Pulpit Rock: How To Get To Preikestolen In Norway
Norway’s famous Preikestolen hike is one of the most popular day trips from Stavanger, especially with international visitors. Here are your options on how to get to Pulpit Rock.
Hiking in the mountains and fjords of Norway has long drawn people from all over the world to Scandinavia. Fueled by photos shared on social media, Pulpit Rock is a place that has reached new levels of popularity over the past two decades.
It is absolutely one of the most popular day trips from Stavanger. While the Preikestolen hike cannot be described as easy, it is far from extreme and at around 3 hours round trip it is also much shorter than many of Norway’s other most famous hikes.
This makes it an extremely attractive destination for those visiting Stavanger and the Fjord Norway region.
To make the most of your time, it’s a good idea to plan in advance how to get from Stavanger to the starting point of the Preikestolen hiking trail. Several tour operators offer bus trips to Preikestolen, or you can drive there yourself.
Before I continue, I’ll just briefly mention the name. The Norwegian name for the cliff is Preikestolen, but the English name Pulpit Rock is just as commonly used by tour guides and the travel industry. We will refer to both in this article.
Where is Pulpit Rock?
Although Preikestolen is often listed as one of the best things to do in Stavanger, it’s actually quite a distance away.
The cliff overlooks the Lysefjord east of Stavanger. By car, the starting point of the trail is about 39 km from downtown Stavanger, so getting there requires some thought.
Of course, a Preikestolen hike does not have to be a day trip. It is also possible to stay overnight in lodges, cabins or campsites near the trailhead, or go wild camping in the area.
How to get from Stavanger to Preikestolen?
I assume most people planning the trek will base themselves in Stavanger. With plenty of other things to do such as exploring the picturesque Old Town, Stavanger is a great choice as a base.
If you research this trip, you may find some outdated information that speaks of complicated travel using a ferry.
While the ferry between Stavanger and Tau still operates, it is no longer required for the Preikestolen trip. Since opening in December 2019, the 14.4km underwater Ryfylke Tunnel has made getting from Stavanger to the trailhead easier than ever.
Pulpit Rock by car
If you have a car, driving to the trailhead is now easy and possible without a ferry via the Ryfylke Tunnel. It should take around 40 minutes to complete the 39km ride. Keep in mind that there is a fairly high toll to pay for the tunnel.
Parking near the trailhead can be a problem even in high season, so plan to arrive early. There are 1,000 pitches managed by the Preikestolen 365 Foundation along with 20 electric charging stations.
According to the foundation, “parking lots fill up on the busiest days and may close temporarily in the middle of the day.”
Parking costs NOK 250 per day for cars, while charging electric cars is also chargeable. If you are staying in one of the trailhead accommodations, they may offer free parking.
Pulpit Rock by bus tour
At least two companies offer bus tours to Preikestolen from Stavanger. While they may seem expensive, such tours can be more convenient than driving and add value when you factor in all road and parking fees.
Note that these excursions are not guided hikes. You are only bus transport to the starting point. Transport must be booked online in advance.
The most popular bus transport is provided by Go Fjords. They offer departures from central Stavanger at 8am, with a matching return from the Preikestolen trail departure point at 2pm. There is also a 10:00/16:00 departure.
Pulpit Rock Tours offer more departures and a more flexible return system. This option is worth considering if you are planning an overnight stay.
Pulpit Rock by public bus
If you are on a budget there is a public bus that will take you almost all the way to Preikestolen. Bus 100, operated by Kolombus, is part of Stavanger’s public transport and runs all day from central Stavanger to Jørpelandsvågen in Jørpeland.
From Jørpeland you would have to walk 8km (with a significant incline) to basecamp or take a taxi. The cost of a taxi will likely wipe out any savings you’ve made by riding the public bus.
Of course, you can take others with you who are going to Pulpit Rock, but you do so at your own risk.
Overnight at Pulpit Rock
If you’re on a bus tour or driving yourself from Stavanger in the morning, you’ll find that the road gets busy. Many avid hikers camp near the trailhead or along the trail itself for the best possible morning or evening experience.
Preikestolen Fjellstue, also known as Basecamp, is the most famous accommodation at the trailhead. The striking architecture of the mountain hut makes it an attractive place to spend the night before an early hike or the night after an evening hike.
The accommodation is simple but equipped to a high standard. You can rent equipment such as hiking jackets, boots, poles and snowshoes in case you forgot something or the weather conditions are not what you expected. Parking is free for guests.
Other accommodation near the trailhead includes Hikers’ Camp, managed by Basecamp, which offers 24 wooden tents. Mattresses are provided but guests must bring their own sleeping bags.
There are also some accommodations further afield in Jørpeland. About 4 km from the starting point, Preikestolen Camping offers year-round space to pitch your tent or park your motorhome, caravan or motorhome.