Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is one of the most popular hikes in Norway. Its popular because of its outstanding views, easy accessibility to the fjord town of Stavanger, and fairly easy hike. The sight of people perched on the edge of this granite ledge greets you at many Norwegian airports. Preikestolen is a rocky shelf with cliffs on three sides plunging 604 metres into the fjord below. Here we share our experience hiking to Pulpit Rock with kids.
GETTING TO PULPIT ROCK
Pulpit Rock is easily accessible from Stavanger. There are two main options to get here:
PULPIT ROCK BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Ferries run daily from Stavanger’s Fiskespiren Quay to Tau (40 minutes), where the ferries are met by a bus, which run between the Tau pier and the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, where the hike to Pulpit Rock begins. From April – September there are regular ferries throughout the day. You can buy tickets at the quay in Stavanger and from the tourist office.
PULPIT ROCK BY CAR
If you have a car as we did, you can take the car ferry from Stavanger’s Fiskespiren Quay to Tau, which takes 40 minutes. There are departures every 30 minutes or so in summer and you do not need to book. From the pier in Tau, a well signed road (Rv13) leads to the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge. It costs 200 NOK to park here (summer 2018). An alternative route from Stavanger involves driving to Lauvik and catching a car ferry to Oanes, which takes just 10 minutes to cross the water.
HIKING TO PULPIT ROCK
The hike to Pulpit Rock is an 8 kilometre (5 miles) round trip. It is an easy/moderate hike which should take approximately five hours, two hours up, an hour at the top and two hours back down. We hiked to Preikestolen with our three boys and the entire hike took us about four hours. There are some steep sections, so you should have a decent level of fitness to make this hike.
As we drove to Preikestolen by car we arrived at the start of the hike by 9.30am. At this time there was plenty of room to park. A word of warning however, for those hiking in the popular summer months, as we left at 2pm there was a long line (very long) of cars waiting to get parked!
There was a lot of people on the trail which we hadn’t really been expecting! Mid summer is a beautiful time to hike to Pulpit Rock as the weather can be warm and sunny and the views far-reaching, but this also brings a large number of people. On the narrower rocky sections we frequently got stuck behind slower people and had to wait our turn.
GETTING TO THE TOP
It took us almost two hours to reach Pulpit Rock. We were hiking at the beginning of August and the Pulpit Rock was covered in people. After admiring the views we found a spot (away from the edge!) and settled down for a picnic. Later we stood in line to take some pictures close to the edge. The views are just amazing, particularly if like us, you are here on a beautiful summers day.
We climbed a little farther uphill to be able to look down on Pulpit Rock. Look at all the people!
And what a view…
Coincidentally, on the day we hiked to Pulpit Rock a giant screen had been erected for the premiere of the movie starring Tom Cruise, Mission Impossible:Fallout. In the movie Tom Cruise is hanging off the sheer cliff at Preikestolen during the final scenes.
COMING DOWN
The trail back down is the same as the way up, but can be done more quickly, as long as you manage to overtake the many other hikers. It took us just over an hour to get down.
From Preikestolen we were driving on to Bergen, so the hike to Pulpit Rock was the end of our time in and around Stavanger.
We loved hiking to Pulpit Rock. It is one of the very memorable hikes from our time in Norway. The views are amazing. We would definitely recommend this hike if you are in Stavanger.
HIKING TO PULPIT ROCK WITH KIDS
Children should be five/six years old to do this hike. It is a fairly steep, uphill climb, over rocky ground and boulders to get to Pulpit Rock. There is also a short section of the trail at the top with a steep drop off down to the Lysefjord below. I personally would not recommend doing this hike with younger kids, unless they are used to hiking or can be carried if they get tired. Having said that, we saw a number of Norwegian three year olds hiking this trail with their parents!
It is also worth remembering that there are no safety barriers on Pulpit Rock, with its 604 metre drop to the fjord below.
Our three boys at the time of the hike were 10, 12 and 14 and they did it easily. They have done lots of hiking previously. The hike is fun for kids as there are several sections of boulders and rocks giving them things to clamber on and over, a winner in our family.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE HIKING TO PULPIT ROCK
It takes approximately five hours to hike to Preikestolen. Getting to and from Stavanger adds another three hours to your day.
The hiking season for Pulpit Rock is from April until October. Peak season is during the summer months of June, July and August. Expect large crowds during these months. Try to hike on weekdays and start the hike early in the morning, to avoid some of the worst of the crowds.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes and always carry a rain jacket. The weather can change rapidly and it can be windy at the top. As always layers are best for hiking.
