Trekking The Preikestolen Above The Lysefjorden In Norway

The Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is a mountain plateau, which hangs about 604 meters above sea level in the Lysefjorden in Norway. It is the most famous tourist attraction in the Stavanger region and as such gets a lot of foot traffic.

^{The Preikestolen}

Lonely Planet called the Pulpit Rock, one of the most breathtaking viewing platforms on earth. The flat mountain plateau was formed by melting frost about 10,000 years ago when the borders of a glacier reached the cliff and it cracked and broke off a large angular block.

^{The Lysefjorden}

You can still see big cracks on the plateau now and it will, at some point, crack and part of the Preikestolen will go plummeting into the Lysefjorden below. Do not worry, it will not crack in the near future so you are safe walking on the plateau for now.

^{It ain't about to crack soon}

You can choose the route to Oanes and continue along in RV 13 into the Preikestolen if you are driving. If you are going by public transportation, you will need to take the ferry from Fiskepirterminalen in Stavanger across to Tau. By Tau, there are buses that run to Pulpit Rock cottage several times a day.

^{Random view along RV 13}

The main season is from April through September but it is possible to hike throughout the year. The hike follows a very well marked trail so it is nearly impossible to get lost. The Preikestolen's amazing views, easy access, and relatively easy trail make it very appealing to many people and hence it can get very crowded.

^{Speaking of crowds}

I think it is an easy trail but I still recommend real hiking shoes and perhaps some hiking poles are recommended, as some sections are steep and sometimes slippery. The trail throws you into a very precipitous section right off the start, not as steep as I have encountered at Reinebringen, but steep nonetheless.

^{Look who found a nice spot free of tourists :)}

You will be scrambling up some granite boulders, pushing through crowds of people, while taking in the views of beautiful pinewoods that meander through a rocky meadow. The trail then continues on the well-maintained trail as it jaunts onto different mountainsides before finally funneling into the Pulpit Rock itself.

Crowds of tourist will be the majority of your obstacles on this trail, as you will need to share some narrow sections and will most likely wind up waiting in a queue. You may need to pass up slower people in the narrow areas.

^{Queue up!}

You will be working up a sweat. It is not particularly cool here in the summer (August) but the weather is unpredictable so I recommend you bring layers. I recommend you give yourself 4-5 hours, or maybe more, to enjoy this trail even if you are a hardcore hiker. You may even have lunch while your toes are hanging on the edge of the Pulpit Rock!

^{You can always sit on the edge}

There is no potable water along the way. Therefore, it is advised that you carry a couple of liters water on the road. There are tours being offered but I say save your money and do the increase yourself, it is not difficult and you cannot really get lost with hundreds of people along the way.

Warning! There has been a reported death of a tourist falling off the cliff in Pulpit Rock. Use your due diligence when near the cliff. It plunges nearly 2,000 meters into the Fjord below that is one painful fall.

HIKE THE PPREISKESTOLEN!

• Take the ferry from Fiskepirterminalen in Stavanger to Tau. From Tau take the bus to Pulpit Cabin.
• It's 4 kilometers from the trailhead to Pulpit Rock.
• Bring water for a 4-5 hour hike and some snacks for energy.
• Bring layers of clothes for the variable weather.
• Use good hiking shoes.
• Hiking poles optional - your knees will thank you for it.
• Deal with the crowd.
• The Season is from April through September.
• The trail can be wet and slippery so take caution.

Going by Car?

• Head out to Lauvvik via the Rv 13 National Tourist Route, Ryfylke. Take the ferry across Oanes (8 minutes) and continue along Rv 13 and follow the signs to Preikestolen.
• You can also take the ferry from Stavanger to Tau (40 minutes) then continue the drive south on Rv 13 and follow the signs to Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen)

^{On the ferry}

Would you like to hike the Preikestolen?

"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain

^{All photos are taken and articles are written by Adonis Villanueva of Always Wanderlust unless otherwise stated.}