{"id":36297,"date":"2019-05-13T06:00:35","date_gmt":"2019-05-13T13:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=36297"},"modified":"2025-09-05T15:17:34","modified_gmt":"2025-09-05T22:17:34","slug":"hiking-preikestolen-pulpit-rock-norway","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/hiking-preikestolen-pulpit-rock-norway\/","title":{"rendered":"NORWAY: GUIDE TO HIKING PREIKESTOLEN (PULPIT ROCK) IN BAD WEATHER"},"content":{"rendered":"

Stavanger, the Norwegian city closest to Preikestolen (\u201cPulpit Rock\u201d), experiences some of the highest levels of precipitation in all of Europe. Unfortunately this means the chances of encountering rain at some point on your hiking adventure is rather high.<\/p>\n

So should you go through with it? Will it be safe in the rain? Will you even be able to see anything? I found myself asking these questions when I set out to hike Pulpit Rock for the first time this spring.<\/p>\n

\"Norway:<\/p>\n

What I quickly learnt was that the weather near Preikestolen is extremely unpredictable and fast-changing. While this might seem like a drawback, it can also work very much in your favour. Even if your Pulpit Rock hike starts off foggy and wet, there\u2019s every chance you could be greeted with clear skies by the time you make it to the top.<\/p>\n

Now, of course, this won\u2019t always be the case and some days you\u2019ll sadly brave the rain for little reward. However, just because the day looks like doom and gloom from the get-go, don\u2019t give up all hope just yet.<\/p>\n

\"Norway:<\/p>\n

ABOUT PREIKESTOLEN <\/h3>\n

Preikestolen is a steep cliff which rises 604 metres (1,982 ft) above the Lysefjorden. On top of the cliff, there is a flat surface of approximately 25 by 25 metres – this mountain plateau was most probably shaped by the expansion of ice some 10,000 years ago. Preikestolen has been named one of the world\u2019s most spectacular viewing points by both CNNGo<\/a> and Lonely Planet and is one of the most visited natural tourist attractions in Norway.<\/p>\n

HOW DO I GET TO PREIKESTOLEN? <\/h3>\n

Preikestolen is easily accessible from Stavanger<\/a>. A ferry takes you from Stavanger port to the small town of Tau in approximately 40 minutes. The ferry has good facilities, including a caf\u00e9 and bar. As soon as you disembark, you\u2019ll see coaches waiting in the parking lot to transfer you to the base of the hiking trail. The hike starts from the parking lot by the Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, where you can also hire hiking gear or stop for food.<\/p>\n

You can purchase a transfer package at the terminal in Stavanger for NOK 400 (approx. \u00a335) from the Go Fjords<\/a> stall – this will cover the cost of the return ferry and bus tickets. Otherwise, you can purchase your tickets separately onboard the ferry and the bus without any problems (though it will work out slightly more expensive). Make sure to read the ferry timetables clearly so you can plan your day. In the shoulder seasons, the ferries run less frequently so don\u2019t get stuck in Tau for the night.<\/p>\n

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HOW DIFFICULT IS THE HIKING TRAIL?<\/h3>\n

There are many mixed reviews online regarding the difficulty of the Preikestolen trail \u2013 some people say it\u2019s easy, some people say it\u2019s difficult. The facts are that the hike is a 7.6km round trip with a 350m ascent. The terrain varies from flat ground and wooden paths to large boulders and steep stone steps. If you\u2019re fit and wearing appropriate footwear, you can do the hike from anywhere between 1 and 2 hours one way (4 hours return being the official advised time). Setting a quick pace and with a good fitness level, it took me approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. This hike would not be well suited to people with bad knees or ankles.<\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>Top Tips For Hiking In Kjeragbolten And Preikestolen, Norway<\/a><\/div>\n

\"Wearing<\/p>\n

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HIKING PREIKESTOLEN IN BAD WEATHER? <\/h3>\n

If you\u2019ve committed to setting off on a wet Preikestolen adventure, remember these 5 essential things for a successful day:<\/p>\n

1) DON’T TAKE THE WEATHER REPORT AS FACT – IT’S AS ACCURATE AS IT IS INACCURATE <\/h4>\n

The forecast on the day I was setting off on the hike stated torrential rain and low visibility all day. The entire way to the base of the Preikestolen trail I was uncertain whether I had made the right decision to go through with the hike. Even if the rain didn\u2019t bother me, the chances of seeing the fjord would be slim. Would I have endured the cold and wet for nothing? Would the entire day be a big flop?<\/p>\n

Well, in my case, the \u201cheavy rain\u201d forecast was nothing more than a mere intermittent drizzle. That\u2019s it! And even though the entire trail was covered in a thick fog, dashing my hopes of a view at the top, I was still able to see most of the fjord when I reached the rock (so much for that forecast\u2026!). The clouds move quickly, so even if you don\u2019t have a fjord view right away when you get to the top, it\u2019s worth sticking around a while to see if it clears for a minute.<\/p>\n

If there is snow in the mountains, it is not recommended you do the hike (or you should use a nature guide).<\/p>\n

\"Norway:<\/p>\n

2) WEAR PROPER WATERPROOF HIKING SHOES <\/h4>\n

Not everyone has a set of waterproof hiking shoes laying around; however, having a pair will make a huge difference to your balance (and to your warmth)! Having no other choice, I hiked the trail in my Nike trainers. Needless to say, even in drizzle, my feet were soaked within the first 10 minutes of the hike (not ideal, but bearable thankfully!). Given my shoes had no grip, I also caught myself slipping countless times on the wet rocks – one time I even fell over completely. There are jagged rocks everywhere on this hike – one bad fall is enough to cause a nasty injury and ruin your day.<\/p>\n

\"Norway:<\/p>\n

3) DRESS APPROPRIATELY – WEAR SOMETHING WATERPROOF<\/h4>\n

Knitted sweaters, jeans and wool coats are not something you\u2019d expect people to be wearing along a rainy hike. Yet I did, astonishingly! Even if it\u2019s not raining, given the unpredictable weather, you should wear (or at least pack) something waterproof \u2013 whether that\u2019s a proper jacket, a raincoat or just a plastic poncho. Keep yourself dry.<\/p>\n

Ideally, wear something with a hood, there\u2019s nothing worse than a constant stream of water in your eyes. Also, wear sportswear that\u2019s made of breathable material. Parts of the hike are intensive and you will work up a sweat – it\u2019s important to wear something that will regulate your body temperature.<\/p>\n

\"Norway:<\/p>\n

4) BE PREPARED AND BE SENSIBLE<\/h4>\n

The most important thing about hiking in bad weather is to be prepared for the worst \u2013 just in case! Here\u2019s my list of suggested simple must-haves in your backpack to ensure a smooth (and warm!) journey:<\/p>\n