Stavanger: Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Canoe + Lunch

Get off the crowded path to Pulpit Rock. This nine-hour trip combines a peaceful canoe crossing of Revsvatnet with a demanding route to Preikestolen, Norway’s famous 604-meter-high cliff above Lysefjorden. You reach the same landmark as the standard hike, but much of the climb follows an old trail that sees very few people.

I like the quiet start on the lake, and I like that your guide can point out more than the next patch of rock. Past participants describe learning about birds, edible plants, local culture, and mountain safety from guides such as Allan and Erlend. The main catch is simple: this is not a beginner’s walk. Expect several hours of uphill hiking, rocky scrambling, and a route that can be hard on your knees.

The small group limit of eight keeps the day personal, while included transport, canoe gear, snacks, hot berry juice, and a packed lunch remove much of the usual planning. At $273 per person, this is expensive for a hike, but the price makes more sense if avoiding crowds and having a trained local guide matter to you.

Key details before you book

• A canoe starts the adventure: Paddle across Revsvatnet for about one hour before reaching the quieter trailhead.
• A seldom-used route: The old path offers solitude and several excellent fjord viewpoints before you reach the busy Pulpit Rock area.
• A real physical challenge: The uphill section takes about 3.5 hours and includes rocky terrain and some scrambling.
• Lunch comes from Villa Rosehagen: Your packed meal is collected at this historic restaurant, with dietary requests accepted in advance.
• Small groups make a difference: A maximum of eight people gives the guide room to adjust the pace and help with tricky sections.
• The final viewpoint can be crowded: You may meet other hikers once you reach Preikestolen, even though most of your route is quiet.

Why this route feels different from the standard Preikestolen hike

Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most popular sights. The usual path is well known, heavily used, and often busy during the summer. This trip takes a different approach. You paddle first, then follow an old trail that local guides know well.

That change matters. The canoe ride slows the morning down and gives you a peaceful way to begin. Once ashore, the route passes through several types of mountain terrain, with room to stop for clothing adjustments, snacks, photographs, and short rests.

You are not simply being taken to a famous photo point by the fastest route. The guide explains the conditions, helps you judge the rocks, and keeps the group together. Guides have also added small details about bird calls, plants, and Norwegian traditions, which can turn a strenuous outing into a fuller sense of the place.

The quiet does not last all the way to the top. You eventually join the popular route near Preikestolen, and the cliff itself may be crowded. Still, most of the climb happens away from the main flow of hikers. That is the chief reason to choose this experience.

Pickup from Stavanger and the drive to the trail

Pickup is available from a range of Stavanger hotels and central points, including Victoria Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger, Thon Hotel Maritim, Scandic Stavanger City, St. Petri kirke, and several others. You need to confirm your exact pickup time because different locations have different schedules.

The vehicle is clearly marked, and transport is included both ways. The first drive takes about 30 minutes, ending at Villa Rosehagen. This is where the guide collects the packed lunches. Tell the operator about dietary restrictions before the trip, rather than waiting until the morning of departure.

After lunch collection, the drive continues for about 20 minutes to Preikestolen Basecamp. Restrooms are available there, so use them before setting off. You will also pick up seasonal equipment, including life vests and canoe paddles.

This early transport is useful because you do not need to arrange a bus, parking, or a separate route to the trailhead. It also lets the guide handle the timing between the lake, the trail, and the return drive. The tradeoff is that you have less freedom to arrive late or change plans during the day.

Canoeing across Revsvatnet

The canoe section lasts about an hour. At the lake, your guide gives safety instructions, explains the expected conditions, and offers advice on handling the canoe. Life vests are provided.

You do not need to be an experienced canoeist. One participant described this as a first canoe experience, and the guide helped keep the group comfortable and safe. If you do not swim, tell the guide before getting on the water so they understand your concerns.

The lake crossing is not just a transport trick. It sets a calmer tone than starting immediately on a crowded uphill path. Several people have especially enjoyed the stillness here, with the canoe ride serving as one of the most memorable parts of the day.

You should still treat it as an active part of the tour. You are paddling before several hours of hiking, and you may share the work with another person in the canoe. The guide controls the pace of the group, but conditions on the water can vary by season and weather.

The old trail and its rocky climb

Once you reach the far shore, the hike begins. The route climbs through rough mountain terrain and includes some scrambling over rocks. The first part takes around 3.5 hours, with time built in for breaks, snacks, clothing changes, and photographs.

The guide is important here. This is not a clearly marked tourist walkway that you can casually follow on your own. The trail was rediscovered by a local guide, and its less-used character is a major part of the appeal. It also means you should pay attention to footing and follow instructions closely.

Expect the route to feel harder than the standard Preikestolen walk. The supplied guidance recommends this trip for people with hiking experience. If this is your first hike, you should only consider it if you are active and manage at least one solid cardio workout each week.

A severe fear of heights is another reason to reconsider. The trip includes exposed mountain views and rocky sections, not only a flat walk to a viewpoint. You do not need to be an athlete, but you do need steady fitness, suitable clothing, and comfort with uneven ground.

The guide can make the day more manageable by setting a sensible pace. Previous outings have included extra hiking poles for people whose knees needed help on the descent. That sort of practical support is especially valuable on a route where the rocks may be wet or awkward.

Lunch with a fjord view

The packed lunch comes from Villa Rosehagen, an authentic Norwegian restaurant with a long local connection. It is included in the price and is eaten during the hike, usually at a scenic resting point.

