Fjord Hikes AS · Stavanger and Sandnes
Pickup in Stavanger or Sandnes, then a rarely used trail through forest and past lakes to a mountain viewpoint and down to the plateau. Pick it if the summer crowds on the main path are what puts you off.
More than 300,000 hikers a year reach Preikestolen, says Visit Norway, and the main path carries the crowds. This tour avoids it. After a short steep climb the guide takes a rarely used trail through forest, mountains, streams and lakes to a mountaintop viewpoint over the Lysefjord, then down to Preikestolen itself. You choose the way back.
The listing gives 9 km round trip, about 500 m of elevation gain and 5 to 6 hours of walking including breaks and lunch. The guide stops for plants, berries, mosses, lichens and wildlife, which slows the pace in a good way.
You still end on the same plateau as everyone else, so expect company at the edge on a summer afternoon. The operator says the tour can be adapted for cruise shore excursions. Ask before you book if your ship time is tight, because the full day runs seven hours.
The guide collects you in Stavanger or Sandnes.
Through the Ryfylke tunnel, the longest undersea road tunnel in the world.
Then the quiet trail through forest and past streams and lakes, with stops for plants and wildlife.
A mountaintop lookout before the route drops down to the plateau.
Time on top. Then you and the guide pick the route back.
Back through the tunnel to Stavanger or Sandnes. The day runs about seven hours.
★★★★★It was great to avoid the crowded routes and proceed through the quiet forest.
★★★★★An ideal alternative to the main path, where crowds of people move and then line up for a photo at Preikestolen.
★★★★★It was a wonderful experience and our tour guy Sean was so nice, patient, helpful and experienced!
★★★★★[...] led us to the Preikestolen on a secret path, far away from mass tourism.
Read next:
About 9 km round trip with roughly 500 m of climbing, and 5 to 6 hours of walking including breaks and lunch.
Yes. The trail leads to a mountaintop viewpoint and then down to Preikestolen itself.
In Stavanger or Sandnes, with drop-off at the same places.
The listing only rules out babies under 1. The distance and climbing still need fit legs, so judge your kids by that.
Ready to book
A quiet back-country trail to Preikestolen with pickup in Stavanger or Sandnes, eight people at most.
Pulpit Rock Small-Group Hike with PickupHotel pickup, a guide who drives, eight people at most and a quieter trail when conditions allow.★ 4.8 · 7 hours
Preikestolen Hike with a Local GuideCoach from the cruise terminal, a local guide on the main trail and lunch included. Built around a port day.★ 4.7 · 6 hours
Two-Day Preikestolen & Kjerag AdventurePreikestolen by a quiet trail, a Lysefjord cruise and a night in Lysebotn, then Kjerag. Two guided days, max 8.★ 5.0 · 2 days