4.8
(4558)
26,213
hikers
Preikestolen Roundtrip
03:20
8.27km
370m
Hiking
Hike the difficult 5.1-mile Preikestolen Roundtrip to Pulpit Rock, gaining 1199 feet for stunning Lysefjord views.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Includes segments that may be dangerous
Parts of this route comprise highly technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience is required.
After 1.62 km for 67 m
After 1.76 km for 200 m
After 6.32 km for 200 m
After 6.60 km for 67 m
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
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1.49 km
Wooden boardwalk over the moor on the way to Preikestolen
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2.01 km
View of the Landscape Near Preikestolen
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3.26 km
Glorious views of the Lysefjord
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4.11 km
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
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8.27 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.81 km
827 m
457 m
179 m
Surfaces
5.02 km
2.45 km
615 m
171 m
< 100 m
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Elevation
Highest point (560 m)
Lowest point (270 m)
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Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 7 May
13°C
-1°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 16.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Preikestolen Roundtrip trail start, and what are the parking options?
The trail to Preikestolen starts from the Preikestolen BaseCamp. There is a large paid parking area available at the trailhead. From here, you'll find clear signage for the start of the hike.
Is the Preikestolen Roundtrip dog-friendly?
Yes, dogs are generally allowed on the Preikestolen trail. However, it's important to keep them on a leash, especially due to the varied terrain, steep sections, and the presence of other hikers. Ensure your dog is fit enough for a challenging hike.
What is the best time of year to hike the Preikestolen Roundtrip?
The best time to hike is typically from late spring (May) to early autumn (October). During these months, the weather is generally milder, and the trail is free of snow and ice. Hiking in winter is possible but requires specialized gear like crampons and is not recommended for young children due to potentially hazardous conditions.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this hike?
You do not need a permit to hike the Preikestolen Roundtrip. However, there is a fee for parking at the trailhead, which helps maintain the facilities and the trail itself.
Is the trail suitable for beginners or families with young children?
While classified as moderate to difficult, the trail is accessible to most people with a reasonable level of fitness. It's not a casual walk due to steep sections and uneven terrain. It's generally not recommended for children younger than 5 years, especially in winter. Proper preparation and sturdy hiking boots are essential for everyone.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the route to Preikestolen?
The terrain is quite varied. You'll start on a wide gravel path, transitioning to a forest trail. Expect rocky paths, roots, and some sections of swampland. There are also stone stairways built by Nepalese sherpas to aid the ascent, as well as steep rock steps and boulders, particularly towards the end. Some parts feature almost-flat boardwalks and mountain flats.
What are the main points of interest or viewpoints along the route?
The hike offers spectacular views throughout. You'll pass a wooden boardwalk over the moor, enjoy a view of the landscape near Preikestolen, and experience glorious views of the Lysefjord. The ultimate highlight is, of course, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) itself, offering unparalleled panoramic views 604 meters above the fjord.
How long does it typically take to complete the Preikestolen Roundtrip?
The roundtrip hike typically takes between 4 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and how much time you spend enjoying the views at the top.
What should I wear and bring for the Preikestolen hike?
Wear sturdy, above-ankle, water/mud-proof hiking boots. Dress in layers suitable for changing weather conditions. Bring sufficient food and water, as there are no facilities on the trail itself. A backpack with rain gear, a map, and a first-aid kit is also advisable.
Does the Preikestolen Roundtrip connect with other trails?
Yes, the route also passes through sections of the Preikestolen BaseCamp – Hengjandevatnet ved Ørnabu, Preikestolen BaseCamp – Moslifjellet, and Revsvatnet trails, among others.
Are there any tips for avoiding crowds or making the most of the Preikestolen experience?
To avoid the busiest times, consider starting your hike early in the morning (before 7 AM) or later in the afternoon. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (May, early June, September, October) can also offer a more tranquil experience with fewer people on the trail.
Are there any facilities or cafes near the trailhead?