This is a small but meaningful advantage. You do not need to carry food from Stavanger or spend time searching for something at the basecamp. The meal also gives the group a proper pause during a long climb, rather than treating lunch as something to rush through.

A small snack and hot berry juice are included as well. The warm drink is particularly welcome after the climb or at a cooler viewpoint. Bring your own water, since the supplied information specifically reminds hikers to stay hydrated.

Dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you provide notice in advance. Ask about the meal when booking if you have allergies or a strict diet.

Reaching Preikestolen at 604 meters

After roughly 3.5 hours of uphill walking, you reach Preikestolen, the broad rock platform rising 604 meters above Lysefjorden. The view is the payoff: a sheer cliff, steep fjord walls, and a wide look across one of Norway’s best-known natural settings.

The final approach is where the experience changes. The hidden trail is quiet, but Preikestolen itself attracts many people. You may find the famous rock busy, especially during summer. That can make the last section feel less private than the climb that came before it.

Some participants have preferred the guide’s earlier viewpoints to the platform itself. From the higher route, you can sometimes see the fjord without the same visual obstruction, while the rock ledge can feel crowded. This is useful to know before you go: the trip is not valuable only because it places you on the famous platform.

Your guide allows time to rest and enjoy the view. You can take photographs, but the edge deserves caution. Follow instructions, stay aware of other people, and do not let a photograph turn into a safety problem.

The descent takes about 2.5 hours

After the viewpoint, the group heads down. The return walk normally takes about 2.5 hours to the parking area, so the day remains physically demanding even after you have seen the main attraction.

Downhill hiking can be tougher on knees than climbing, especially on uneven rock. Take the guide’s advice about pace and use hiking poles if needed. The route may feel easier because you are no longer gaining height, but fatigue can make every slippery or steep section more difficult.

Eventually, you return to the vehicle for the drive back to Stavanger. The complete outing lasts about nine hours, including transport, canoeing, hiking, and breaks. Plan little else for the evening. You may be ready for a quiet meal and an early night.

Is $273 a fair price?

At $273 per person, this is not a budget way to see Preikestolen. You are paying much more than the cost of walking the regular path independently.

The value comes from what is bundled into the day:

• Transport from Stavanger and back
• A trained local guide
• A small group of no more than eight
• Canoe rental and life vests
• Seasonal technical equipment
• Packed lunch
• Snack and hot berry juice
• A route that most independent hikers would not find easily

The biggest saving is not financial. It is time and uncertainty. You do not need to plan the transport chain, locate the old trail, carry canoe equipment, or judge every difficult section alone.

The price works best for you if you care strongly about quiet trails and personal guiding. If you are happy to hike the standard route with crowds and organize your own transport, the premium may not feel worthwhile. The operator also does not cancel because of low turnout, so the experience can go ahead even if only a small number of people book.

What to wear and carry

Jeans and high-heeled shoes are not allowed, and neither belongs on this route anyway. Wear proper hiking boots with good grip.

The operator can provide or sell certain items on request, including a small backpack, warm hat, gloves, rainproof jacket, water-resistant trousers, and hiking boots. Confirm availability before the day rather than assuming every item will be waiting for you.

You should be prepared for changing conditions, rocky ground, and a long day outside. Bring water, dress in layers, and keep your hands free enough for scrambling. The guide supplies a small snack, but you still need enough personal water and any extra food you normally require for a demanding hike.

Who should book this Preikestolen experience?

I would choose this tour if you want Preikestolen but dislike the idea of spending the whole day in a line of hikers. It also suits people who enjoy a guide-led outing with local stories, nature details, and help on technical sections.

It is a strong choice for active adults, confident hikers, and anyone who likes combining two activities in one day. The canoe crossing adds variety, while the quiet trail gives you more of a mountain experience than a simple march to a famous viewpoint.

I would not choose it for a first-ever hike unless you already have good fitness. It is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people under 100 centimeters, or children under 15 kilograms. A severe fear of heights is also a serious concern.

The tour is offered in Norwegian and English. The small group format lets the guide connect with each person, and the warm, encouraging approach reported from guides such as Line, Stefan, Allan, and Erlend is one of the experience’s strongest features.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if solitude, guiding, and a more unusual route matter more to you than keeping the cost low. The canoe ride, packed lunch, quiet trail, and expert help make it much more than a standard Preikestolen transfer.

Skip it if you want a gentle walk, dislike scrambling, or only have the energy for a short sightseeing stop. The famous cliff may still be crowded, and the climb is long.

For a fit hiker who wants to see Preikestolen without spending most of the day among strangers, this is one of the better ways to do it. Just arrive prepared for a proper mountain day, not a casual stroll.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about nine hours, including transport, canoeing, hiking, breaks, and the return drive to Stavanger.

How long is the canoe ride?

The canoe portion takes about one hour on Revsvatnet.

How long does the hike to Preikestolen take?

The uphill hike takes approximately 3.5 hours. The return walk to the parking area normally takes about 2.5 hours.

How high is Preikestolen?

Preikestolen is 604 meters above Lysefjorden.

Is transport from Stavanger included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available at designated locations in Stavanger and at some locations along the route to the parking area.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch from Villa Rosehagen is included, along with a small snack and a serving of hot berry juice.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, but you need to provide information about dietary restrictions in advance.

What languages does the guide speak?

Guiding is available in Norwegian and English.

Is the hike suitable for beginners?

The hike is recommended for people with hiking experience. Beginners should only book if they are active and complete at least one good cardio workout each week.