Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Lunch and Canoe Trip

The clever part of this Preikestolen day trip is that you paddle across Refsvatnet before hiking an old trail to the famous cliff. You reach Preikestolen from a quieter approach, with fine views along the way and a chance to see the crowds below from higher ground.

I like the small maximum group of eight, which gives the guide room to adjust the pace and check how everyone is doing. I also like the practical package: transport, canoe equipment, safety instruction, and a packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant are included.

The tradeoff is simple: this is a demanding day. You hike for about three hours before reaching Preikestolen, then walk down for another two and a half hours. Rain can also affect the outing, so good boots, sensible clothing, and some flexibility matter.

Key points at a glance

• Canoe across Refsvatnet: Your day begins with a paddle, not a standard walk from the main trailhead.
• A quieter route to Preikestolen: The old trail is intended to avoid the main hiking crowds, even during summer.
• Views from above the cliff: The route can take you higher than Preikestolen, giving you a look down toward the famous photo spot.
• Small groups of eight or fewer: Guides can make pace and rest adjustments more easily.
• Lunch and equipment included: Canoe gear and a packed meal are part of the price.
• A full 9-hour outing: Plan this as your main activity for the day, not a quick morning excursion.

Why this route changes the Preikestolen experience

Preikestolen, also called Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway’s best-known viewpoints. The flat cliff rises 604 meters above Lysefjorden, and the view is the reward that draws people up from the base. The standard route is popular for good reason, but popularity can make the final approach feel less wild.

This trip takes a different line. You meet at Preikestolen Fjellstue, then use the lake Refsvatnet as part of the approach. After a safety briefing, you paddle across the water, land on the far shore, and follow an old trail that sees far less use than the normal path.

That changes the mood of the day. Instead of walking with a steady stream of people, you get a quieter start and more time to notice the setting around you. The route is not simply a shortcut. It is a longer adventure with a canoe section and a rougher-feeling trail.

You should still expect to meet people once you reach Preikestolen itself. The point is not total solitude at the cliff. The reward is arriving from a quieter direction and, in some places, getting a view from above the main platform. That can let you look down at people lining up for photographs on the famous rock.

Starting at 7 a.m. from Preikestolen Basecamp

Pickup is offered from designated locations in Stavanger, with a general pickup time of 7 a.m. The exact time depends on your selected pickup point, so check the timing before the morning of your tour. The drive to Preikestolen Basecamp takes about 45 minutes.

The stated meeting point is Preikestolen Fjellstue, at Preikestolvegen 521 in Jørpeland. The activity also ends back at this meeting point, which makes the arrangement fairly straightforward if you are staying in the area or using the provided pickup.

An early start is useful here. You have a long day ahead, and beginning at 7 a.m. leaves time for the canoe crossing, a steady hike, breaks, lunch, the summit stop, and the walk back. It also gives you the best chance of enjoying the quieter trail before the day feels busy around the main viewpoint.

Once you arrive, the guide organizes the lunch packet and canoe equipment. You then walk down to the beach at Refsvatnet. This opening section is practical rather than scenic theater: the guide gets the group set up, explains safe canoe handling, and covers the trail and expected conditions.

Paddling across Refsvatnet

The canoe portion is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing instead of a standard Preikestolen walk. You do not just travel to the trail by vehicle. You take to the water and cross the lake under your own power.

Before departure, the guide gives instructions about safe canoeing. That matters because the paddle is part of the route, not an optional extra. You need to listen closely, follow directions, and be ready for changing conditions on the water.

The supplied information does not give the crossing time or a detailed canoeing skill requirement. The guide provides instruction, and the tour is designed as a guided experience, but you should still be comfortable taking part in a water activity before booking.

After reaching shore, the group begins the hike. The canoe adds variety, but it also means there is more equipment to manage than on a normal mountain walk. This is a day for people who enjoy a little work in exchange for a more unusual route.

Three hours on the old trail

The hike to Preikestolen takes about three hours. The pace allows time to adjust clothing and equipment, rest, eat snacks, and take photographs. That is welcome because the day combines paddling with a serious mountain walk.

You should read the moderate-fitness requirement in a practical way. This is not a gentle stroll. You will walk uphill for a substantial part of the morning, then return on foot after spending time at the viewpoint. The guides have made the route multiple times and can adjust the pace when someone is tired or uncomfortable, but they cannot remove the physical demands.

The trail is described as old and forgotten, which helps explain the quieter feel. It also means you should not expect the same polished, highly predictable footing that you might associate with a busy tourist path. The supplied information does not specify the exact surface, elevation gain beyond the final cliff height, or technical sections, so ask the operator if you need a precise trail assessment.

Clothing adjustments and breaks are built into the pace. Use them. Norway’s weather can shift, and the experience requires enough energy for the return. A packed lunch and snacks help, but you should not treat food stops as a substitute for preparation.

The guides named in the feedback include Stephan, Chris, and Allen. Their role is especially important on a quieter trail. Reports of the guides checking whether people were hurting and changing plans as needed suggest a hands-on approach, though your actual guide may vary.

Reaching the 604-meter view over Lysefjorden

After about three hours, you reach Preikestolen, 604 meters above Lysefjorden. The cliff’s sheer face is the day’s headline view: a broad sweep of water and steep Norwegian mountain sides, with the famous rock platform projecting into the fjord.

The stop is more than a quick photograph. You have time to relax and enjoy the scenery before starting down. That pause matters because you have already worked for the view, and the route provides a natural place to eat, recover, and take pictures.

One especially useful detail is that parts of the route can take you higher than the main Preikestolen platform. From there, you may see the people gathered on the cliff and the line forming for photographs. It gives you a different angle on a place most visitors know from one iconic viewpoint.

Conditions control how much you see. One outing took place in on-and-off rain, yet the view was considered worth the effort. That is a fair warning, not a promise. In poor weather, cloud can block the fjord, wet rock can make the route less comfortable, and the operator may cancel for safety.

The long walk down to the base

After the viewpoint, the return to the parking area normally takes about two and a half hours. Many people focus on the climb and forget that the descent can be tiring, especially after a canoe crossing and three hours on the trail.

Keep energy for this part. Take the planned pauses, manage your clothing before you overheat or chill, and use footwear with a firm grip. The tour description asks for a moderate fitness level, but the total day is closer to a serious active excursion than a casual sightseeing trip.

Once you reach the parking area, you return by car to the meeting point. The activity ends where it began at Preikestolen Fjellstue. With pickup from Stavanger included, the full schedule comes to about nine hours.

That length is useful for planning. Do not pair this with another fixed afternoon tour unless you have a large time cushion. Weather, trail pace, and group needs can all affect the return time.

What the $212.61 price buys you

At $212.61 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Preikestolen. The value depends on what you want from the day.

A standard hike may cost less if you arrange your own transport and carry your own food. This outing adds a guide, pickup from designated Stavanger locations, canoe equipment, the crossing, a packed lunch, and a route that avoids the usual approach. For a visitor who wants one organized day rather than several separate arrangements, those pieces make the price easier to justify.

The small group also has real value. With no more than eight people, the guide can keep an eye on comfort, allow time for photos, and make pace adjustments. That matters more on an old trail than it would on a simple city walk.

The price is less attractive if you only want the classic cliff photograph and prefer to hike independently. You are paying for the route and the experience around the viewpoint, not just access to Preikestolen.

Lunch comes from a historic Norwegian restaurant, and dietary restrictions can be provided in advance. Contact the operator before the day if you need changes to the meal. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book expecting a particular dish.

Who should book this outing

I would choose this trip if you want Preikestolen with more variety and fewer people on the approach. It suits active visitors who like the idea of paddling, hiking, stopping for photographs, and spending most of a day outdoors.

It is also a good fit if you value a guide. The route is less familiar than the standard trail, and the guide handles the canoe briefing, route information, timing, and group pace. Stephan, Chris, and Allen are among the guides associated with the experience, though a specific guide is not guaranteed.

You should think twice if you dislike canoeing, have limited mountain-walking fitness, or need a tightly timed afternoon. The tour involves a long hike in both directions, and the weather can change the character of the day.

Service animals are allowed. The stated physical requirement is moderate fitness, and the maximum group size is eight people. No further accessibility details are provided, so contact Explore Lysefjorden directly if you need information about trail surfaces, canoe assistance, or mobility limitations.

Weather, packing, and small practical choices

Good weather is required for the activity. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but you should still keep your schedule flexible when booking a mountain day in western Norway.

Wear clothing you can adjust during the walk. The pace includes time to change layers and equipment, so use that opportunity rather than staying too warm or too cold. Bring suitable hiking footwear, water, and snacks in addition to the included lunch.

You should also prepare for wet conditions. The experience has gone ahead in on-and-off rain, but rain can affect comfort and visibility. A waterproof outer layer and a dry approach to packing your personal items are sensible choices, even though the supplied details do not list a required gear checklist.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local time.

My verdict: book it for the route, not just the rock

I would book this Preikestolen trip if the canoe crossing and quieter trail sound as appealing as the cliff itself. The strongest parts are the unusual approach, the small group, the higher viewpoints, and guides who can adjust the pace when the day gets tough.

I would choose another option if your priority is the simplest or least expensive route to Preikestolen. This is a full 9-hour active day, and the $212.61 price makes sense only if you plan to use the guide, transport, lunch, equipment, and alternate trail.

For fit visitors who want a more personal way to reach one of Norway’s great viewpoints, it offers a strong mix of effort and reward. Just arrive ready for a long hike, a real canoe crossing, and weather that may not follow the brochure.

FAQ

Where does the Preikestolen canoe and hike begin?

The stated meeting point is Preikestolen Fjellstue, Preikestolvegen 521, 4105 Jørpeland, Norway.

Is pickup from Stavanger available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from several designated locations in Stavanger. The general pickup time is 7 a.m., but exact times depend on the pickup point.

What time does the activity start?

The listed start time is 7 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The complete experience lasts approximately nine hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The group has a maximum of eight participants.

Is canoe equipment included?

Yes. Canoe equipment is provided as part of the experience.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant is included.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

You should contact the operator with your dietary restrictions before the tour.

How long is the hike to Preikestolen?

The hike to Preikestolen takes approximately three hours.

How long does the return walk take?

The walk back to the parking area normally takes about two and a half hours.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?

No. The stated requirement is a moderate level of physical fitness.

What happens if poor weather cancels the tour?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start are not refunded.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.