Pulpit Rock Hiking Guide | Know Before You Go

Pulpit Rock is one of – if not the – most popular hikes in all of Norway! Continue reading for our complete Know Before You Go hiking guide!

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Quick Facts: Pulpit Rock Hike

• The Pulpit Rock Hike, also named Preikestolen, is a hike up to a viewing rock of Lysefjord (the “Light Fiord”).
• This is an out and back trail, not a loop, meaning you will retrace your steps to get there on your way back.
• The total elevation gain throughout the trail is around 1430 feet.
• The trail is 5.2 miles in length.

Trail Conditions

The trail up to Pulpit Rock is mostly natural, traversing a mix of rocks and dirt paths. However, it is still a structured trail – with many steps built into the natural landscape. A large portion of the elevation gain is scaled through stairs made from natural rock, so you’ll want to make sure you have good hiking shoes for the climb!

Trail Crowds

As you can see from the photo above, the trail can get a bit crowded depending on the time of which you choose to start your hike. We hiked on an overcast, mildly rainy day (quite common in Norway!), and the crowds were still fairly substantial! So if you happen to luck out and get sunny weather, or are traveling during the high season, you should likely expect even greater crowds.

The crowds on the stairs will likely pace your climb, so you probably wont be breaking any records with the speed at which you make it to the top, but there are several areas along the trail that sprawl out and allow you to pass ahead of slower groups if preferred. Personally, I think it’s best to just take your time, look around, and enjoy the views!

View Points

The main view point of the hike is at the summit of Pulpit Rock, which overlooks Lysefjord and offers stunning photo opportunities (on a clear day). There are also a couple of lakes along the way to the Pulpit Rock, as well as some expansive rocky flats to take a break in along the hike!

Safety Precautions

As noted above, our hiking day was quite rainy. While it wasn’t downpour, it was lightly raining and overcast throughout the day. This is a fairly common forecast for the region in Norway, so you’ll want to make sure you’re prepared for slippery conditions if it is a rainy day for your hike as well. This may include going more slowly than usual, wearing waterproof outerwear, and wearing hiking boots.

As with all hikes, you’ll also want to make sure you pack yourself snacks and water in case you need to refuel along your hike – and always go with a buddy (or make a friend on the trail!) if possible.

How to Get to Pulpit Rock

There is a parking lot at the base of Pulpit Rock located at Preikestolvegen 521. This is where you can park directly if you would prefer to coordinate the hike yourself and have access to a car. Otherwise, this is also the location that busses will drop off their groups at if they are not guided tours.

Parking is first come first serve, but the lot can hold up to 1000 cars at a time so you should likely be just fine regardless of the time of day you arrive at the trailhead. If Preikestolen fills up, you will be directed by the trail staff to park at Moslimyrå (a bit farther from the start).

There is a parking fee to use the lots, if you choose to coordinate your own transportation. The fee varies based on your vehicle type.

Amenities on the Trail

There are no bathrooms or rest areas on the trail itself up to Pulpit Rock. If there is an emergency, a professional will need to hike their way out to you with supplies.

There is, however, a store and cafe at the base of the trailhead. From here you can buy some drinks and snacks before or after your hike – as well as souvenirs from Pulpit Rock! If necessary, you can also purchase some last minute hiking or rain gear ahead of your climb to Pulpit Rock.

Where to Stay

There are direct accommodations next to the trailhead if you would like to enjoy a stay right on the water of Lysefjord for the night: the Preikestolen Fjellstue Hotel. For other options near the trailhead, there are also one-off villas and house rentals, including: Veslebu and the Ryfylke Cabin.

If you’re okay staying further from Pulpit Rock, one of the most popular cities to stay in for a day trip to the hike is Stavanger, about a 45 minute drive from one to the other. Check out these popular stays in Stavanger below!

• Budget Stay: The Villa Boutique
• Popular Stay: The Hotel Victoria
• Luxury Stay: The Radisson Blu Atlantic Stavanger

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