Scandinavia · PULPIT ROCK HIKES
You can walk up it or sail under it, and both are worth doing. The 15 below compare the guided hikes with the Lysefjord cruises, on price, hours and what the weather can take away.
From Strandkaien in Stavanger, you’ll ride Rødne’s electric catamaran into Lysefjord for 3.5 hours. Expect clear English or Norwegian commentary, panoramic windows, sun decks, a kiosk, and close views of Preikestolen, Fantahålå, waterfalls, and sometimes seals.
“The boat was spacious. They stopped and slowed down for us to take pictures.”
Sail from Strandkaien into Lysefjord aboard a comfortable Helgøy Skyssbåt. You’ll see Preikestolen from below, Fantahålå cave, Ådnøy, and Hengjanefossen, often from close range. A live guide and multilingual audio guide explain local stories, including the legend of the seven sisters and seven brothers.
“It was a really great trip around the Fjord and very informative. Very polite staff . It was one of the highlights of all the onshore activities for us, and the price was most acceptable. Well done, would recommend to anyone.”
Start early in Stavanger for a guided hike to Preikestolen, the flat-topped cliff above Lysefjorden. A guide such as Erle, Toa, or Marius leads the roughly nine-hour outing, sets the pace, explains local nature and culture, and takes photos. Hotel pickup, transport, and return drop-off are included. Expect steep, rocky walking and changing weather.
“We had an exceptional experience hiking Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) with our guide, Toa from Argentina. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and attentive—ensuring we fully enjoyed the journey at our own pace. Toa provided clear explanations, took care of all the details, and never rushed us, allowing ample time to reach the summit and appreciate the breathtaking views. The descent was also relaxed, with no pressure to hurry. Highly recommend his services for a stress-free and memorable adventure!”
Set out from Stavanger harbor in a small RIB boat for a two-hour run through Lysefjord. Your captain handles the route, safety gear, and stories as you pass old Stavanger, speed past skerries, enter Fantahålå, view Pulpit Rock, and approach Hengjanefossen waterfall. The boat holds no more than 12 people.
“Wonderful even with all the clouds. The waterfall watching was fantastic and so close. Great guide and funny stories. Great opportunities for taking photos.”
Join Get Guided Norway for a seven-hour hike from Stavanger to Preikestolen with pickup, a small group of up to eight, and guides such as Ivan, Rasmus, Theo, and Alexander. Expect a moderate, rocky climb, Lysefjorden views, a possible old forest trail, Norwegian snacks, and a licensed guide-driver.
“The trip was quite fun and the guide was very friendly and helpful.”
Join local guides such as Tore, Mats, Matts, or Stein for a six-hour Preikestolen hike from Stavanger. A comfortable bus collects you outside your cruise ship, then carries you through the world’s deepest subsea tunnel to the trailhead. Allow four hours for the rocky uphill and downhill walk, with snacks, photo stops, and time at the famous cliff.
“I had an awesome trip with an amazing bunch of people the guide was very informative and easy to speak to. Would recommend this to anyone staying near by.”
Hike Preikestolen from Stavanger with a guide such as Allan, Stephan, or Erlend, in a group capped at eight people. After a 40-minute drive, you’ll climb for about 2.5 hours, use a quieter side trail when conditions allow, enjoy Lysefjorden from the 604-meter cliff, and return with a snack and hot berry juice.
“The scenery during the hike was incredible. Unfortunately there isn’t anything you can do about the weather. Seeing the view of the fjords at the top would have been amazing. But oh well”
Travel from Stavanger to Preikestolen with a small group of up to eight people, then hike for about five hours on marked mountain trails. Guides such as Kristy, Sander, Jacob, Lisa, and Annalise are praised for patient pacing, trail knowledge, and friendly help. Bring lunch, water, and weatherproof clothing.
“The landscape from the Preikestolen is breathtaking this fjord is beautiful. Everyone has to see it! Furthermore our guide "Lisa" was very kind. We used the old path to down from the mountain, which more peaceful and less crowded as well. Entertaining tour, totally worth it.”
