The Preikestolen hike at a glance
Preikestolen, also called Pulpit Rock, is a flat rock plateau above the Lysefjord. The hike to it is about 8 km (5 mi) round trip and takes roughly 4 hours. The total ascent is about 500 m (1,640 ft), spread over several climbs rather than one steady slope.
The path runs over uneven stone and stairs. You need basic fitness and sturdy shoes, but no climbing skills. The figures on this page come from the local operator of the site and its car parks and apply to 2026.
What the trail is like
The hike is moderate in length but physical. Most of the effort comes from the repeated climbs and the rough surface.
Uneven stone paths and stairs
Much of the route is stone, either laid steps or natural rock. Footing needs attention, especially on the way down when your legs are tired.
Several climbs, one total
The 500 m (1,640 ft) figure is the total ascent. It counts every climb along the way, so the trail feels steeper than a single slope of that height.
Sturdy shoes and basic fitness
The local operator lists basic fitness and sturdy shoes as requirements for this hike.
No toilets on the trail
There are no toilets along the path. Use the facilities at the car park before you start.
Our picks: Preikestolen
Two guided hikes from Stavanger and a cruise that shows the rock from the water.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Preikestolen guided hike with hotel pickup
A guide and driver, pickup and return from central hotels or ports, a Norwegian hiking snack and the parking fee at the trailhead are included. Pickup outside the city or at the airport costs a surcharge.
Check availability →
Preikestolen guided hike from Stavanger with bus transfer
Bus transport, a snack and local guides are included. Getting to the meeting point, water and lunch are not.
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Lysefjord cruise past Preikestolen on a modern catamaran
A 2.5-hour cruise with views of Preikestolen from the water, not a hike to the plateau.
Check availability →Preikestolen hikes and Lysefjord trips
Guided Preikestolen hikes and other trips in the Lysefjord area, with live prices and availability.
Season and conditions
The hike is possible all year in principle. The main season is June to September. In winter it is much harder and depends heavily on the weather. The operator recommends a guide for anyone without winter hiking experience. That is advice, not a rule, so judge the conditions and your own experience on the day.
The weather decides how this hike goes. In the night to July 22, 2026, local press reported two people who were caught by rain on the way back. They were wet and cold and could not get down on their own, and one had to be carried. It was a single incident, not a closure of the trail, but it shows how a short hike can go wrong when the weather turns and clothing is too light.
Check the forecast, carry a rain layer even on a clear morning and start with enough daylight to finish.
Safety at the cliff edge
There are no railings at the edge of the plateau. Keep your distance from the drop, move slowly when it is crowded and keep children close at all times. Do not step back for a photo without looking behind you.
The Lysefjord has a second famous rock viewpoint, the Kjeragbolten, which is a longer hike. It is covered on our Lysefjord page together with the ferries. If you want a far longer mountain day, read about the Trolltunga hike.
Parking rates in 2026
The rates are per vehicle and apply to the car parks at the trailhead. They are not an entrance fee per person. Payment is at a machine after the hike, before you leave through the barrier.
| Vehicle | Stay | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Car | Under 15 minutes | Free |
| Car | Under 2 hours | NOK 40 |
| Car | More than 2 hours | NOK 275 |
| Motorcycle | – | NOK 100 |
| Coach | – | NOK 1,200 |
| Bicycle | – | Free |
The rates for a stay of about 2 hours sit on the boundary between two bands, and the schedule does not spell out the exact case. Since the hike takes around 4 hours, you will normally pay the NOK 275 rate.
How the car parks work
The barrier operates 24 hours a day, all year. Staff are on site from 07:00 to 18:00 in summer and from 09:00 to 14:00 in winter. P1 has space for 400 cars and P2, called Moslimyrå, for 600. If both are full, staff may send you to a waiting area, so do not count on a guaranteed space in peak season.
Camping at or around the car park is not allowed. Fares and timetables for buses and shuttles change by season, so check them before you build your day around one. For help choosing a month, see the best time to visit the fjords. Northern Norway is a separate region, and the Northern Norway guide introduces the Lofoten islands. All fjords are linked from the start page.
Preikestolen: frequently asked questions
How long does the Preikestolen hike take?
Allow about 4 hours for the 8 km (5 mi) round trip, plus time on the plateau. The total ascent is about 500 m (1,640 ft) over several climbs.
Can I hike Preikestolen in winter?
It is possible in principle, but it is much harder and depends on the weather. The operator recommends a guide for people without winter hiking experience. It does not present this as a rule for everyone.
How much does parking cost?
A car pays nothing for under 15 minutes, NOK 40 for under 2 hours and NOK 275 for more than 2 hours. A motorcycle pays NOK 100, a coach NOK 1,200, and bicycles are free. These are 2026 rates per vehicle.
Are there railings at the edge?
No. The plateau has no railings. Keep your distance from the edge and keep children close.
Are there toilets on the trail?
No. Use the facilities at the car park before and after the hike.
Can I camp or sleep in my vehicle at the car park?
No. Camping at or around the car park is not allowed.