An adventurer’s fantasy comes true when they set off on a journey of solo hiking and wild camping at Pulpit Rock Norway. Pulpit Rock, also known as Preikestolen, is a recognizable natural wonder that draws adventurers and nature lovers from all over the world to Norway‘s stunning surroundings.
You’ll feel a special sense of freedom and connection with nature as you go out on your own into the challenging terrain and camp in the wild close to Pulpit Rock. Come explore the thrilling world of solo hiking and wild camping at Pulpit Rock Norway, where the peace of nature and the rush of self-discovery are waiting.
“Suggestion Read” HIKING TO TROLLTUNGA NORWAY
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About Pulpit Rock Norway
At least 10,000 years ago, during an ice period, the rock is believed to have formed. This slab’s top was left unaltered as a result of the fjord’s glacial carving.
The Pulpit Rock Norway has a 25 by 25-meter smooth slab on top. The sheer and abrupt drop off the edge is what makes it so stunning. The rock’s corner can easily be used as a seat as your feet swing in the air below you because of how sharp the edge is.
Basic Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Best time to Visit: April – September
Location: Rogaland, West Norway (nearest city: Stavanger)
Time required: 2.5 – 4 hours for a return trip
Distance: 4 kilometers each way
You may quickly fill up your water bottles along the trail in the spring with the natural spring water that has flowed off from the melted snow. The route is drier in the fall, making it a little more difficult to locate a clear source. The Pulpit Rock Norway offers free wild camping.
Therefore, wild camping at Pulpit Rock Norway is permitted, but you must be at least 150 meters away from any structures or cabins and you cannot have an open fire on the trail. Take your trash and waste with you, of course. Just a friendly warning that the temperature between the trail’s foot and its summit can vary greatly, so if you’re wild camping, make sure you’re warm!
Solo Hiking Season
In the warmer months, solo hiking is possible; however, you won’t have any ankle support. The hike is best done while wearing hiking gear. It offers a greater range of motion and flexibility. Rain gear is a wonderful idea for hiking in the area because the weather can be unpredictable. Jackets are helpful on chilly days. The peak had really high gusts when I hiked alone there in October. Checking the weather forecast in advance is always a smart idea.
Even though the trek itself is enjoyable, the vista and hike won’t likely be enjoyable in the rain or fog. If you’re thinking of wild camping at Pulpit Rock Norway, be sure to create weather-appropriate plans and be ready to hike and camp alone in potentially difficult circumstances.
Getting There
Tau and Stavanger are connected by the Ryfylke Tunnel. One of the longest and deepest underwater tunnels in the world, this one is a little over 14 kilometers long.
By Public Bus
From Stavanger, two bus companies offer service to the Pulpit Rock hiking trail:
Visit the Fjords (starting at 1,010 NOK)
The starting price for Pulpit Rock Tours is 445 NOK.
The cruise on Lysefjord is included in the tour with Go Fjords, which explains why it costs more.
By Car
You no longer need to take the car ferry from Stavanger to get to the Pulpit Rock Norway parking lot by automobile. It takes 45 minutes to get to the Pulpit Rock Norway parking lot via the Ryfylketunnelen. A toll cost of 171 NOK one way and 342 NOK round journey is required. A 250 NOK parking fee is further charged. Your overall cost to drive to Pulpit Rock Norway and the park is now 592 NOK.
The Trail
The view over Lysefjord is spectacular for what would be seen as a simple hike, keeping the work-to-reward ratio perfect. A round trip can take anywhere from 2.5 to 4 hours, depending on your level of fitness. Norwegians frequently run up it, but fear not—you don’t have to be an extreme athlete to reach the top.
Pacing yourself is the ideal strategy for hiking on a trail with three different levels of steepness. Avoid becoming exhausted too quickly! At the beginning of the hike, the first inclination strikes. The third and final slope which is steep and long is the hardest. But don’t let that get you down.
For hikers, the effort is worthwhile! The main rock feature is not where the hike ends. If you’re facing the fjord, Pulpit Rock Norway has a walkway heading off to the right that leads to an upper level and provides a bird’s-eye view of the formation. Definitely worthwhile, particularly if you’re thinking about wild camping at Pulpit Rock Norway.
In the summer, it’s not unusual for solo hikers to set up tents in the woods around Pulpit Rock Norway. There are some excellent locations. One location has a few lakes after the third ascent. Pulpit Rock Norway is a good place for hiking because it is shielded from the wind and is only a mile or so from the top. On the higher level, there’s another camping area. Look into the weather on top before setting up camp for some wild camping at Pulpit Rock Norway because it isn’t as wind-protected there.
Solo Hiking and Wild Camping at Pulpit Rock Norway in Winter
Crampons are required for solo hiking and at Pulpit Rock Norway during the winter months when the trail is covered with ice and snow. Otherwise, it may be exceedingly slick and dangerous. For hiking, you can easily hire a pair of boots at Preikestolen Lodge Camp for 100NOK with a deposit of 200NOK or personal valuables (vehicle keys, ID cards, etc.). You’ll be informed at the beginning of the trail whether you require crampons for solitary hiking and wild camping at Pulpit Rock Norway by a staff member.
It is preferable to begin your journey before noon or midnight because the days are so short in the winter. For risk-free hiking, take your time and go slowly.
The included crampons are surprisingly user-friendly and comfy; you won’t even realize you’re wearing them. Hiking in these conditions and witnessing Preikestolen blanketed in snow is surreal.
Though I’ve done this trip over a dozen times, seeing it in the winter still stole my breath away, making it a special adventure for both solo hikers and those who choose to camp in the woods at Pulpit Rock.
