Preikestolen, also called Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway’s most iconic hikes. The cliff towers over Lysefjord with a square plateau that feels made for photos. Getting there is straightforward once you know which road, bus, or tour to pick. I grew up in western Norway and have been up to the rock in different seasons, with friends, family, and visiting readers who wanted a no-stress route to the trailhead.
If you want the short version: the main trail starts from Preikestolen Basecamp, often called Preikestolen parking, about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Stavanger. You can drive all the way and pay for parking at the base, or take a seasonal shuttle bus from Stavanger city center. There is no car ferry from Stavanger to Tau anymore, the Ryfast subsea tunnel made the drive continuous. The hike itself is typically 8 kilometers round trip with about 500 meters of elevation gain. Most people need 3 to 5 hours on the trail, plus transport time.
Ready for details, options, and local tricks that save you time and headaches. Let’s take a deeper dive into how to reach the Preikestolen trailhead in every common scenario.
Where the Preikestolen Trail Starts
The standard route begins at Preikestolen Basecamp near lake Revsvatnet, signed from the main road as “Preikestolen.” This is the big official car park and service area. You will find toilets, a café, a small shop, and clear trail maps. The path is well marked with T symbols and has stone steps in steeper parts. That is the only trailhead most visitors need to know.
There are alternative routes on the Lysefjord side that involve boats and longer hikes, but those are niche and not useful for a first visit if your goal is the classic viewpoint.
Driving From Stavanger To Preikestolen
Driving is the most flexible option, especially outside the peak summer bus timetable.
- Leave Stavanger city center and follow signs for Ryfast. You will enter a sequence of subsea tunnels that connect directly to Ryfylke.
- Continue toward Jørpeland along the main road (signed for Ryfylke and Tau/Jørpeland).
- Watch for brown tourist signs to “Preikestolen.” Turn off and follow the local road to Preikestolen Basecamp.
Typical driving time is 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic and your starting point in Stavanger. The road is good quality and open year-round barring rare weather issues. At the basecamp, pay for parking by card or app. Prices change occasionally, but you should plan for a higher daily rate than a city lot. It is worth it for the convenience.
Local tip: Arrive early in summer. The lot fills up on sunny days, and an early start gives you cooler temperatures and thinner crowds on the rock.
Taking the Shuttle Bus From Stavanger
In the main season, several operators run direct shuttle buses between Stavanger center and the Preikestolen trailhead. Buses usually depart near the main bus terminal or central hotels and run more frequently on weekends and high season days. The ride takes about 1 hour and drops you right at the basecamp.
A few things to know:
- Buy tickets in advance if you are hiking on a sunny Saturday in July or August. Seats go fast.
- Morning departures help you beat the tour groups. Aim for the first or second bus.
- Return times are set. Keep a buffer of at least one departure after the one you plan to catch in case the hike takes longer.
If you are traveling outside the main season, the shuttle may run with a reduced timetable or stop entirely. In that case, you can still get there by a combination of regional buses and a taxi from Jørpeland, but it becomes slower and less predictable than driving.
How To Reach The Trail From Stavanger Airport Sola
Landing at Stavanger Airport Sola with hiking shoes ready. You have three sensible options.
- Rent a car at the airport and drive straight to the trailhead. This is the fastest, especially if your flight arrives mid-morning and you want to hike the same day. Expect about 1 hour 15 minutes to the basecamp depending on traffic.
- Airport bus or local bus to Stavanger center, then transfer to the Preikestolen shuttle in season. This is simple if you do not want to drive and your arrival aligns with the shuttle times.
- Taxi or ride-hail to Stavanger, then the shuttle. This costs more but works if you just missed the airport bus.
If you plan to hike right after landing, pack your hiking clothes and snacks at the top of your luggage so you can change quickly. There is no food service on the trail, only at the base.
Getting There From Sandnes
From Sandnes, the route is almost the same as from Stavanger, only a little farther. Driving time is about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. If you prefer public transport, go into Stavanger first, then take the shuttle to the trailhead during the season.
Getting There From Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand
If you are coming from farther away, here is the cleanest path for a day or two around Preikestolen.
From Oslo: Fly to Stavanger Airport Sola. The flight is about 55 minutes. Then use one of the airport-to-trail options above. Driving Oslo to Preikestolen is a full-day road trip and not efficient if your goal is just this hike.
From Bergen: Either fly to Stavanger or drive the long coastal route. The drive is scenic but slow. For most travelers, flying to Stavanger, overnighting in town, and taking the shuttle or rental car the next morning makes the best use of time.
From Kristiansand: It is a reasonable drive to the Stavanger region if you already have a car, around 3 to 4 hours depending on stops. Otherwise, take a short flight or train to Stavanger and connect onward.
