Contact Information
Please read the FAQ section first, before contacting us.
E-mail contact@preikestolen365.no
Phone (+47) 45 86 77 62
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Preikestolen
How long does the hike to Preikestolen take?
The hike to Preikestolen takes about 4 hours round trip for most visitors.
Hiking time may vary depending on weather conditions, trail conditions, crowd levels, and personal fitness.
How far is the hike to Preikestolen?
The total distance of the Preikestolen hike is approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) round trip.
What is the elevation gain on the Preikestolen hike?
The total elevation gain on the hike is around 500 metres, round-trip, spread over several uphill sections.
How difficult is the Preikestolen hike?
Is there a trail map for Preikestolen?
Yes — Preikestolen365 offers downloadable trail maps and elevation profiles to help you plan and navigate your hike safely.
Are there toilets along the Preikestolen trail?
There are no toilet facilities along the trail to Preikestolen.
Public restrooms are available only at the Preikestolen Parking area before and after the hike.
Is Preikestolen suitable for children?
Hiking to Preikestolen with children depends on age, experience, weather conditions, and proper equipment.
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Summer: Most families can complete the hike safely.
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Winter: The trail can be icy and exposed. Hiking with small children or babies is not recommended.
Can I bring my dog to Preikestolen?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the Preikestolen hike.
A leash is mandatory at all times to protect wildlife and ensure the safety of other hikers.
Can I hike Preikestolen if I’m afraid of heights?
Most of the trail does not involve exposed cliff edges.
However, the plateau at Preikestolen has no railings, and people with fear of heights may find the final viewpoint uncomfortable.
Is the Preikestolen trail suitable for strollers or wheelchairs?
No. The trail is rocky and uneven and is not suitable for strollers, wheelchairs, or people with reduced mobility.
What should I wear and pack for the Preikestolen hike?
You should wear sturdy hiking shoes, layered clothing, and bring water, snacks, and weather protection.
In colder seasons, warm clothing and traction devices may be necessary.
How do I check the weather and trail conditions before I go?
Always check a local mountain weather forecast before starting your hike.
Weather can change quickly, and wind, rain, snow, or ice can affect safety.
Is the trail marked, and can I hike without a guide?
The trail is well marked, and most visitors hike without a guide in the main season.
In winter, icy conditions may require special equipment and experience, and guided hikes are recommended for those unfamiliar with winter hiking.
Is it safe at the cliff edge, and are there railings?
There are no railings or barriers at the cliff edge.
Visitors must keep a safe distance, supervise children closely, and avoid risky behaviour near the edge.
What should I do in an emergency on the trail?
In an emergency, call 113 (medical) or 112 (police).
Stay where you are if possible, keep warm, and provide clear information about your location.
What is the best time of year to hike Preikestolen?
Preikestolen can be hiked year-round, but the experience varies greatly by season.
May offers fresh spring colours, while September and October are popular for autumn colours and fewer visitors. February and March can provide spectacular winter scenery with snow and ice, while November to January is usually very quiet and offers a more solitary experience.
The most popular hiking season is from June to September, when the trail is generally snow-free and conditions are suitable for most hikers.
Winter hiking is possible but more demanding and highly weather-dependent, requiring proper equipment, experience, and careful planning.
Can I hike Preikestolen in winter?
Yes, winter hiking to Preikestolen is possible, but it requires proper winter equipment and experience.
Snow, ice, wind, and rapidly changing weather conditions are common. Always check conditions and follow the safety advice provided by staff before starting your hike.
How can I avoid crowds on the Preikestolen trail?
To avoid crowds during the summer season, start your hike very early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Although many visitors aim for an early start, this often creates a crowd peak between 08:00 and 11:00. To truly beat the crowds in the morning, you should start well before 07:00.
In summer, daylight lasts long into the evening. Starting your hike later in the afternoon, especially in June, July, and August, can therefore offer a quiet and uncrowded experience.
Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends, and from October to May, visitor numbers at Preikestolen are usually very low.
What are the opening hours at Preikestolen Parking?
Preikestolen Parking is open 24 hours a day, year-round.
Please note that overnight sleeping in vehicles is not allowed.
How much does parking at Preikestolen cost?
Parking fees at Preikestolen Parking are:
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Car: NOK 275
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Motorcycle: NOK 100
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Bus: NOK 1,200
Parking fees contribute directly to trail maintenance, safety measures, and visitor management.
How do I pay for parking, and what payment methods are accepted?
Parking is paid on site, by card or electronic payment at the parking facility.
Are there EV charging stations at Preikestolen Parking?
Yes, electric vehicle charging is available at Preikestolen Parking.
Can I stay overnight at Preikestolen Parking?
Overnight stays in motorhomes or campers are not permitted at Preikestolen Parking.
If you are camping in the mountains or doing a multi-day hike, you may leave your car parked if you inform the staff or place a note in your windshield with your expected return time.
How do I get to Preikestolen without a car?
During the main season, there is a direct bus service between Stavanger and Preikestolen Parking.
In winter, public transport is limited, and taxi is the recommended option.
Do I need to book the bus in advance?
Yes, bus tickets should normally be purchased online in advance, especially during peak season. More information can be found here.
Can I rent hiking equipment at Preikestolen?
Yes. The Preikestolen BaseCamp Adventure Center offers hiking gear rental year-round, including:
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Hiking boots
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Spikes and traction devices
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Warm clothing
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Backpacks and other essential equipment
Is there food, a café, or drinking water at the trailhead?
Food services and basic facilities are available at Preikestolen BaseCamp. There is no food or water available along the trail.
Are drones allowed at Preikestolen?
No. Drone use is prohibited at Preikestolen.
This restriction is in place due to visitor safety, privacy considerations, and nature protection regulations.
What nearby attractions can I visit while in the area?
The Lysefjord region includes other popular natural highlights like Kjerag, and Flørli, and hiking multiple days around Lysefjorden is a great way to extend your visit. The Lysefjorden Panorama Trail is also accessible from Preikestolen Parking.
about us
Preikestolen
Foundation
The Preikestolen Foundation is a non-profit organization, established by local municipalities and land-owners in the area. Our main task is related to visitor management at the parking lot and on the trail.
Our job
Stiftelsen Preikestolen is responsible for the long-term management of the Preikestolen area.
We monitor visitor numbers, flows, and behaviour, and use this knowledge to support sustainable visitor management and continuous improvement of the site. The foundation plans, maintains, and develops trails, facilities, and infrastructure to ensure safety, quality, and minimal impact on nature and cultural landscapes.
An important part of our work is being good hosts for visitors. Through on-site presence, information, and clear guidance, we contribute to safe, respectful, and positive visitor experiences, while safeguarding the area for future generations.
Main goal
Our main goal is to ensure that Preikestolen remains a safe, high-quality, and sustainable nature attraction. We aim to balance visitor access with the protection of nature and cultural landscapes, while delivering positive experiences for visitors and lasting value for the local community. Through knowledge-based management, responsible facilitation, and long-term planning, we safeguard Preikestolen for both present and future generations.
Official Documents
Stiftelsen Preikestolen
Our people

Jorunn Stokka
Operations manager

Helge Kjellevold
Managing Director
Lysefjorden Utvikling AS og
Stiftelsen Preikestolen
Phone: +47 957 97 266
helge@preikestolen365.no

Alexandra Butchart Nag
Visitor host
Stiftelsen Preikestolen
Phone : +47 977 81 997
alexandra@preikestolen365.no
History
unlimited beauty
The first photos ever taken at preikestolen and it’s surroundings.
Read more about the history of Norway´s number 1 hiking destination in this blogpost.