The natural wonder of Norway
Preikestolen
plan your trip
On this page, we like to give you the information tools to plan for a safe and enjoyable hike, whatever season. Weather forecasts and trail condition reports are also published on an ongoing basis.
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 Trail – Timelapse Video
Preikestolen 3D-Map
Use your mouse to zoom in/out and move the map around.
Preikestolen Height Profile
How to avoid crowds at Preikestolen
The busiest months are June, July and August. In summer, the busiest time of the day is usually between 8 am and 4 pm. The busiest days of the week are Saturday and Sunday. A sunny day in summer after a few days of rain is likely to be very busy.
From June 15 – August 15, we recommend hiking in the late afternoon.
On the busiest days, the parking areas fill up and can be temporarily closed in the middle of the day. This is done to ensure safety and a good experience for all hikers. If you are stopped and turned around at the access road, you can spend some time in Jørpeland while waiting for the parking to reopen, normally after 2-3 hours.
Preikestolen can be hiked year-round. The Autumn months of September and October give great foliage. February and March can give you a “winter wonderland” experience. In April and May, the Lysefjord is wrapped in fresh spring colors, with the crowds still far away. We have dedicated a separate article to hiking Preikestolen ‘off-season’.
You can also do a sunrise hike. Bring a torch and extra clothes in such case. In the last years, hiking Preikestolen to see the sunrise has become a trend, rewarded with stunning views on the Lysefjord (if the weather plays along).
Check timeanddate.com/sun/ for sunrise and sunset hours.
Preikestolen throughout the year
Weather and trail conditions change a lot throughout the different seasons, from day to day and during the day. Conditions at the top may also be very different from conditions at the parking lot.
Come well prepared and bring proper equipment.
PREIKESTOLEN
When to go
You can hike Preikestolen year-round. Note that, throughout the year, weather and trail conditions change a lot. Depending on which season you are visiting Preikestolen – they are very different! – you should adapt your preparations and the equipment you bring accordingly.
Getting to Preikestolen by bus
The tunnel from Stavanger to Tau is now open! The world’s longest and deepest underwater tunnel for public traffic and transportation. See detailed bus schedules by clicking the button below:
Order bus tickets from these providers:
Garbage facilities
There are garbage bins at the parking lot/trailhead only – there are no garbage bins along the trail.
We believe all hikers are nature lovers, who do not like to see garbage in nature. Please respect the common ‘leave no trace’ practice. Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints. If you can take something with you up the mountain, you can also take it back down.
Do not take disposable barbeques to Preikestolen. It is our experience that many people do not take them home because they are hot. Smoke can be inconvenient for other hikers, and during periods of drought barbeques may pose a fire hazard.
Toilets
There are toilet facilities at the parking lot/trailhead only – there are no toilets along the trail.
Be prepared to be out in nature 5 to 6 hours, without having access to a toilet. Make sure you have visited the toilets at the parking lot before starting your hike. During peak-days, there can be several thousand people on the trail. It is our desire that all visitors will have a pleasant hike, without having an impact on nature. Therefore, if at all possible, we kindly ask you not to relieve yourself in nature. If you really must, please do not leave any toilet paper or other sanitary products behind.
Parking
The parking lot has a capacity of 1,000 cars. Upon arrival, you will be met by our parking attendants. On busy days, they welcome and direct up to 2,000 cars and busses. To ensure a smooth parking experience and avoid unsafe traffic situations, please cooperate with our crew and follow their instructions.
The parking fee is 250 Norwegian kroner per car. 100% of the parking fee revenue is used to finance daily operations and reinvest in infrastructure. This includes staff salaries, security and rescue measures, cleaning, maintenance and improvement of the parking and toilet facilities, the trail and signposting, and much more.
Emergency
The trail to Preikestolen is well facilitated and marked and should be easy to find and follow. However, there is always a risk of accident or sudden illness. Mountain rescue and emergency services are on standby.
In case of an emergency – dial 113
“Allemannsretten”
The Norwegian ‘allemannsretten’ (pronounced ALL-eh-mahns-ret-en) gives people the freedom to roam in nature, regardless of whether the land is publicly or privately owned. In Norway, and at Preikestolen, you hike at your own risk. The allemannsretten also assumes hikers behave responsible, taking other hikers´ and nature´s wellbeing into account.
Preparations
A significant share of visitors perceives Preikestolen a hard hike. Remember to eat a proper breakfast before the hike to ensure you’ll have energy throughout the day. Make sure you bring a backpack with a packed lunch, extra snacks and plenty of water.
Guided Tours
Guided tours to Preikestolen are organized year-round. Especially in winter and/or to less-experienced hikers, we recommend joining a guided tour. Regardless of the season, guided tour companies take the hassle out of the logistics and make sure you are prepared for a safe hike. Hiking with a local also ensures you get the most out of your experience. Maybe you meet new friends as well!
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
Follow the «T»
The path is marked with hand painted T’s on the rocks and trees. It’s an easy trek to follow all the way to the top.
How to avoid the crowds at Preikestolen
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Good hygiene practices are of all time
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Kjerag and Preikestolen are now certified as Norwegian Scenic Hikes
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