Yes, at the Preikestolen BaseCamp, near the trailhead, you'll find facilities such as restrooms, a cafe, and accommodation options. This is a good place to grab a bite or use facilities before or after your hike.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
The path is well developed and well signposted (with a red “T” 🥰😉) and with its many (sometimes quite high) steps and stone slabs, it is a bit more challenging to walk on individual sections! After a first steep climb, we go through the forest and over beautifully laid out wooden footbridges and small bridges into the plateau (which was wonderfully autumnal at the time) and almost without any protection to Preikestolen! The view of the Lysefjord is gigantic and adrenaline is guaranteed on Preikestolen! 🙈🙃
Up and down stairs with high steps. Not a suitable path for small children. There is no other one. Side paths marked on the Komoot map have been closed. The main path has been very well paved so that it can withstand the rush of visitors. It was also quite decent. So no real photo of the rock, which was full of people. But you also get a great view of the Lysefjord. The parking fee is currently 250 NOK, or about 25€. There are 2 huge parking lots with good toilet facilities. The enormous effort that was necessary to develop the path so well definitely justifies the parking fee. The path is easily underestimated. Hiking poles with rubber studs are ideal.
Huhu, greetings from Stavanger 🙋 ♂️🙋 Today was our hike to the Preikestolen, it was awesome 🤩 of course there were a lot of people on the road, but of course everyone wants to go up there 😁 Rusty and Sabine, if you do it, run up early ☺️it's a really rocky path, but you're rewarded with a fantastic view 😎and we had great weather ☀️now we have to digest everything first 😄we also drove through the longest underwater tunnel in the world 🌍, it's 14 km long and 250 meters below sea level 😁 Tomorrow is sea day and on Sunday we will arrive in Kiel very early. It's a shame, time goes by way too fast. 😔 but Norway 🇳🇴 we'll be back ☺️ have a nice evening and a great weekend. 🙋♂️🙋
A top-notch hike in Norway 🇳🇴. A really beautiful hiking trail with everything that nature has to offer. Footbridges, bridges, climbs, climbing sections and lots of tourists from all over the world. Which doesn't surprise me, given such a beautiful setting and weather! Conclusion 5 out of 5 ⭐️
Bus trip with GoFjords from Stavanger Port to Preikestolen. See photo. The express bus trips are based on the docking times of the ships and depart from the Radisson Blue Hotel Stavanger approx. 800m from the cruise ship berth at a price of €39 per person. The bus drives to the upper parking lot directly on the hiking trail on the Predigtstuhl. The ticket is only available online at GoFjords. Only seats are sold. Travel time approx. 50 minutes. It goes through the longest tunnel in the world. Danger ! The buses are always on time, so be there 15 minutes beforehand.
Challenging hike, mostly on rocks. High-top shoes recommended. The rocks were wet at the top, even at midday. Beautiful, impressive hike
It's best to start the tour early in the morning, between 5 and 6 a.m. At this time, it's pleasantly quiet, and you can enjoy the hike to the fullest. The route is stunning, and even in less than perfect weather, it's worth it. The first tour buses with groups of visitors arrive around 8 or 9 a.m., making the atmosphere considerably less pleasant.
Stavanger is the fourth largest city in Norway and the capital of the Rogaland administrative district. It is located in southwest Norway at the northern end of Jæren on the Byfjord and is considered one of the richest cities in the country thanks to the oil boom in the early 1970s. The urban area covers an area of around 72 square kilometers and is characterized by the contrast between medieval buildings and the architectural achievements of a modern oil metropolis. For this day we had booked a day hike to Preikestolen, the landmark of the Lysefjord. We were taken to the start/finish point (270 m above sea level) in a drive of around an hour. The journey time for the challenging route of around 4 km and an altitude difference of 330 meters took us just over 2 hours. The path first leads steeply up a ridge on a gravel path and then alternates between difficult and very steep rock steps and almost level plank paths that lead through a marshy forest to the Urskarhöhe (418 m above sea level). Then we went up again over a scree field to the Neverdalsskaret (532 m above sea level). We passed the Tjødnane group of lakes and finally reached the unsecured platform via a section secured with stairs and railings. The cliff edge is 604 m above sea level. The platform is about 25 x 25 meters in size. (Preikestolen: Norwegian for pulpit or "the preaching chair"!). The reward for this demanding and challenging climb is a unique view over the Lysefjord and is very popular. The descent ultimately required great attention and surefootedness. For us, this adventure was probably one of the most beautiful hikes that we will not forget anytime soon!