Preikestolen hike: route, parking, buses and weather

Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is a flat-topped rock that juts out 604 m above Lysefjord near Stavanger. Its top is only about 25 by 25 m, and from the edge the cliff drops sheer to the fjord. More than 300,000 people a year walk to it (Visit Norway).

The walk is a real mountain hike rather than a stroll: 8 km out and back, about 500 m of total ascent and around four hours of walking, plus time on top (Preikestolen FAQ). There are no railings at the edge.

What the trail is like#

The path starts at Preikestolen Parking. The first stretch climbs steadily on gravel, then the route alternates between easier sections and steep climbs on Sherpa-built stone steps that protect the hillside (Visit Norway route). Bridges cross some of the wettest ground, and the scenery changes from birch woodland and marsh to bare, open rock.

About 1 km before the end you reach Tjødnane, a group of small lakes that make a good place for a meal break and, on a warm day, a swim. From there the trail crosses smooth slabs until Lysefjord suddenly appears far below and the flat top of the rock comes into view. You return the same way. Slabs that feel easy going up need more care coming down, especially when wet.

On top of the rock#

The plateau is natural, uneven rock beside a vertical drop of around 600 m. The Preikestolen Foundation is explicit that there are no railings or barriers. Keep well back from the edge, hold on to children, secure loose gear in the wind, and never step backwards for a photo without looking. Most of the trail is not exposed, so people who dislike heights often enjoy the walk and simply stay back from the edge at the end. If the top is crowded, misty, wet or gusty, enjoy the view from further back.

When to go#

June to September is the usual season for most hikers; autumn brings fewer visitors (FAQ). The Foundation's trail map treats November to April as winter, when snow, ice, short days and strong wind are normal. Winter hiking needs traction devices, warm kit and experience, and the Foundation recommends a guided hike for anyone not used to winter conditions. Visit Norway notes that guides operate from April to October, weather permitting.

The car park is busiest from 08:00 to 16:00, particularly on summer weekends. Visit Norway suggests starting very early for sunrise or setting off in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Weather decides the day. Check the local forecast for the whole outing, not just the start. Visit Norway advises against setting off when strong wind, heavy rain or fog is forecast, and recommends hiking boots rather than trainers, waterproofs and a daypack of around 30 litres with food, water, a hat and gloves (safety advice). In winter, read the avalanche information linked from the Norwegian Mountain Code.

Getting there#

Bus from Stavanger#

Seasonal buses run from Stavanger to Preikestolen Parking in about 50 minutes, through Ryfylketunnelen, one of the world's longest undersea road tunnels (how to get there). Two companies operate:

• Pulpit Rock Tours runs two morning departures in March and April, up to nine a day from 20 June to 13 September, and two morning departures at weekends from 10 October to 1 November. It also stops at Jørpeland and Forsand.
• Go Fjords runs two morning departures at weekends in April, May and September and four a day in July and August, from the Radisson Blu Atlantic Hotel in Stavanger.

The companies sell their own tickets online and do not accept each other's, so return with the operator you came with. Choose a return at least five hours after arrival to allow for the four-hour walk plus breaks.

Driving and parking#

From Stavanger, follow the road through the Ryfylke tunnel, then road 523 towards Jørpeland and the signed turn for Preikestolen. Set your navigation to Preikestolen Parking.

There are two car parks: P1 at the trailhead, for about 400 cars, and P2 at Moslimyrå, for about 600. Staff direct cars between them, and when both are full you may be sent to a waiting area. Parking is free for 15 minutes, NOK 40 for under two hours and NOK 275 for more than two hours, which covers a normal hike. You pay at the machine after the walk. Sleeping or camping in vehicles is not allowed (parking).

Before you set off#

There are toilets at the car parks, and food and water at the trailhead, but nothing along the trail: carry everything you need for the whole return walk. The rocky path is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs. Dogs are welcome on a lead, and most families manage the hike in summer, though winter hikes with small children are not recommended. Drones are banned (FAQ).

If the weather rules out the hike, a Lysefjord boat trip shows Preikestolen from the water below, and Kjerag, with the famous Kjeragbolten boulder, is the region's other well-known fjord hike.

Bus seasons and parking prices were checked on 8 October 2026.