The natural wonder of Norway
Preikestolen
Hiking to Preikestolen
Our objective is to ensure your hike is both safe and enjoyable, regardless of the season. This page offers information about the trail, crowd-avoidance tactics, year-round hiking at Preikestolen, and necessary preparations.
Preikestolen Trail Information
The hike to Preikestolen is of moderate difficulty. In total, the 8-kilometer hike takes about 4 hours (round trip). The trail, which has significant shifts in terrain, includes swampland, forests, and stone stairways built by Nepalese sherpas.
Distance - Round trip
8 km
Total elevation gain
500 meters
total time - Round trip
4 hours
Local weather
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Preikestolen Trail Map
Preikestolen 3D-Map
Use your mouse to zoom in/out and move the map around.
Preikestolen Height Profile
It is also possible to download our Preikestolen Map + Info in pdf format.
Preikestolen Trail – Timelapse Video
How to Enjoy Hiking to Preikestolen Throughout the Seasons
Preikestolen attracts thousands of visitors every year from all over the world. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your hike to Preikestolen, no matter the season.
Avoiding the Crowds
The peak season at Preikestolen is during June, July, and August. In these months, you can beat the crowds by hiking very early in the morning (<8 am) or in the late afternoon (>4pm). Saturday and Sunday are the busiest days. If you do find the parking areas closed, wait patiently or spend some time exploring Jørpeland until the parking reopens.
During the summer months, Norway has long daylight hours, and the sun sets very late, allowing for more time to hike. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try an early sunrise hike for breathtaking views of the fjord. Just make sure you come prepared for the dark and changing weather conditions and bring your camera to capture the stunning scenery. Check timeanddate.com/sun/ for sunrise and sunset hours.
Hiking Preikestolen in Winter
The hiking trail to Preikestolen is open year-round. Hiking Preikestolen off-season is a unique experience that offers different views and challenges. Spring brings vibrant colors to the Lysefjord, while autumn offers a beautiful foliage display. Be aware that weather and trail conditions can change rapidly during off-season. During winter, the trail can be slippery and covered in snow and ice, making it more challenging but also more rewarding.
In winter, please note the following
- Use proper warm clothing and hiking boots. Use several layers – remember warm gloves and a hat.
- Use / rent crampons / spikes, especially when our hosts tell you.
- Do not hike with children younger than 5 years in winter.
- Always check the weather forecast.
- From September through March, daylight hours are short, and hikers should start early and plan to return before dark.
- Always follow the official trail markers and be aware of your surroundings.
- Hiring a guide is always a good option if you’re uncertain about your navigation skills.
Preparations and Safety
Hiking to Preikestolen is a great experience, but it’s important to be prepared and take the necessary precautions for a safe and enjoyable hike. Here are some tips on how to prepare for a hiking trip to Preikestolen.
Preparations and Equipment
Having the right clothing and equipment is crucial for a safe and enjoyable hike to Preikestolen, especially during off-season and sunrise hikes. The weather can be unpredictable, even during summer. Many hikers find the trail challenging, so it’s important to prepare properly by eating a good breakfast and bringing a small backpack with extra necessities.
Wear above-ankle, water/mud-proof hiking boots, water and wind-proof jackets and hiking pants. Don’t forget to bring extra clothes, enough food and water, as well as a map, mobile phone, and a flashlight. During winter, use woolen baselayers, hat and mittens, and shoe spikes when there is snow and ice.
Located at the trail’s beginning, Preikestolen BaseCamp offers an Adventure Center that’s open all year, providing options to purchase or rent a wide array of necessary equipment for your hike.
Make sure to take back any trash; leave the trail clean.
Guided Tours
We recommend joining a guided tour when hiking to Preikestolen, especially in winter or if you’re less experienced. Guided tours take care of the logistics and ensure you’re properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable hike. They also guarantee that you get the most out of your experience.
Communication
Always tell someone about your hiking plans and the time you expect to be back home. The parking facilities at the trailhead are staffed year-round, so ask the staff about current conditions and other relevant information. Always listen to their advice, especially when they tell you not to hike without proper gear.
Emergency
In Norway, hiking is allowed almost everywhere. The Norwegian ‘allemannsretten’ also assumes that hikers behave responsibly, taking into account the wellbeing of others and nature. Hiking to Preikestolen is done at your own risk. Although the trail to Preikestolen is well-marked, there is always a risk of accidents or sudden illness.
In case of an emergency – dial 113
Equipment
When hiking in the Norwegian mountains you need to be prepared. Be a pro and bring the right equipment. Your safety, wellbeing and a great experience depend on it. In the video, you can see what type of clothes and equipment we recommend using throughout the year.
Hiking with kids
Part of the trail goes alongside high cliffs. Here, it is very important to take good care if you bring children. Children sitting in child carriers must be dressed well. Remember that children in carriers sit still and will cool down much faster than the hiking adults.
During winter, we do not recommend hiking with infants under the age of 5.
Photo: outdoorlifenorway
Amazing Tour
«The surroundings and nature in the area are breathtaking all the way from the drive there, the hike up and of course the view on the top»
Tripadvisor
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