604 meters above the fjord!
Pulpit Rock was formed during the last ice age in Europe – around 10 000 years ago.
The glacier reached the edges of the cliff breaking off large blocks of surrounding the cliff.
When this happens a large tsumani will occur in the Lysefjord and surrounding areas.
The crevice is measured regularly and there is no indication that this will happen soon.
Folklore says that Pulpit Rock will not fall down before the day when seven sisters marry seven brothers from the Lysefjord area.
Pulpit Rock, Prekestolen or Preikestolen is one of the area’s most profound turist attractions.
This natural rock formation, with a 25 meter squared plateau, stands 604 meters above the sea. Around 400 000 tourists visit Pulpit Rock every year.
The original name of the rock formation is “Hyvlatonnå” – which means the tooth of a woodplane.
Today’s name could have its origin in the shape or possibly be due to that it might have been a place of sacrifice.
The hike takes about two hours each way, by foot, even though it is not more than 3 – 4 km from the Preikestolen Lodge. The trail is well marked and recently re-furbished.
The main season for hiking is from April to September, but bad weather could make the trip inadvisable. Check the weather forecast before starting your hike!
The rock formation can also be enjoyed from the sea, by boat.
How to get there
From Stavanger you can take a ferry to Tau and thereafter a bus from Tau to the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge. You can also drive your own car to the lodge.
Be prepared when hiking to the cliff. Although the pathways have been upgraded, good climbing shoes are still highly recommended. Be prepared for rain and cold weather that could set in even though it is warm and shining in Stavanger. The 5 kilometer walk itself varies, from a fairly steep climbs to flat marshes and forests.
Where to stay
Are you looking for a place to stay during your visit to Stavanger and Pulpit Rock? How about a self-contained apartment near the University in Stavanger:
Cozy, self-contained 2 room apt near the University in Stavanger.