Experience Pulpit Rock
One of Norway’s most spectacular viewpoints
Just a short bus ride from Stavanger, a nature experience of a lifetime awaits. Pulpit Rock in Lysefjord looks mighty in pictures – but nothing compares to reality.
Preikestolen hardly needs any introduction. It’s featured by both Lonely Planet and CNN Travel as one of the world’s most spectacular viewpoints – and it’s one of the most photographed places in Norway. But neither awards nor photos can fully prepare you for what awaits you up there.
Easy transport from Stavanger to Pulpit Rock:
An experience of a lifetime
The hike to Pulpit Rock is one of Norway’s most famous. The terrain varies between forest, mountains, and open viewpoints, with lakes and nice spots to take a break along the way. The trail is well-marked throughout, and the experience gradually builds up to the grand moment at the top.
Suddenly the landscape opens up. After hiking through lush Western Norwegian nature and rugged mountain terrain, the plateau lies before you: 25 x 25 meters of rock, fresh air, and a steep drop straight down to Lysefjord, 604 meters below.
For over a hundred years, people have come here to feel that exact sensation. The calm, the concentration as you approach the edge – and that little flutter in your stomach when the majestic view truly hits you.
Facts: The hike in brief
- Length: 8 km round trip
- Elevation gain: approx. 330
- Duration: approx. 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderately challenging
Any more questions about the hike?
THE REWARD AT THE TOP: Pulpit Rock is often highlighted in international travel guides and described as one of the world’s most spectacular viewpoints. It’s easy to see why.
Popular Pulpit Rock
Preikestolen is not just an impressive sight for tourists. Hollywood has also taken notice of this distinctive rock formation set in a true Norwegian fjord landscape: in 2017, Tom Cruise was literally hanging off the edge during the filming of the blockbuster movie «Mission: Impossible – Fallout».
Pulpit Rock also regularly appears in international media and travel guides, and is today one of the most photographed places in Norway.
Visitor numbers have risen sharply over the years. In 2004, about 75,000 people hiked to Pulpit Rock. Today, it’s over 300,000 a year.
Facts: The history of Pulpit Rock
Likely formed over 10,000 years ago: At that time, a glacier covered Lysefjord, water seeped into cracks in the bedrock, and blocks were broken off when the water froze into ice.
The local population long used a completely different name: «Hyvlatonnå». They thought the rock formation resembled the blade protruding from the sole of a plane.
The name Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) is said to have first been used in 1896, when the captain of the local ferry pointed out the formation to bank manager and outdoorsman Thomas P. Randulff, saying it resembled a «pulpit». This marked the beginning of tourist traffic to the site.
Source: Stavanger Aftenblad, Store Norske Leksikon.
Experience more – flexible ticket
The area around Pulpit Rock also has more to offer than you might think.
If you want more hiking experiences, you can try The Panorama Trail. This route offers great views of Lysefjord almost the entire way. If you are in good shape, a hike to Kjerag and the famous Kjeragbolten is a classic.
And if you want to experience Pulpit Rock from a completely different angle, a fjord cruise or kayaking in Lysefjord is highly recommended.
- We recommend the Preikestolen cruise and hike: Experience Preikestolen from the fjord and the fjord from Preikestolen, all in one experience. Read more at rodne.no.
- See more activity suggestions on Lysefjorden365.com.
Pulpit Rock can easily become more than a day trip, and there are several accommodation options: Whether you want to camp near the top, have a comfortable bed at Pulpit Rock BaseCamp – or go for the luxury version at The Bolder.
With Pulpit Rock Tours, your return ticket is valid for four days – so you can take the trip at your own pace.
Travel to Pulpit Rock with us:
