Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

Preikestolen is a flat rock plateau of about 25 by 25 metres that drops 604 metres straight into the Lysefjord – one of Norway’s most famous sights and a certified Norwegian Scenic Hike. The trail is 8 km return (about 4–5 hours) with roughly 500 metres of ascent over several climbs, through bog and forest and up stone stairs built by Nepalese sherpas. You need no climbing skills, but good shoes and basic fitness. The pin marks the car park at the trailhead (P1).

Parking: P1 Preikestolen and P2 Moslimyrå have room for about 1.000 cars and 20 coaches. You pay at the machine after the hike: under 15 minutes free, under 2 hours NOK 40, more than 2 hours NOK 275 (2026 prices). At P1 there are toilets, a tourist office, 32 EV chargers and a bus stop.

Tips for campers: camping and sleeping in vehicles are strictly forbidden at the car park – Preikestolen Camping is a few kilometres away and takes guests without booking (in high season, come before 11). There are no toilets on the trail and no railings at the edge. Take a rain jacket even on a clear morning – in July 2026 hikers were caught by rain and one had to be carried down. The trail is open all year; the main season is June to September, so start early or late to avoid the crowds. From Stavanger, a Lysefjord cruise shows the rock from below, and the Ryfylke Scenic Route starts close by at Oanes.