Preikestolen

Background

Preikestolen is in Strand municipality, Rogaland county, Norway, on the north side of the western Lysefjord, about 25 km from Stavanger. Its angular shape is a landform left by Ice Age glaciation, and the authorities have deliberately chosen not to install a fence, so the natural landscape remains unaltered. In 2013 Nepalese Sherpas helped improve the main trail, greatly improving walking conditions. Since the opening of the Ryfylke undersea tunnel, the drive from Stavanger to the trailhead area takes about 40 minutes.

Local customs

• Walk up the main trail from the trailhead, about 3.8 km each way, passing woodland, boulder slopes and lakes before reaching the platform above the fjord
• the walk takes about 2 to 3 hours depending on conditions and fitness, so leave plenty of time to return by the same route. Take your photos from the safer area behind the platform edge.

Travel tips

• Hiking safety comes first: wear non-slip hiking boots, carry water and windproof, warm clothing, know your limits, and turn back in bad weather, on snow or ice, or when you are exhausted. Do not run at the edge or take photos with your back to the drop, keep a close eye on children with you, and stay away from the edge in strong wind.
• From Stavanger, the drive through the undersea tunnel takes about 40 minutes to the trailhead area, and shuttle transport is also available
• check the options with the official sources. Summer and early autumn are the main hiking season, when the trail is free of snow and conditions are best, but crowds are heavy, so set out outside peak times. In winter and spring snow and ice make the path slippery, some sections may be impassable and the summit sometimes cannot be reached
• check official trail conditions before setting out.