Arriving by Cruise Ship to Stavanger
If your cruise ship docks in Stavanger and you want to do Preikestolen in one day, it is doable if your time in port is at least 7 to 8 hours and the weather is cooperative.
- The simplest option is a ship-organized excursion. You pay a premium, but timing and transport are handled, and if the ship schedule changes they adjust.
- If you go independently, book the earliest shuttle bus you can and head straight to the trail. Watch the clock and keep a generous buffer for the return, including traffic back through the tunnels. Carry your own snacks and water so you do not burn time shopping.
Tours That Combine Transport And Hiking
If you prefer someone else to handle logistics, look for guided hikes that include transport from Stavanger. In shoulder season or winter, a guide is smart due to variable conditions. Some summer tours bundle a Lysefjord sightseeing cruise with a transfer to the trailhead or a short fjord boat trip combined with the hike. These packages cost more than doing it yourself, but they simplify planning and often include a knowledgeable guide who will keep a safe pace.
What To Expect On The Drive After Ryfast
Older guides still describe taking a car ferry from Stavanger to Tau. That is out of date. You now drive through the Ryfast tunnel system under the fjord, which is faster and removes the ferry wait. There are tolls in this region. If you rent a car, the toll transponder is usually included and the charges are added to your bill later. If you drive your own vehicle, make sure your license plate is registered for automatic toll collection, or settle the bill online when you get home.
Facilities And Parking At The Trailhead
At Preikestolen Basecamp you will find:
- Large paid parking area close to the trail start. Payment is easy with card or app.
- Toilets and a small shop or café for coffee, hot food, and last-minute items like gloves or a hat.
- Clear trail signage and status boards in season.
Important: There are no toilets on the trail. Fill water bottles before you start. In summer, some streams run, but do not rely on them in dry spells.
Reaching The Trail In Winter Or Shoulder Season
You can reach the trailhead by car all year in normal conditions, but winter changes the nature of this hike. The path can be icy and the wind on the plateau is brutal. From November to April, only experienced winter hikers should attempt it unguided. Most visitors either go with a guide who provides traction gear or choose a lower hike on a bad weather day.
Winter bus schedules are limited. If you do not drive, check for guided tours with transport included. If you do drive, carry microspikes, warm layers, a headlamp, and spare gloves. Start early, since daylight hours are short.
Can You Taxi Or Ride-Hail To The Trailhead
Yes, but it is not ideal. A taxi from Stavanger to Preikestolen Basecamp will be expensive, and finding a return ride at the trailhead can be slow if you have not pre-booked. If you prefer not to drive, the shuttle bus or a guided tour with transport is better value.
Hiking Time And How To Plan Your Return
The hike usually takes 3 to 5 hours round trip, depending on fitness, weather, and how long you linger at the top. If you take a shuttle bus, plan your turnaround time so you make your chosen return. I tell visitors to leave the rock at least 2 hours before the bus they want. That gives a cushion for slick sections or photo stops on the way down.
Packing And Safety, The Short List
Getting to the trail is only half the mission. Pack smart and the day runs smooth.
- Footwear: Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy trail shoes with good grip. The rock can be wet and polished in places.
- Clothing: Layers. Weather flips quickly near the fjord. A light insulated jacket and rain shell live in my daypack year-round.
- Food and water: There is no kiosk on the trail. Bring what you need. I carry at least 1.5 liters of water per person on warm days.
- Navigation: The trail is well marked, but fog happens. A map on your phone and a charged battery are wise.
- Timing: Start early. The parking lot and viewpoint get crowded in summer mid-day. Early hikers also get softer light over the fjord.
A Note On Kids And Dogs
Families hike Preikestolen all the time. Keep a steady pace, take breaks, and watch children closely near the cliff edge. Dogs are allowed on the trail, but must be leashed and comfortable around other hikers. Bring water for them, especially in July and August.
Quick Plan Templates You Can Copy
- Summer weekend without a car: Book the first shuttle from Stavanger. Pack lunch the night before. On the way back, keep one extra return time as backup. Dinner in Stavanger harbor after.
- Off-season with a rental car: Check the forecast. Aim to start hiking around 9. Park at the base, pay on arrival, carry microspikes if temperatures are near freezing. Coffee at the basecamp café after the hike.
- Cruise day call: Grab the earliest shuttle or a ship tour. Stick to the time plan. If the top is socked in, enjoy the lower viewpoints. The trail offers great fjord glimpses even before the plateau.
With the Ryfast tunnels, clear signs, and a reliable trailhead, getting to the Preikestolen hike is simpler than most people expect. Choose the transport that matches your season and comfort level, start early, and you set yourself up for that moment on the cliff when Lysefjord opens wide beneath your boots.