Pulpit Rock from below, then from the top

About this experience

This is the day that fixes the Lysefjord's big catch. From a boat, Preikestolen is a ledge 604 m above you; the view everyone pictures is from the top. Stavanger RIB starts with its usual RIB trip from the flag by the Maritime Museum, with short guided stops at Fantahålå, under Pulpit Rock and at Hengjanefossen. Then, instead of heading home, the RIB drops you at a quay in the fjord where guides meet you with a minibus.

The minibus drives to the trailhead by the Preikestolen Fjellstue lodge, and you hike: about 8 km there and back with about 500 m of climbing, roughly four hours with stops. There's a Norwegian hiking snack (a Kvikklunsj bar) on the way. At the top, there's no railing on the rock. A minibus then takes you back to Stavanger, about 45 minutes, with drop-offs at Skagenkaien, Skansekaien, the cruise terminal or the RIB pier.

Be honest about fitness. The listing asks for moderate fitness and hiking shoes, and rules out children under 6, low fitness, back problems and wheelchair users; a guest called the day fun but quite exhausting. Bring water and a packed lunch. It runs in all but severe weather, and the listing calls it cruise-friendly only for ships docked 8 hours or more. From $285, the same as the small-group RIB ($147) and the guided hike ($136) booked separately, without needing a second day.

• Pulpit Rock from the water and from the top, same day
• Small group: 12 at most
• Guided hike of about 8 km, about 500 m of ascent
• Minibus transfers, no car or bus timetable to manage
• Suits, goggles and gloves for the RIB, a hiking snack for the trail
• Drop-offs at the cruise quays

How the day runs

1. 15 min beforeSuit up by the museum

   Meet at the Stavanger RIB flag in front of the Maritime Museum. Bring your hiking kit in a small pack.

2. About 1 hourRIB into the Lysefjord

   About 30 minutes out at speed, then 10-minute guided stops at Fantahålå, under Pulpit Rock and at Hengjanefossen.

3. About 20 minQuay and minibus

   The RIB drops you at a quay in the fjord, the guides meet you, and a minibus runs up to the trailhead.

4. About 4 hoursThe hike

   Up through woods and over rock slabs to the plateau, time on top, then back down the same way.

5. About 45 minBack to Stavanger

   Minibus to Skagenkaien, Skansekaien, the cruise terminal or the RIB pier.

What's included

Who it suits

What guests say

Tips before you book

• Wear proper hiking shoes. The listing rules out sandals, flip-flops and high heels on the trail.
• Pack lunch and at least a litre of water. Only the snack is included.
• Wear hiking layers under the RIB suit, so you just peel it off at the quay.
• On top, keep back from the edge: there's no railing, and the wind gusts.
• Check your ship's all-aboard time. The listing asks for 8 hours in port.

Read next:

• Pulpit Rock by boat
• From a cruise ship

Frequently asked questions

Compare with

Preikestolen Hike with a Local GuideNot a boat: the view from the top. Coach from the cruise terminal, guided hike of about 4 hours, lunch included. Ages 7+.★ 4.7 · 6 hours · from $136Small-Group RIB Safari to Pulpit RockTwelve seats at most on a high-end RIB, the captain as guide, about 45 minutes inside the Lysefjord. Ages 5+.★ 4.9 · 2 hours · from $147Flørli 4444: RIB & Stair HikeThe one bookable trip that goes deeper: a RIB to roadless Flørli and its 4,444 wooden steps. 7 hours, ages 8+.★ 5.0 · 7 hours · from $204