My suggestions for winter hiking are as follows:
Gloves. Your fingers might become cold in the wind.
Suitable hiking boots to wear with crampons. Additionally, it will provide adequate ankle support in case you stumble on the ice.
Layers. My outdoor jacket, which is a hardshell with a removable insulating inner jacket, and my first aid pack were both worn below my base layer.
My Personal Experience: Wild Camping at Pulpit Rock
I stopped in Odda and purchased additional water bottles because, unlike Trollatunga, the Pulpit Rock Norway trek doesn’t have many freshwater sources. I suddenly thought about where I was and realized that my water might – perhaps – be shining as we were traveling.
Best double Check
Although I briefly worried that I wouldn’t be able to complete the hike, I overcame my worries and decided to proceed nonetheless. It was only 6 km to the top! I threw caution to the wind and started the solo hiking toward the Pulpit Rock Norway. The atmosphere was cozy. I was more capable and prepared to face Trolltunga.
Pulpit Rock is one of Norway’s most well-known landmarks, the hike is rather straightforward, and everyone in Stavanger, even cruise ship passengers, can go there as a day excursion, thus throughout the day it is utterly crowded. I was so happy because I chose to start the hike late and slept at the top as I saw the parking lot empty.
The trail begins as a broad cobblestone walkway, but before long you arrive at Norway‘s favorite hiking feature: a set of enormous stone steps. Open mountain faces that you get to cross occasionally separate them. Even though thick clouds were covering the sky, the views of the mountain and the fjords were breathtaking.
As you climb, the greenery eventually begins to disappear as you begin in the tree line. After that, the trail reaches a swampy plain with a convenient boardwalk crossing. After that, there is another rather steep stairway that leads to a mountain crest where you can see a little lake and a rocky terrain as you ascend into the alpine. Next, there is a small but fantastic boardwalk that is linked right to the cliff face and leads out over the edge!
We made the decision to set our camp first before appreciating the rock. This proved challenging. Below the rock, there was a valley, but we didn’t want to go there. Instead, we hiked up behind Pulpit Rock Norway with our newfound trail pals. We spent the night at Pulpit Rock Norway utilizing some deft rock engineering after spending a lot of time hunting for a location for wild camping that, while barely decent at best, appeared to be the only genuine alternative for us.
It was pretty amazing—a massive, square extension with a terrifyingly large crack running down the center that was just ready to collapse into the water below. I stayed with my new companions for about an hour, taking turns pulling the perfect pictures and thoroughly appreciating the calmness of the surroundings.
It was morning… but not the sunrise. The sky was mostly cloudy. Nevertheless, we stood up and looked about. The mountains were cloaked in morning mist, and the fjord was stunningly still. The enormous amount of day hikers showing up for the “sunrise”.
Rain woke me up. Not just a little drizzle either. a heavy rain. the kind of downpour that forces you to curl up under your sleeping bag and wait for it to end.
Although the fog was incredibly beautiful, it wasn’t really worth staying in the rain for, so I put on my rain gear and went back to Breanne.
Our truly incredible journey was now over.
Solo Hiking Equipments
You should include the following items as a bare minimum:
- Headlamp
- Plenty of food and water
- First aid kit
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Warm top layer
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Gloves
- Extra set of clothing and socks
- Reusable water bottle
- Light comfortable backpack
- Hiking sticks
- Camera
The Way Back
It was now time to begin the ascent back downhill. We arrived at the beginning place in less than 45 minutes by navigating through crowds of people, leaping over rocks, navigating through muddy, damp sections, and climbing over thousands of stones.
Final Thoughts!
I enjoyed my solo hike to Pulpit Rock in Norway. It was enjoyable to scale the stones, and Pulpit Rock Norway offered breathtaking views. Unfortunately, the hike was less enjoyable because of all the people on the tracks. Nevertheless, I’m happy I did it. Pulpit Rock is the ideal climb for anyone searching for a reasonably short and simple hike with stunning views of the Norwegian fjords.
FAQs
Is Pulpit Rock Worth It?
Yes, this trek is worthwhile if you’re seeking a quick, easy-to-moderate hike with views of a Norwegian fjord. Being able to stand on the famous Pulpit Rock is the cherry on top. Kjeragbolten and Trolltunga are two other treks to take into account if you’re searching for a more exciting hike.
What makes it Pulpit Rock?
Preikestolen was given the name “Pulpit Rock” due to its shape. The plateau, which measured 25 by 25 meters (82 by 82 feet), was compared by some as a pulpit. The rock formation thus received its name.
How tall is Pulpit Rock?
The fjords below are 604 meters (1,982 ft) below the plateau. You’ll have to put in some effort if you want to catch the sights from the summit.
Are there facilities at Pulpit Rock?
No, the hike doesn’t have any facilities. There won’t be any restrooms, trash cans, food, or gift shops.
What is the best time for wild camping at Pulpit Rock?
The summer months, when the weather is milder and the days are longer, are the ideal times for wild camping at Pulpit Rock Norway. Camping in the winter necessitates extra gear and safety measures because of the snow and ice.
Is wild camping allowed at Pulpit Rock?
At Pulpit Rock Norway, wild camping is typically permitted, but it’s important to pay attention to neighborhood rules and restrictions. Before going camping, make sure there aren’t any new limitations or upgrades.
Are campfires allowed during wild camping at Pulpit Rock?
To preserve the environment, campfires are frequently prohibited. Verify the laws in your area and think about substituting a portable camp stove for cooking.
Can I camp alone at Pulpit Rock, or is it recommended to camp with others?
Although it is possible to camp alone, it’s frequently safer to do so, especially in remote locations. In an emergency, having a partner might be helpful.
