Preikestolen – Hike with spectacular views over the Lysefjord

Preikestolen in Ryfylke is one of Norway’s National Tourist Trails and a must‑visit attraction for outdoor enthusiasts. The iconic rock platform rises 604 metres above the Lysefjord, offering spectacular panoramic views from its flat summit. Preikestolen draws visitors from around the world who come to experience this remarkable natural landmark and its breathtaking perspectives. Map to use: Lysefjorden 1:50000.

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Mt Preikestolen is a mountain plateau raging 604 meters above the Lysefjord. The four kilometer long hike and 330 meter climb takes about two to three hours one way.

Season, guiding and important safety information

SAFETY & RESPONSIBILITY: Follow the Mountain Code when hiking in Norway. Conditions can change from summer and sunshine to winter and frost within minutes. Always be prepared for rapidly changing weather.

Read about your personal responsibility and how to stay safe in Norwegian nature.

BEFORE YOU GO: Weather and conditions are crucial. Always take this into account before setting out. Avoid the hike in bad weather, fog, thunderstorms, snow or icy conditions. Bring appropriate clothing, good hiking shoes, a map and compass, and enough food and water. Always check the weather forecast before you go.

DIFFICULTY: Moderate. This is a general assessment based on distance, terrain, elevation gain and exposure.

DURATION: 4–6 hours.

ELEVATION: This hike starts at approximately 275 masl (Parking by Preikestolen Mountain Lodge). Highest point at approximately 604 masl (Preikestolen Mountain Plateau).

SEASON: June to September. These are approximate months and depend on weather, temperature and snow conditions in the mountains.

SUITABILITY: This hike is not suitable for children! There are several steep, narrow and exposed sections on this hike, especially just before and on Preikestolen itself.

GUIDE: We recommend using a guide on this hike. See Guide Companiet for information about guided tours.

NAVIGATION: We recommend always bringing a map and compass in case of fog.

MOBILE COVERAGE: Mobile coverage is often limited or unstable on many of the hikes described on this website, and in some areas there is no mobile coverage at all. It is recommended to bring an extra power bank for your mobile phone.

LIVESTOCK ON GRAZING LAND: Keep a safe distance from grazing animals, avoid sudden movements and close gates behind you. Dogs must be kept on a leash as required by regulations for much of the year. Read more about how to behave around animals and nature in Norway.

OFFICIAL TRAIL DESCRIPTION: Descriptions on fjords.com may be incomplete or contain errors. Always check updated information from official sources before you go. Many hikes in Norway can be found on UT.no, which provides maps and elevation profiles. Here is a trail description of Preikestolen on UT.no.

 

Below you can see a 360 panorama from Preikestolen and the Lysefjord. At the bottom of the panorama, you will find navigation buttons that allow you to “travel” around and focus on places you want to take a closer look at. Some panoramas allow you to “jump” to other locations. The 360 panoramic pictures are provided by 360 Aircam by Arild Solberg.

Mt Preikestolen (the Pulpit Rock)

Mt Preikestolen above the Lysefjord in Ryfylke.
Mt Preikestolen above the Lysefjord in Ryfylke.

From Stavanger you can take a bus to Preikestolen Fjellstue, which is the start of the hike to Preikestolen.

The hike to Mt Preikestolen starts from Preikestolen Fjellstue (Mountain Lodge) and there is a marked trail to the summit.

The four kilometer long hike and 330 meter climb takes about two to three hours one way.

Read about the hike to Mt Preikestolen at the Preikestolen 365 website. This is the official website for Mt Preikestolen, and there you can find great information about the hike, how to get there and other useful tips.

Mt Preikestolen is a popular goal for both Norwegians and foreign tourists. In the high season, it can be crowded on the flat plateau that measures only 25 times 25 meters and with three of the edges going vertically straight down into the Lysefjord.

The hike back from Preikestolen is on the same scenic trail as you came.

NOTE – Be careful not to go near the edges of the vertical cliffs!

Lysefjord and Rogaland – What to See and Do

From island kingdom and the flat coastal area on Jæren to deep fjords and high mountains. Rogaland with Stavanger, Jæren, Dalane, Ryfylke and the Lysefjord are known for the mountain formations Kjerag and Preikestolen, Swords in Rock, Solastranden Beach and Flor & Fjære. Flørli is popular for its 4444 steps right up the mountain, the longest wooden stairway in the world. The Lysefjord is 42 kilometers long and is located in the county of Rogaland which is a great starting point for experiencing Ryfylke, Jæren and other areas of Rogaland.

Edge of Norway

Edge of Norway is the official destination company for the Rogaland, Stavanger and Lysefjord Area.

Mt Preikestolen and the Lysefjord in Ryfylke.
Mt Preikestolen and the Lysefjord in Ryfylke.

Hotels and Accommodation by Preikestolen and the Lysefjord

Preikestolen BASE Camp – Accommodation

The official website of Mt Preikestolen Preikestolen 365.
Start of the hike to Preikestolen: Preikestolen Base Camp.

 

Here you will find an overview of recommended hotels and accommodations in Western Norway – FJORDS HOTELS, FJORD SPA and FJORDS LIVING. You will also find an overview of MICHELIN KEY HOTELS in Western Norway – hotels recommended by Michelin.

There are 13 restaurants that have awarded Michelin Stars and Michelin Guide’s Point Of View in Western Norway. Seven of the Michelin restaurants are located in Stavanger, five in Bergen, and one in Bekkjarvik on the coast near the Hardangerfjord. Here you will find an overview of MICHELIN RESTAURANTS in Western Norway.

USEFUL LINKS is an overview of websites with useful information about Norway and the fjords.

The Hiking Trail to Preikestolen – Map Overview