I got in touch with a Canadian girl named Caroline on LP Thorn Tree and I bragged about how beautiful my hometown Stavanger is and the great view that you can get from Preikestolen. I ended up being a tour guide for Caroline when she came to Stavanger and the first thing I wanted to show her was Preikestolen. We got up early on Sunday morning to catch the 07.20 ferry to Tau and it was worth it. When we came to the parking at Prekestolen I think we were the first ones there.

The hike to Prekestolen is a 3.8 km but it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to the top because there is a 330 meter height difference. The path leading up to Preikestolen has been improved a lot in the last years but you still need a pair of good shoes/boots. Remember to bring water, some snacks and maybe even some dry clothes. Finding the way to the top is not a problem at all. The path varies from gravel path, rocks and wooden paths. There are some benches and tables along the route that can be used if you want to take a break.

We started walking about about 8.30 and we walked alone all the way up to Preikestolen. I was quite surprised that we were alone because it can be pretty crowded in the summer time. But I guess it was early in the season, it was early in the morning and the weather forecast was not great. But it made it into a really special experience. When we got up to the top we were more or less alone there (a couple had spent the night in a tent there) so we could enjoy the view and take some pictures of the place.

So what is unique with Preikestolen? Well, it looks like a pulpit when seen from below. The rock itself is 25 by 25 meters and when you stand on the edge it is 600 meters straight down. On clear days you get a great view of the Lysefjord. The path leading up to Preikestolen is also very scenic.

A few years ago there used to be a little "shop" on top of Prekestolen. The girl who worked there walked up every morning carrying some of the supplies on her back. I guess that is the kind of summer job that makes you fit. :-)

On the way down we met quite a few on their way up and some had the traditional question "how much longer to Preikestolen?" :-) It is always fun serving a white lie telling them that there are still 3 hours to go just to see how people react.

I hope that this has been of some help to people that want to see Preikestolen.