Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway’s most dramatic viewpoints. A square granite plateau hangs 604 meters above the Lysefjord, close to the city of Stavanger. Whether you are visiting Norway on a short trip or planning a longer holiday in the fjords, getting to Preikestolen is straightforward once you know the options.
Short answer: Travel to Stavanger, then take a direct express bus to Preikestolen Parking at the trailhead. From there, hike about 8 km round trip with roughly 500 meters of elevation gain. You can also drive via the Ryfast tunnels and park at the official lot. If hiking is not for you, consider a Lysefjord fjord cruise to see Preikestolen from below.
Let’s take a deeper dive into travel logistics, transport choices, schedules, parking, and the little local tricks that make the day smoother.
Where Preikestolen Is and Why Stavanger Is Your Base
Preikestolen sits above the Lysefjord in Rogaland county on Norway’s southwest coast. The nearest city is Stavanger, which functions as the launch pad for buses, tours, and rental cars. When Norwegians say “I am going to Preikestolen,” we usually mean we are heading to Preikestolen Parking by Preikestolen Basecamp and then doing the classic out-and-back hike to the cliff.
The trail is well marked and maintained with stone steps in steeper parts. Expect 8 km round trip, about 4 hours of walking time for most hikers, and some rocky, uneven sections that become slick after rain. You do not need technical gear in summer, but you do need sturdy footwear, water, snacks, and extra layers. Weather changes quickly even on sunny mornings.
The Easiest Way: Express Bus From Stavanger to the Trailhead
In the main season, a direct express bus runs from central Stavanger to Preikestolen Parking. It is the most convenient option if you are traveling without a car. The ride takes around 45 to 50 minutes through the modern Ryfast subsea tunnel, which means no ferry and very little waiting around.
Practical details from someone who has taken this bus more times than I can count:
- Book in advance on busy days. Sunny weekends and July fill fast.
- Choose an early morning departure for quieter trails, or a late-afternoon bus if you like softer light and fewer people.
- Keep your return time in mind. Operators generally require you to return with the same company you rode out with.
- The bus drops you at the official trailhead, so there is no extra transfer.
If you are staying a few days in Stavanger, you can play it by ear with the weather. On a clear day, jump on the first bus and you will be on the rock before midday.
Cheaper and Flexible: Local Bus to Jørpeland + Short Taxi
Year-round, you can ride the local Kolumbus bus from Stavanger to Jørpeland, then take a short taxi up to Preikestolen Parking. This method is useful outside peak season when express departures are limited, or if you are watching your budget. The local bus is frequent, and the taxi from Jørpeland is quick and reliable.
Local habit:
- I check the local bus timetable first, then prearrange a taxi pickup for the return from the trailhead if I am hiking late. Coverage is good, but it is nice to know your ride is locked in if you finish tired and hungry.
Driving Yourself: Simple Route, Good Parking, Tolls Handled Automatically
If you prefer maximum freedom, rent a car in Stavanger. Follow signs for Ryfast and Rv13 toward Solbakk and Jørpeland, then the clearly marked turnoff to Preikestolen. It is a simple drive, entirely on good roads and tunnels. The old Stavanger–Tau ferry is no longer necessary for this route.
At the trailhead, Preikestolen Parking has large, organized lots, toilets, and information boards. You pay after your hike at the barrier. There are EV chargers and clear signage in English and Norwegian. Parking prices and rules may change from year to year, but you can expect a day rate that assumes a standard 4 to 6 hour visit. Sleeping in vehicles is not permitted in the lot.
Insider rhythm:
- On peak summer weekends, aim to arrive before 8:00 or after 15:00. Midday is shoulder-to-shoulder at the plateau and the main lot can fill.
- In May and September, even a 10:00 start often feels calm, especially on weekdays.
Seeing Preikestolen Without Hiking: Lysefjord Cruises
Hiking is not the only way to enjoy Preikestolen. Lysefjord fjord cruises from Stavanger run most of the year and give you a relaxed, scenic pass through the fjord with views up to the rock shelf. Modern boats are comfortable and often electric or hybrid. Expect about 3 hours round trip. This is the best Plan B if the hiking weather is poor or your group includes non-hikers.
Some operators also offer combo trips in summer that pair a fjord cruise with a bus transfer to the trailhead, letting you experience the cliff from below and above in one day. It is a long, satisfying day if you have the energy.
