Booking choice: The winter cruise and hike, 9 hours. Book this Tour details
The trail and car park at Preikestolen stay open all year, and have done since 2018. In winter the hike changes character. Snow hides the path, ice coats the stone steps, and around the solstice you get about six hours of daylight.
Visit Norway puts it plainly: from November to April you need special equipment and a guide. Here is what that means in practice, what winter tours include, and which month is best overall.
The quick answer
Yes, Preikestolen can be hiked in winter, but from November to April Visit Norway advises a guide, spikes or crampons and a head torch. Start by 11:00 in December and January. The easiest way is a guided winter tour that supplies the equipment.
Can you hike Preikestolen in winter?
Yes. The trail and parking are open year-round, but from November to April Visit Norway says you need special equipment and a guide.
Since 2018 the parking area and trailhead have operated all year. Fjord Norway recommends a guided tour in winter for safety, and the foundation lists slippery, snowy and icy conditions on its hiking page.
Hiking without a guide is possible if you are experienced. In that case, Visit Norway says to follow the advice of the Preikestolen staff closely.
What are conditions like at Preikestolen from November to April?
Cold, wet and dark: below freezing at the top from December to March, with rain or snow on most days.
These monthly averages come from Preikestolen365. The plateau sits at 604 m, so expect it to be colder and windier than Stavanger.
| Month | Average at the top | Rainy days | Sunshine per day | Latest start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| November | 0°C | 26 | 1 hour | 12:00 |
| December | -3°C | 24 | 1 hour | 11:00 |
| January | -4°C | 22 | 1 hour | 11:00 |
| February | -4°C | 20 | 3 hours | 12:00 |
| March | -1°C | 18 | 5 hours | 13:00 |
| April | 1°C | 17 | 6 hours | 15:00 |
How much daylight is there for a winter hike?
Around the winter solstice, about six hours: sunrise near 09:30 and sunset near 15:40 in Stavanger.
Those times are from Gaisma. A 4-hour hike in deep snow often takes longer, so the official latest start in December and January is 11:00. In February and November it is noon.
Carry a head torch even if you plan to finish in daylight. The foundation advises planning to be back before dark from September through March.
Do you need a guide for Preikestolen in winter?
Visit Norway and Fjord Norway both advise one from November to April, and we agree unless you are an experienced winter hiker.
Snow covers the red T markings, the stone steps turn to ice, and fog closes in quickly. A guide knows where the path runs under the snow and when to turn back. Guided winter tours also supply the spikes, poles and head torches.
Hiking on your own? Ask the parking staff about conditions before you start. The BaseCamp Adventure Center at the trailhead is open all year and rents gear without advance booking.
Spikes, poles, head torch and a mountain guide are included on the winter cruise and hike, with groups of eight at most.
Book thisWhat gear do you need for a winter hike?
Spikes or crampons, a head torch, warm wool layers, a hat and mittens, and waterproof hiking boots.
- Spikes or crampons: the single most important item on icy steps.
- Head torch: with fresh batteries.
- Wool base layers and a warm mid-layer, plus windproof and waterproof outer layers.
- Hat, mittens, a scarf and a spare dry layer for the top.
- Above-ankle boots that keep out water and mud.
- Food and a hot drink: there is nowhere to buy anything on the trail.
List based on Preikestolen365 and Visit Norway. The foundation does not recommend the winter hike for children under 5.
What do winter Preikestolen tours include?
Typically a guide, spikes, poles, a head torch, lunch and transport from Stavanger, in small groups.
The winter cruise and hike listing states a Lysefjord cruise of about 2.5 hours, then a guide and minibus meet the group in Forsand for about 5 hours of hiking. Snow spikes if needed, hiking poles, a head lamp and a lunch pack are included, with drop-off at Stavanger hotels. Groups stop at 8, ages 8 and up, and free cancellation runs up to 2 days before.
The operator, Rødne, lists the season as November to April and the hike from about 14:00 to 19:00. In December that means walking down by head torch. Fun, if you are ready for it.
A Lysefjord cruise first, then a guided snow hike to a near-empty plateau, with spikes, poles and a head lamp supplied.
Book this Tour detailsAre buses running to Preikestolen in winter?
Mostly no: in 2026 the hiker buses ran from March to the start of November, so midwinter means a car, a taxi from Jørpeland or a tour.
The 2026 timetable on Preikestolen365 had Pulpit Rock Tours running weekends only from 10 October to 1 November, and restarting with two morning departures in March. Go Fjords ran from April to September.
From December to February, drive yourself (and expect winter roads), take the Kolumbus bus to Jørpeland and a taxi up, or book a tour with transport. Updates for the coming season are in our winter season post.
What is the best month to hike Preikestolen?
For most people, late May or early September; for snow and solitude, a guided trip in winter.
June to August have the longest days but the heaviest crowds. May has fewer people, 17 rainy days on average and a latest start of 16:30. September is busier and wetter, with 24 rainy days, but still has good light.
Our pick is late May: long days, the trail before the summer rush, and buses running. Winter is the choice if you want the plateau quiet and white, and are happy to go with a guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is Preikestolen open in winter?
Yes. The trail and car park are open all year. From November to April, Visit Norway advises special equipment and a guide.
Can I rent spikes at Preikestolen?
Yes. The Adventure Center at Preikestolen BaseCamp, at the trailhead, is open all year and rents or sells gear without advance booking.
Can children hike Preikestolen in winter?
The foundation does not recommend it for children under 5. The guided winter tour listing sets a minimum age of 8.
When does winter hiking season end?
Visit Norway treats November to April as winter. Snow can linger on the upper trail into spring, so check conditions on Preikestolen365.
Ready to book
Choose your tour
Free cancellation on every option: up to 24 hours before on most, 2 days on the winter trip.
Winter Lysefjord Cruise & Preikestolen Hike
Snow, spikes and an empty plateau, with a guide (ages 8+)
Electric Fjord Cruise to Lysefjord & Preikestolen
- Round-trip cruise from Stavanger
- Fully electric catamaran with panoramic windows
- Sun deck and indoor seating
