Preikestolen from Preikestolen Basecamp

The path starts beside the car park at Preikestolen Basecamp, in the hills above the Lysefjord, and is marked as the Preikestien. It climbs by stone stairways that the area's managers say Nepalese Sherpas built, and passes through forest and swampland on its way east to the plateau. Preikestolen is a cliff-top plateau, 604 m above the Lysefjord, with the fjord far below. Return the same way.

It is 8.4 km there and back with 520 m of ascent; allow about 3¾ hours (the foundation that manages the area says about 4 hours for the 8 km). The grade is Hard by our measure of climb and time; the foundation calls the hike moderate and lists uneven terrain, stone stairways, rocky paths and some steep sections, for which it recommends sturdy footwear and basic hiking experience. Part of the path runs beside high cliffs.

There are no railings or barriers at the cliff edge. The foundation asks visitors to keep a safe distance, to supervise children closely and to avoid risky behaviour near the edge, and says the hike is at your own risk and to turn round in time if need be. Weather can change quickly: check the forecast before you start. Dogs must be on a lead, and there are no toilets or bins on the trail. The foundation gives the trail as open all year, with the busiest days Saturday and Sunday and the busiest hours in the morning; in winter, it says, the hike needs proper equipment and experience, and guided hikes are recommended for anyone unfamiliar with winter hiking.

The car park by Preikestolen Basecamp, which the foundation calls Preikestolen Parking (P1), is paid: its fee list gives 275 NOK for more than two hours, to be paid at the machine after the hike. The foundation says the car park is open 24 hours all year and that a direct bus runs between Stavanger and the car park in the main season, with tickets normally bought online in advance, and public transport limited in winter. In an emergency call 113 (medical) or 112 (police).

Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.