Getting to Stavanger First: Flights, Trains, and Buses
To keep things smooth, base yourself in Stavanger the night before your hike.
- By air: Stavanger Airport, Sola (SVG) is 20 to 30 minutes from the city center by airport bus or taxi. The airport has good connections to Oslo and many European hubs.
- By train from Oslo: The Sørlandsbanen line connects Oslo S and Stavanger in roughly 8 hours. There are comfortable day and night services, and the route along Norway’s south coast is pleasant if you enjoy rail travel.
- From Bergen: The fastest way is usually a short flight. Overland, the coastal express bus plus local connections is scenic but slower. Once you are in Stavanger, the bus or car options to Preikestolen are the same for everyone.
If you are tight on time, the classic plan is to fly to SVG, check into a hotel in Stavanger, and catch the first express bus the next morning.
What the Hike Is Really Like
From Preikestolen Parking, the signed path starts gently through forest, then rises in steps and stone slabs. There are three notable climbs separated by rolling sections and boardwalks over marshy ground. The terrain is rocky and uneven, but the route is well built. The final approach traverses open granite with expanding views of the Lysefjord, then lands you on the famous flat plateau.
Key facts to keep in mind:
- Distance: about 8 km round trip
- Elevation gain: roughly 500 meters
- Typical time: 4 hours of walking, plus time on top
- Facilities on trail: none. Toilets are at the parking area only
- Footwear: sturdy hiking shoes or boots with grip. The granite becomes slick after rain
- Water and food: carry your own. There is usually a café or service point at the base, not on the trail
- Safety: there are no railings at the plateau. Keep a safe distance from the edge, especially in wind
If you want quieter conditions in summer, start very early or after 15:00. Evening light on the fjord can be lovely. Bring a headlamp if there is any chance you will finish near dusk.
When To Go: Seasons and Crowd Patterns
- June to August is prime season with the most bus departures and long daylight. This is also when crowds are highest. Go early or late for calmer conditions.
- April to May and September to October can be excellent with cooler air and steady footing. You can still meet patches of snow or ice at the start and end of this window, so watch the forecast and consider light traction if nights are cold.
- Winter is possible but requires experience with snow and ice, good traction devices, and warm gear. Daylight is short and conditions can change quickly. If you are new to winter hiking, join a guided hike or choose the fjord cruise instead.
Practicalities: Tickets, Tolls, Weather, and Little Things That Help
- Bus tickets: For express buses, buy online in advance during high season. Seats are popular on sunny days and returns can sell out.
- Ryfast tolls: If you drive, the tunnels are tolled. Rental cars are typically registered with the toll system so charges are billed automatically later.
- Parking payment: At Preikestolen Parking, you pay on exit. Keep a payment card handy.
- Weather checks: Look up the forecast for Preikestolen or Jørpeland the evening before. Even in July, bring a light rain jacket, a warm mid-layer, and a hat. The plateau catches wind.
- Time buffer: Build a buffer into your plan for photo stops and snack breaks. Rushing the descent is when ankles get clumsy.
- Etiquette: Yield on narrow stone steps, especially to uphill hikers. Pack out all rubbish. Norway’s outdoor culture is friendly and low drama; a smile and a “hei” go a long way.
Three Itineraries That Work Well
Classic day trip without a car: Sleep in Stavanger, ride the first express bus to Preikestolen Parking, hike 4 hours plus a long lunch on the plateau, then return by bus for a late meal on the harbor. Simple and reliable.
Self-drive freedom: Pick up a rental car after breakfast, drive through Ryfast, park at the trailhead, and hike at your own pace. On the way back, stop in Jørpeland for a bakery treat or a quick swim if the weather is warm.
No-hike Preikestolen: Book a Lysefjord cruise from Stavanger and enjoy views up to the rock and along the fjord’s narrow walls. If the weather improves later, take a coastal walk in Stavanger’s old town and along the waterfront.
What I Tell Visiting Friends
Keep your plan clean and light. Base in Stavanger, pick the bus or car, and give yourself room for weather and timing. Start early or finish late if you crave a quieter plateau. If the forecast turns, the fjord cruise still gives you that gasp when the cliff swings into view above the boat. And above all, respect the edge. There are no fences up there for a reason. Norway likes to let nature be nature, and you will feel that as soon as the fjord opens below your feet.