Preikestolen Cliff

The iconic Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, rises majestically above the Lysefjord, not far from the city of Stavanger in western Norway. Its vertical rise is more than 1980 feet, topped by a roughly 82’ square plateau. There is also a large crack between Preikestolen and the neighboring mountain, which will eventually lead to Pulpit Rock tumbling dramatically into the sea. Although geologists claim that the rock is safe for visitors well into the foreseeable future, and more than 200,000 visitors hike the trail to Preikestolen each year.

The view from the top of Preikestolen can be beautifully serene, or intense and dizzying, depending on how close to the edge you are. Expect to find a panorama of rugged mountains, plains dotted with glacial lakes, lush valleys, and the beautiful fjord. Lysefjord is 26 miles long with clear, cold water and few nearby inhabitants. The incredible views and the adventurous nature of the hike make Preikestolen one of the most visited attractions in all of Norway.

Visiting Preikestolen

The nearest airport is in Stavanger, with frequent domestic flights from all major cities in Norway, and international flights from London, Warsaw, and Berlin. From Stavanger, you can easily rent a car, or rely on public busses and ferries. There is a shuttle that leaves from the airport every 20 minutes to the ferry terminal. From here you can board a ferry to Ryfylke and then take a bus to the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge.

Hiking to the top of Pulpit Rock takes between 1 and 3 hours. The climb is steep and difficult in many places, although the pathways have been recently improved, but you will still need sturdy hiking shoes to make the climb. The best time to hike is between April and October. Slippery and snowy conditions the rest of the year make for dangerous climbing. There are no fences or railings at the top of Preikestolen, and there has been only one accidental death reported. Norwegians are generally more comfortable than foreign visitors with the dangerous nature of their country’s tourist attractions.

If you prefer not to hike to the top of Preikestolen, you can still view it from below by booking a sightseeing cruise or renting a kayak on the Lysefjord. Though not as dramatic as the view from above, the surrounding cliffs and mountains make for a breathtaking backdrop against the clear blue water.

If you’re looking to flirt with danger on the edge of a spectacular cliff, while immersing yourself in a breathtaking landscape, look no further than the incredible natural wonder of Preikestolen.