The view of Lysefjord from the Pulpit Rock (in Norwegian: Preikestolen) is remarkable. This is one of the best hikes in Norway, and it’s on everyone’s bucket list. The 8 km round trip is a moderate hike with a breathtaking view from the Pulpit Rock lookout. We visited it during our Norway Road Trip, and it was one of the best places we saw with kid(s) in the country.
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The Preikestolen trail
The 8 km long loop trail starts from the mountain lodge and visitor center at Preikestolen Fjellstue. It takes an average of 4 hours with an ascent of 350 meters. If you are in good shape, you can easily walk up in 3 hours, including a longer break on the top. If you aren’t an avid hiker, allow yourself 5 hours as the trail has two steeper sections.
You will pass small streams, rocky terrains, and tiny ponds on your way. There is a wind shelter near the ponds, which was a perfect location for us for a longer break. It is rather tiny with a couple of benches around, so it is occupied most of the time during the summer.
The most exposed parts of the trail come after this flatter area. During the last half a kilometer, you walk on top of flat rocky surfaces near the edge of the fjord. For safety measures, the most dangerous locations have stairs, fences, and chains installed, so no need to worry.
Pulpit Rock hike with kids
It’s definitely doable with small children as well, but don’t let them roam freely during that last section of the trail and on the top of Preikestolen.
We hiked with our 2-year-old son (most of the time, him traveling in a backpack carrier) while I was 6+ months pregnant, but if you don’t hike regularly, plan this activity as a whole day program, especially if your kids are walking on their own all the trip.
Guided tours to Pulpit Rock and Lysefjord
If you prefer hiking with a guide, you can book a tour, even combined with cruising in Lysefjord or canoeing.
Related article: Norway Bucket List
Pulpit Rock prices
Besides the parking fee, there are no other fees.
After the hike, you can visit the coffee place where you can get the soup of the day with bread for 98 kr (2019).
Preikestolen parking
There is a huge paid parking at the trailhead (250kr for cars). There is no free parking anywhere near the starting point.
Weather and how to dress for the hike
The hiking season is between April and October. Our last visit was at the end of April, and the weather was really windy. Make sure you wear enough layers, wind and rainproof gear, and sturdy footwear. You can also rent hiking equipment at the visitor center.
The high season
June and July are high seasons. If you visit the Pulpit Rock at that time of the year, be prepared for crowded trails, or head up early in the morning/ night for a sunrise hike.
Where to stay near Preikestolen – Hotels & Accommodation
The nearest places to stay are Preikestolen Fjellstue or Tau, for example, the Lilland Brewery Hotel. Add links!!!
You can also stay overnight in Stavanger, where you can drive in the morning (it takes about 2 hours) or take a boat trip on the Lysefjord.
Lysefjord hiking
Besides the Pulpit Rock hike, the other famous (and more demanding) trail leads to Kjerag, on the opposite side of Lysefjord.
Other spectacular yet less popular trails also can be found in the area for experienced hikers.
Travel Resources
There is nothing better than a relaxed holiday. To ensure your rest, make sure you reserve and book your accommodation and transportation in advance of your trip.
- Book a small group of private tours with us at amazinglapland.com to make your experience magical in Lapland.
- Don’t forget to insure yourself during your travels: SafetyWing. Check out their policies HERE. It also covers several virus-related expenses.
- Look for the best prices on flight tickets, hotels, and car rentals: Expedia
- Car rental: SIXt
- Accommodation: Booking.com, Agoda or Hostelworld if you travel on a budget. Don’t forget that you can search for Apartments also on Booking.
- Activities: GetYourGuide
- Opinions on hotels and restaurants: TripAdvisor
- Was your flight canceled or delayed? Get up to 600€ back with the help of Compansair!
More posts about Norway
Norway Bucket List Activities | Verdens Ende – The World’s End | Lofoten | Hiking in Lofoten | Vigeland Sculpture Park – Oslo
About the Author
Katalin
Katalin is a Lapland-based outdoor enthusiast who loves hiking, road-tripping, and traveling with her family. She spends her free time far away from civilization in one of the national parks around the world, explores off-the-beaten-path places, or hops on a road trip with her kids in an RV.
Read more about her adventures and the blog.
The view looks incredible! Thanks for sharing, I hadn’t heard of this hike before but definitely going to include it on my trip!
Preikestolen is one of the most iconic hikes in Norway, you don’t want to miss it 🙂