hiking pulpit rock

Where ever we travel, we try to get out of the cities and find somewhere to hike. Since our main aim for our europe trip was to see Norway, we chose Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock in Southern Norway. The cliff face sits 600 meters above gorgeous the Lysefjorden, and at around 5 hours return, it's a perfect day hike.

getting there 

The pretty town of Stavanger is the gateway to the Lysefjorden and the hikes in the area. Stavanger is also one of the main hubs for the oil and gas industry in Norway, so best time to visit is over the weekend, when hotel rates are cheaper(ish!) and the business crowd has gone. Be aware Stavanger is an expensive place, even by Norway standards! However it was well worth it for the amazing scenery

"Old town" Stavanger

Transport to Tau and Start of the Hike

To reach the start of the hike, one of the easiest ways is to take the car transport ferry from Stavanger to Tau. All of the tourist maps in town show the ferry terminal location. Once in Tau catch the connecting green public bus or the ferry companies "white bus", to the carpark at the start of the trail.

All up the transfer is around 1 hour. You pay for the ferry ride once you are onboard (credit or cash). I don't believe you can or need to reserve a seat as a passenger, however plan to get to the ferry early during the busy summer period. From memory the return "white" bus and ferry trip cost around 500NOK for 2 people.

Where the bus drops you off there is a timetable for returning to the ferry.

the hike

The estimated time for the hike is 2 hours each way. This was pretty much spot on for us. We are moderate paced walkers, who take A LOT of photos. The path was rocky which made it a bit more slow going for the distance and elevation - definitely wear hiking boots for this walk. There are a couple of spots that are a little strenuous and have you scrambling over rocks, however I think this hike could be done my most people with a reasonable fitness level.

There are plenty of rest spots along the way near the lakes and streams, and beautiful views of the fjords to help you catch your breath ..or take it away! :)

This was a very popular hike, with plenty of tourists and locals. It seemed to be the Norway version of going to the beach, as locals swam in the (freezing cold!) lakes, sat in bathers and had picnics in the sun on the top of the pulpit rock. 

 approaching Pulpit Rock

After our picnic lunch sitting on the flat part on the rock, I really wanted to find the vantage point for the "typical view" of the rock from above.

The only problem was, the only way up was to rock climb up a short but sheer face, with the smallest of ledges between us and the fjord 600m below. So I sent Joe up first to make sure it was safe :). I then joined him, not knowing how the hell I was going to get back down, but I would work that out later. I just wanted the picture. 

The view was amazing and well worth the climb

Once we reached the top, we met a nice couple who were enjoying themselves watching the crazy people rock climb up. They then let us know of the very easy trail to the top. 

As you first see the side of the pulpit rock, there is a marker (red painted T and a map) to the right. We missed it completely in our excitement to get to the top. Oh well, we survived the rock climb, and got the amazing photos I wanted :)

We spent about an hour exploring the area, there were other trails further up to get higher and perhaps even better photos, however we headed back down to catch the 5pm bus and ferry back to Stavanger.

Perfect day.