space around other visitors. |
| Fall | Fall; confirm daylight and trail conditions | Set a turnaround time that leaves enough daylight for the return. Rain, wind or poor visibility should prompt a more conservative plan near the cliff. |
| Winter | Winter; confirm access and footing before travel | Do not assume the hiking path is suitable for ordinary walking footwear. If snow or ice is present, seek current local advice and turn back if conditions exceed the group’s equipment or experience. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current permit, access and booking requirements with the managing agency before visiting.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Preikestolen rises 604 metres above Lysefjorden. Keep well back from the cliff edge, especially when taking photographs.
- The almost-flat summit measures approximately 25 by 25 metres. At this heavily visited site, avoid crowding others or stepping backward without checking your footing.
- If wind, rain or poor visibility develops, give the cliff edge a wider margin and be prepared to turn back.
- The stated 3.8-kilometre path length is not a confirmed round-trip distance. Verify the full outing before judging time, water and energy needs.
What to pack for Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
- Walking footwear with reliable grip
- Waterproof outer layer
- Warm layer suited to the forecast
- Drinking water for the full outing
- Food and extra snacks
- Route information checked before departure
- Charged phone
- Headlamp
- Small first-aid kit
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) FAQ
- Where is Preikestolen?
- Preikestolen is in Strand Municipality, Rogaland county, Norway. It stands on the north side of Lysefjorden, near the fjord’s western part.
- How high is Pulpit Rock?
- The cliff rises 604 metres above Lysefjorden. That figure describes its height above the fjord, not the hike’s elevation gain.
- How long is the hike?
- The most-used path is described as 3.8 kilometres long. Confirm the complete out-and-back distance and expected walking time before setting off.
- What is the summit like?
- The top is an almost-flat plateau approximately 25 by 25 metres. Its limited area and steep cliff edge require careful movement and consideration for other visitors.
- Is Preikestolen busy?
- It is one of Norway’s most-visited natural attractions, with 300,000 visitors in 2024. Plan for shared trail space and avoid letting other visitors pressure you closer to the edge.
- What can be paired with the hike?
- Stavanger offers a preserved old town west of its waterfront, a petroleum museum and a cathedral largely unchanged since the early 12th century. Confirm travel arrangements between Stavanger and the hike separately.