Join a guide such as Erlend, Alan, or Stephan for an eight-hour winter trip from Stavanger to Preikestolen. Expect a steady 2.5-hour climb, snowy and icy sections, quiet viewpoints, a 604-meter-high view over Lysefjorden, and hot soup at Villa Rosehagen. Seasonal safety gear, transport, a snack, and berry juice are included.
“Cloudy or not, this hike is awesome. Our guide Stefan took us through the harder trail and we got to see some incredible views. Scheduled so long ago I forgot about the lunch, but my god was it delicious. Could not recommend enough!”
Travel from Stavanger through the Ryfast Tunnel to Jørpeland, then hike to Preikestolen with a local guide. Expect a small group of up to eight, a flexible pace, photo help, Norwegian snacks, and the option of a quieter side trail when conditions allow. Theo, Dag, Alexander, Ivan, and other guides lead the walks.
“Theo was an excellent guide - very friendly and knowledgeable. Good pace for the hike with rest breaks. He also took us down an alternate path down which was a lot of fun. Transport was easy and straightforward. Would highly recommend!”
Spend nine hours hiking to Preikestolen by a little-used mountain trail, beginning with a peaceful canoe crossing of Revsvatnet. A local guide leads the scrambling sections, serves lunch from Villa Rosehagen, and shares views that the main route misses. Groups are capped at eight, with guides including Allan, Erlend, Line, and Stefan.
“An exceptionally delightful and unparalleled adventure involving kayaking, hiking, and climbing is highly recommended for individuals in good physical condition. I express my gratitude to our guide who was the most amiable person encountered during my stay in Norway.”
You’ll hike 4 km up to Preikestolen with an English or Norwegian speaking local guide, using headlamps and hiking poles before dawn. The small group reaches the 604-meter cliff for sunrise, then returns to Basecamp for breakfast. Guides such as Alan, Erlend, and Stephan have led this route, sometimes with a friendly guide dog along for the walk.
“We had a great time and our guide was very kind and knowledgeable. It was a once in a lifetime experience and a beautiful view. The hike was challenging but manageable and our guide gave us lots of breaks for water. Make sure you bring an extra jacket, hat and gloves for the top. We had great weather but the top is freezing and very windy. Overall, a great experience and we loved our guide!”
Paddle Lysefjord with a live English or Norwegian guide, learning basic kayak skills before following steep 400 to 500-meter mountains toward waterfalls, Vagabond's Cave, seals, and Pulpit Rock. Bring lunch or order a bakery pack in advance. The tour suits confident swimmers aged 14 and older.
“Our tour guide Anna was truly excellent. My sister and I had always wanted to kayak the Fjords and today we did just that. Our guide took the time to teach us about the history of the area, seeing the wildlife there and even a little head rub with a local goat on the side of the fjord. Highly recommend !”
Start with pickup at your Stavanger hotel or Airbnb at 7:00 am, then ride to the trailhead for a guided winter hike to Preikestolen. Your English-speaking guide handles route safety, and crampons may be supplied for icy snow. The group has no more than eight people, with round-trip private transport included.
“A great trip up Preikestolen. The guide, Helga was excellent, very knowledgeable and friendly. We were provided with crampons which worked really well as some parts of the trail were quite icy and full of snow. It got easier once you past the first part of the trail, so keep going! The top was very quiet and we were lucky to have a clear and beautiful sunny day. Thank you for a wonderful experience.”
Start around 1:00 a.m. with pickup from your Stavanger hotel or Airbnb, then hike with a guide to Preikestolen before sunrise. Groups are limited to eight, and guides such as Hege, Geir, and Ger Inge have helped hikers manage the pace, weather, and photo stops. Food is not included, so bring what you need.
“Cancelled 8 hours before tour was due to start . Reason for cancelling was that not economical for tour company since I was the only person on tour.”
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