Preikestolen
Cliff Flat-topped cliff overlooking Lysefjord; popular viewpoint
A steep trail leads to Preikestolen’s flat cliff top above Lysefjord, offering wide fjord panoramas; the hike is a day trip from Stavanger and a staple for hikers seeking dramatic coastal scenery.
A steep cliff plateau in Rogaland county, Norway, overlooking Lysefjord and rising about 604 metres above the fjord surface. It is one of Norway’s most visited natural viewpoints.
Hikers follow a well-marked trail of roughly 8 kilometres round-trip from the main car park to reach the flat summit, which accommodates large numbers of visitors on fair-weather days. The top is an exposed rock surface with wide views down the fjord and across surrounding mountains; there are no safety railings.
The cliff is a natural feature formed by glacial action during the Ice Age and has been used by local people for centuries as a viewpoint. Its profile became internationally famous in recent decades as hiking and outdoor tourism expanded in the region.
Situated on the southern side of the Lysefjord, the site lies northeast of Stavanger and near the village of Jørpeland; the trailhead is reached by road and short ferry connections from nearby towns.
- Height and summit size: The cliff face drops about 604 metres straight down to the Lysefjord and the flat summit is roughly 25 by 25 metres, with no railings.
- Trail length and difficulty: The marked trail is approximately 8 kilometres round-trip from the Preikestolen parking area with about 350 metres of ascent; spring to early autumn is the main season for casual hikers.
Tips for Visiting Preikestolen #
- Start the hike very early (before most day-trippers arrive) or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds on the trail and at the plateau; sunrise and late-afternoon light also give the best photos of the cliff and fjord.
- Use the established trailhead at Preikestolen Fjellstue (the main parking/visitor area) - that's the official start for the marked path and where buses from Stavanger drop off.
- Don't turn back at the obvious cliff edge: walk a little further along the plateau and around its rim for different perspectives and quieter viewpoints that many visitors miss.
Best Time to Visit Preikestolen #
Go in summer (June-August) for the safest, most accessible hiking conditions and longest daylight.
Weather & Climate near Preikestolen #
Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -4°C to 16°C. Heavy rainfall (2521 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -3°C. Heavy rain (259 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Heavy rain (204 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Significant rainfall (198 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Significant rainfall (103 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (130 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (153 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 7°C. Heavy rain (256 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 4°C. Heavy rain (305 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 0°C. Heavy rain (298 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (317 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
