Pulpit Rock in Norway

Pulpit Rock in Norway, also known as Preikestolen, is one of the most stunning places you can visit there. It is a sightseeing attraction where you can spend a whole day and will be astonished by the landscape. The rock that hangs above the fjord, is not the only pretty view, the Lysefjord itself is considered one of the most beautiful fjords in Norway! Unmissable!

In 2011, Pulpit Rock in Norway, was considered by CNN GO and Lonely Planet one of the most spectacular natural attractions in the world!  

Pulpit Rock in Norway

The Pulpit Rock is located 656 yd above the Lysefjord level. Its top is in a square shape of 27,3yd x 27,3yd. It is almost as if the rock was falling forward, towards the water. It is scary, because there is absolutely no kind of guardrails protecting who is up there. 

In fact, people aren’t happy with only going on top of thePulpit Rock, they have to go on the edge and start jumping and doing insane poses for pictures. Some of them even lean forwards to look down! One of our greatest amusement was observing this crazy people and feeling awful with their insanity. While I didn’t have the courage, my parents went on it and took some pictures with quite a distance from the edge.

Pulpit Rock in Norway

CURIOSITY OF THE PULPIT ROCK IN NORWAY: THERE IS A LEGEND THAT SAYS THAT THE PULPIT ROCK WILL FALL WHEN 07 SISTERS MARRY 07 BROTHERS FROM THE SAME DISTRICT!

LYSEFJORD

Lysefjord  seen from Pulpit Rock in Norway

Lysefjord means light fjord. That name was given because of the light tones of the granite in its lateral walls. It has 26mi worth of length. Without a doubt, it is one of the most wonderful fjords in Norway, given its high mountains, that can reach 3280ft and that align for long stretches being the walls of the fjord. It is also one of the most rectilinear ones, making it easier to admire it’s beauty. 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET TO THE TOP OF PULPIT ROCK IN NORWAY?

First part of the trail to the Pulpit Rock in Norway

Depends on your physical ability and for how long you will want to enjoy the view. We were relatively well prepared and we didn’t want to rush any of it. It took us about 2h climbing to the Pulpit Rock in Norway and we stayed on top of it for another 2h (taking pictures and having lunch). After that, we climbed down in 1h 45 min. 

Now, add that to the time it takes from Stavanger to the parking lot and back, plus a little time at the bottom hydrating after the hiking (myself with some water and my parents with beer). The total? A wonderful day! 

HOW TO GET TO PULPIT ROCK IN NORWAY?

Easiest way before the hard part – Pulpit Rock in Norway

Basically there are 2 ways to go to the Pulpit Rock in Norway for who is coming from Stavanger by car:

-Drive from Stavanger to Lauvvik by Rv 13 National Tourist Route Ryfylke. Cross the fjord by ferry to Oanes (8 min ) and continue by Rv 13 following the signs to Pulpit Rock. Most of the cars in the ferry are going there as well… You will get to a parking lot at the base of the trail. This route is the one we recommend, because that’s the one we did and it worked out pretty well. Also it is considered the prettiest way to go the Pulpit Rock in Norway.

-The other option is to get the ferry that goes from Stavanger to Tau ( about 40 min ) and then go to the Rv 13 and follow the signs until you get to the Pulpit Rock parking lot. Although you will be driving less, it is the one that takes up more of your time. 

HOW DIFFICULT IS THE WALK?

On the way there were a lot of rocks… Pulpit Rock in Norway

The altitude difference is about 1000ft, distributed in between the hardest and easiest climbs. To go to the top and back sums up about 7,5mi, with really hard parts that had a lot of giant boulders. The trail itself is pretty well flagged, with big red “T”s, painted in trees and rocks. There is no way of getting lost. 

WHAT TO WEAR WHEN CLIMBING PULPIT ROCK IN NORWAY?

Above Pulpit Rock in Norway

Suitable clothes and shoes to hike with an unpredictable weather are necessary when hiking to the top of Pulpit Rock in Norway. In other words: if you have waterproof hiking boots it will be better for you, but a good running shoe will do the job. DON’T go wearing sandals or slippers. Now, about the clothing: the best thing is to go wearing layers: a sports bra, a T-shirt, a long sleeve shirt and a waterproof coat. If you don’t have a raincoat, it is possible to buy one in the restaurant at the base of the trail. The best pants to wear are jogger pants or leggings. Even jeans are fine.

WHAT IS THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE TRAIL TO PULPIT ROCK IN NORWAY?

Above Pulpit Rock in Norway

The trail itself  doesn’t have any infrastructure. At the base, there is a restaurant, a hotel, a hostel, public bathrooms and the parking lot, that costs 160 Krones.

It is possible to cook at the hostel but you will have to bring your own food and there isn’t any markets nearby. 

TIPS FOR CLIMBING THE PULPIT ROCK IN NORWAY

Pulpit Rock in Norway

1)Take water and food with you;

2) Don’t forget a camera, video camera and charged batteries;

3) Dress in layers and even if the day seems warm, take a coat. It can get really cold up there;

4) Don’t go if it’s raining or snowing. That is a great way of falling and getting hurt, or even dying. There are lots of boulders to climb and jump and they get really wet and slippery;

5) Don’t trust Stavanger’s weather, because it has nothing to do with Pulpit Rock’s weather. The only way of knowing is when you get to the base of the trail;

6) Get there early. The parking lot is small and gets full quickly. It isn’t possible to park on the road. There is also the fact that is difficult to walk the trail when there are lots of people and some of them are really disrespectful. 

7) The best view of Pulpit Rock in Norway is climbing above it. That part of the trail also has a lot of “T” signs. There aren’t as much people and it is a great place to snack or have lunch.

8) Think twice before doing any stupidity. We had heard about 9 base jumpers that died there.

WHERE TO STAY IN ORDER TO CLIMB PULPIT ROCK IN NORWAY?

You have to remember that Norwegians love camping in the summer. There are almost no options of apartments, hotels or bed and breakfasts. As usual, we booked by Booking.com. We stayed at Stavanger, a beautiful city that has a good infrastructure.   

We chose Access Apartments. Pros: excellent localization, near the city center and the ferry, parking lot and a good grocery store across the street, very clean and well decorated. Cons: too small for 3 people.

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