There are no toilet facilities on the hike, although there are toilets at the start of the hike, where you park your car.
Take plenty of drinks and snacks with you.
WHERE WE STAYED IN STAVANGER
Scandic Stavanger City We had two rooms in this family friendly hotel. The family rooms however, sleep four – two adults and two children in a large double bed and two bunk beds. Breakfast is included. The hotel is centrally located so easy to walk everywhere. It is just a three minute walk to the ferry port from here.
FOR MORE ON NORWAY:
Top 10 Things To Do In Stavanger, Norway
Hiking to Florli 4444: A Hike With A Difference!
Top 6 Things To Do In Bergen, Norway
FOR OTHER GREAT HIKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD:
24 Comments.
I’m impressed the Norwegian three year olds are tackling it! That really says something about the state of our kids’ health in the U.K.
We were surprised too. Norwegians start their kids hiking young! The hikes are generally much tougher than in the UK, with more climbing and scrambling.
Okay, this looks awesome! I’m so glad you’ve shared, especially since I recently learned that I just can’t handle cliffs like these, at least not with my kids. Last year we went to famed Horseshoe Bend in Arizona and I became crippled with fear at just the idea that anyone could fall. I had to crawl to see partially over the edge. Still… I might have to do it if I find myself in that part of the world. Something about tackling my fears. #farawayfiles
We didn’t go too close to the edge! I’ve discovered I’m far more scared of everything with my kids around. It’s worry about them, rather than for myself…but i make myself get on with it!
This looks absolutely marvellous. A really manageable hike for the whole family and with such beautiful scenery to boot. My only issue would be the same as Hilary’s. I’ve only suffered from vertigo since having children and it would scare the bejesus out of me to walk onto the rock and, even more terrifying, see my kids on it! I guess it’s a case of mind over matter though, isn’t it? Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles
Definitely mind over matter…can be tough though! I’ve discovered that doing this kind of stuff with my kids makes me much more scared. When its just myself i’m fine, but with them i’m a bag of nerves!
I haven’t gotten around to doing it yet, but would love to! Can see it is very crowded though 🙂 #farawayfiles
Definitely crowded in the summer months!
I think it’s one of the best European hikes for ease (a bit of effort required but not too bad) and the reward when you get to the end. One of the easiest / best views you can come across. Great photos too! You were lucky to have a nice day, it can get pretty wet in that part of the world. #FarawayFiles
We’re on a mission to do more European hikes but certainly loved hiking to Pulpit Rock in Norway – amazing views.
Ah, interesting – as I was reading through I was wondering how far into the winter the hiking trails are open, and you answered it for me at the end. I can imagine it’s not something you want to do when the ground’s slippery! Your bit about the three year olds made me smile. We saw plenty of those on our hike through the forest outside Oslo! They’re a hardy nation. #FarawayFiles
They certainly are Nell! We saw a few families with really young kids doing really hard hikes – steep, slippery and rocky, and the kids being helped along!
What a cool looking rock! I love that you can reach such a cool natural phenomenon with a hike that isn’t too strenuous!
It’s a great hike and the views are amazing!
So glad to see in the comments that I’m not the only person who now suffers from vertigo since becoming a parent. I grew up doing lots of hiking in the Austrian mountains and want my kids to experience the same. I really need to get over it. The views from Pulpit Rock look amazing. Norway is definitely on our top 5 place we want to visit with the kids. #adventurecalling
Norway is an amazing country to visit. Hope you get there sometime soon.
now that’s what I like: a short 5 mile hike that is still challenging enough and then you get a great view at the top! Plus I didn’t know they filmed part of the Mission Impossible movie there. Pretty cool! #Adventurecalling
You need to watch the latest move Fallout – the final scenes all shot at Preikestolen.
Wow! This place looks incredible. Norway has long been on my bucket list – I REALLY need to get there sometime very soon. And what a place for a film screening haha. Thanks for joining us on #adventurecalling.
Thanks for having me. It’s a great hike with the most amazing views. We couldn’t believe the movie was being premiered up there…but a great idea!
Wow, just wow!!! How I would love to hike Pulpit Rock too! Love your photos when the sheer drop can be seen, and also the one from higher with all those people packed on the rock.
#Adventurecalling
It’s a great hike and doable with children. Amazing views at the Pulpit Rock itself.
I would love to go to Norway, it’s on the list for a future adventure when the kids are a little older. I can see why it’s a popular spot. Will definitely be checking out more of your posts for some tips! Thanks for sharing with us #AdventureCalling
It’s an amazing country and a perfect outdoor playground. So many great hikes and outdoor adventures to be had.