Stavanger: Preikestolen Winter Hike

Venture into the breathtaking landscapes of Stavanger, Norway, where the Preikestolen winter hike awaits. This exhilarating excursion promises to transport you to the 604-meter-high plateau, offering unparalleled views of the majestic Lysefjorden. With the guidance of knowledgeable experts, you’ll navigate challenging terrain, taking in the serene beauty of the winter wonderland. As you ascend, you’ll be treated to a sensory delight, from the crunch of snow underfoot to the crisp, invigorating air. But the true reward lies at the summit, where the panoramic vistas will leave you in awe, and the memories you’ll create will stay with you long after the journey’s end.

Contents hide

1 Activity Overview and Pricing

2 Itinerary and Experience

3 Group Size and Language

4 Inclusions and Equipment

5 Participant Requirements

6 Hiking Difficulty and Fitness Level

7 Liability Release and Safety

8 Recommended Clothing and Footwear

Key Points

An 8-hour guided excursion to the Preikestolen plateau, offering stunning views of the Lysefjorden from a height of 604 meters.
The hike is a demanding 6-hour guided trek, with an ascent time of approximately 2.5 hours to reach the plateau.
The tour includes roundtrip transportation, essential safety and navigation gear, and a small snack and hot berry juice.
Participants must be over 3 feet 3 inches, have an active lifestyle, and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the winter conditions.
The hike presents inherent risks, and participants must sign a liability release form and take personal responsibility for their fitness and preparedness.

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Activity Overview and Pricing

The Stavanger: Preikestolen Winter Hike offers an 8-hour guided excursion to the renowned Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) in Norway, priced at $158.16 per person.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve without upfront payment, this tour provides a flexible and accessible experience.

The journey includes a 45-minute drive to the trailhead, followed by a guided hike lasting approximately 6 hours.

Participants will be captivated by the stunning views of the Lysefjorden as they reach the iconic 604-meter-high plateau.

The tour also includes essential safety and navigation equipment, ensuring a safe and memorable winter adventure.

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Itinerary and Experience

This guided hike begins with a 45-minute drive from 13 pickup locations in Stavanger to the trailhead. Once at the starting point, the tour group embarks on a 6-hour guided hike to the iconic Preikestolen, situated 604 meters above the stunning Lysefjorden. After 2.5 hours of ascent, you will reach the breathtaking plateau, where they can admire the awe-inspiring vistas. The return hike then takes approximately 2 hours, completing the roughly 8-hour winter adventure.

Itinerary Overview	Duration
Drive to Trailhead	45 minutes
Guided Hike to Preikestolen	2.5 hours
Time at Preikestolen	Varies
Return Hike	2 hours

Group Size and Language

A small group of up to 8 participants embarks on this guided winter hike, with a live tour guide providing commentary in both English and Norwegian. This intimate group size allows for a more personalized and interactive experience, ensuring each hiker receives the attention and support they need.

The guide’s fluency in both languages ensures clear communication and the ability to cater to a diverse group of visitors. Whether you’re an English or Norwegian speaker, you’ll be able to fully learn about the stunning natural beauty of Preikestolen and gain valuable insights from the knowledgeable guide.

The small group size also fosters a sense of camaraderie among the hikers, making for a truly memorable adventure.

Inclusions and Equipment

Guided hike and roundtrip transportation are included in the winter hike package, along with seasonal technical equipment, a small snack, and a hot berry juice.

Participants can also opt to rent or purchase additional gear such as a small backpack, warm hat, gloves, rain-proof jacket, water-resistant pants, and hiking boots to ensure they’re fully prepared for the challenging winter conditions.

The available optional equipment includes:

Small backpack
Warm hat
Gloves
Rain-proof jacket, water-resistant pants, and hiking boots

These items are essential to keep hikers warm, dry, and comfortable during the 6-hour guided trek to the iconic Preikestolen cliff.

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Participant Requirements

The winter hike to Preikestolen isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, individuals under 3 feet 3 inches (100 cm) in height, or those with low fitness levels.

Participants must fill in a liability release before the hike, as the challenging conditions require a certain level of hiking experience and physical ability.

The tour operator recommends this activity for individuals with an active lifestyle who are comfortable navigating uneven, snowy, and icy terrain for extended periods.

It’s important to bring warm clothing, snacks, water, and appropriate footwear.

Jeans and high-heeled shoes aren’t allowed, as they won’t provide the necessary traction and protection on the winter trail.

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Hiking Difficulty and Fitness Level

The winter hike to Preikestolen challenges participants with its demanding terrain and substantial elevation gain, making it unsuitable for those with low fitness levels.

Over the course of the 6-hour guided trek, hikers must ascend approximately 600 meters in elevation. This rigorous journey is best suited for individuals with:

Previous hiking experience
Excellent physical condition and stamina
The ability to navigate uneven, snow-covered trails
A willingness to tackle steep inclines and descents

While the guides provide safety equipment and support, this isn’t a casual stroll.

Participants must be prepared for a strenuous, arduous hike that requires cardiovascular endurance, leg strength, and mental fortitude to reach the iconic Preikestolen plateau.

Liability Release and Safety

Before embarking on the winter hike, participants must fill out a liability release form to acknowledge the inherent risks and absolve the tour operator of responsibility for any injuries or mishaps that may occur.

This is a critical safety measure, as the Preikestolen hike can be challenging, particularly during the winter months when conditions may be icy and treacherous.

The guides provide specialized equipment and first-aid supplies to help mitigate the risks, but participants must also take personal responsibility for their fitness level and preparedness.

Recommended Clothing and Footwear

Properly outfitting oneself is crucial for a successful and enjoyable Preikestolen winter hike, as participants must contend with potentially icy, snowy, and blustery conditions.

Warm, waterproof layers, including a jacket, pants, hat, and gloves, are essential to protect against the elements and maintain comfort throughout the trek. Sturdy, non-slip hiking boots with good traction are also a must, as they provide the necessary support and grip on the sometimes treacherous terrain.

The recommended clothing and footwear for this hike include: