Preikestolen: hiking through Norway’s rugged nature
It is one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations: Preikestolen in Rogaland. The rock platform stands out majestically from its surroundings and overlooks the Lysefjord. If you like hiking and want to experience the rugged Norwegian nature for yourself, this is the place for you!
Why should you travel to Preikestolen?
Enjoy the spectacular view over the pure nature of Norway at 604 metres? Welcome to Preikestolen! The natural rock platform attracts thousands of hikers every year who don’t want to miss out on a visit to the “Preikestolen”.
The platform, which measures around 25 x 25 metres, is the ideal destination for a hike. It takes around four hours to complete the challenging route, which leads over hill and dale through the Norwegian countryside. It was probably formed 10,000 years ago when water froze in the crevices of a glacier, blasting away large parts of the rock and exposing the current plateau.
An ascent to Preikestolen is also recommended as a day trip and is certainly a must on any road trip in Norway.
Where is the Preikestolen?
Preikestolen is located in the Ryfylke region in the north-eastern part of the Norwegian province of Rogaland in the south-west of the country. It is located directly on the approximately 40 kilometre long Lysefjord, over which you have a unique view from the platform. From Stavanger, Norway’s fourth largest city, it is only 30 kilometres to Preikestolen. Many people continue north as part of a road trip. Bergen is about 300 kilometres north of Preikestolen.
Preikestolen: weather and best time to visit
Due to the high altitude and the ocean climate, the summer months at Preikestolen tend to be cool. The best time to visit is therefore from May to September, as there is no heat or constant rainfall. In line with this, the hiking season is also from May to October; an ascent to Preikestolen in winter is only recommended for experienced hikers. In July, the warmest month, the average temperature is around 16° Celsius, while in the winter months from December to February it barely reaches above 1° Celsius. But even in July you should have a rain jacket with you just in case, as the least rainfall occurs in May and June.
Things to do at Preikestolen
Hike to Preikestolen
It’s clear that you can’t avoid a hike if you want to visit Preikestolen. Even though the route has some challenging sections, this need not be a deterrent for inexperienced hikers, as the path to Preikestolen is well marked. Guided hikes are also available. Early risers can enjoy a beautiful sunrise away from the rush hour.
The round trip is 8 kilometres in total, with 4 ascents and 4 descents, and takes around 4 to 5 hours with a difference in altitude of up to 500 metres. The starting point is the car park at the Preikestolens fjellstue mountain hut.
The hike itself is varied: first you hike up a ridge, then you are led along boardwalks through boggy forest before you reach the Neverdalsskaret pass through the Krogabekkmyra swamp and a subsequent scree field. Now you pass the Tjødane group of lakes and finally reach the platform.
Lysefjord
Once you are at the Lysefjord, you can also head for other excursion destinations and try out other activities. Hiking fans who prefer something a little more challenging can set their sights on Kjerag on the southern shore of Norway’s largest southern fjord. Boat tours are also offered on the fjord, where you can enjoy Norway’s nature and wildlife surrounded by impressive mountains.
Holiday homes at Preikestolen
If you want to stay a little longer in the area around Preikestolen, a holiday home is a good choice of accommodation. In a holiday home you are independent and have no space problems, plus there are cooking facilities and the comfort of a permanent home – a welcome luxury in rainy Norway. Although there are no holiday homes directly on Preikestolen, there are plenty on offer in the surrounding area.
Camping at Preikestolen
If you prefer a more rustic and simple holiday, camping in Norway is just the thing for you. Although wild camping is permitted in Norway, a holiday on a proper campsite is also worthwhile, offering amenities such as wash houses and electricity. There are also campsites near the Preikestolen from which you can plan your hikes.
Preikestolen arrival
Travelling by car
Once you are in Norway, Preikestolen is easy to reach by car. From Stavanger, drive through the Ryfylke tunnel, then towards Jørpeland and follow the signposted route to the hiking car park. The parking fee for a normal car is 250 Norwegian kroner.
Travelling by boat
Car ferries depart from Lauvvik, Forsand or several harbours on the Lysefjord. There are also combined boat and hiking tours that allow you to see the Preikestolen from the water first before you set off on foot. The boats depart from Rødne and Stavanger.
Travelling by plane
If you want to travel to Norway by plane, you can fly to Stavanger. Various airlines offer direct flights. From Stavanger, you can easily reach the starting point of the hike by bus.
