Stavanger: Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Canoe + Lunch

The clever part of this Preikestolen trip comes before you ever reach the famous cliff: you paddle across Revsvatnet and approach the rock by an old trail that avoids most of the usual crowds. The route is quieter, rougher, and more rewarding than the standard path.

I like the small group size, limited to eight people, and the patient guiding reported from Allan, Erlend, Line, and Stefan. I also like the full-day design: transport, canoe, lunch from Villa Rosehagen, snacks, hot berry juice, and seasonal equipment are all folded into one booking.

The tradeoff is clear: this is not a gentle stroll. You hike for about 3.5 hours before reaching Preikestolen, with steep ground and some scrambling, then walk roughly 2.5 hours back. You need solid fitness, proper clothing, and a good head for heights.

Key points at a glance

• A canoe crossing starts the hike: Paddle for about an hour across Revsvatnet before reaching the old trail.
• The route avoids the main path for most of the climb: You can expect far more quiet than on the standard Preikestolen approach.
• The trail includes rocky scrambling: It suits experienced hikers or active beginners, but not anyone seeking an easy walk.
• The views begin before the famous cliff: One guide-led route reaches a viewpoint above the fjord that can offer a clearer panorama than the crowded rock itself.
• Lunch comes from Villa Rosehagen: A packed meal, small snack, and hot berry juice are included, with dietary restrictions handled in advance.
• You get a very small group: With no more than eight participants and no minimum turnout, the trip can run even when demand is low.

Why this Preikestolen route feels different

Preikestolen, also called Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway’s most famous day hikes. Its flat-topped cliff rises 604 meters above Lysefjorden, and its fame brings plenty of people to the regular trail, especially in summer.

This tour takes a different approach. You do not simply follow the main walking route from the parking area. You begin beside Revsvatnet, cross the lake by canoe, and then follow an old, little-used trail toward the rock.

That opening changes the mood right away. Instead of starting with a busy trailhead and a steady line of hikers, you begin on quiet water. The canoe crossing is not just decoration added to a standard hike. It helps you reach the less-used side of the route and gives the day a calm start before the harder work begins.

I would choose this experience for the sense of movement and variety. In nine hours, you paddle, walk through several types of mountain terrain, scramble over rocks, stop for lunch, and reach one of Norway’s great viewpoints. It feels like a full outdoor day rather than a single hike with a short transport ride.

From Stavanger to Revsvatnet

Pickup is available from a range of locations in Stavanger and along the route, including St. Petri kirke, Victoria Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger, Scandic Stavanger City, Thon Hotel Maritim, and several other hotels. The drive takes about 30 minutes before the lunch stop, followed by another 20 minutes to Preikestolen Basecamp.

The pickup system has one practical wrinkle: different locations have different pickup times. You need to confirm the correct time for your chosen stop rather than assume every pickup happens together. The vehicle is clearly marked, and the guide knows who to collect.

The stop at Villa Rosehagen is useful rather than rushed sightseeing. This historic restaurant supplies the packed lunch you carry for the hike. Tell the operator about dietary restrictions before the day, not when you are already at the trailhead.

At Preikestolen Basecamp, you can use the restrooms and collect life vests and canoe paddles. The guide explains canoe safety, the route, expected conditions, and useful clothing tips before you head to the lake.

That briefing matters. Some participants have never paddled before, and one person specifically found the guide reassuring despite not knowing how to swim. You should still take the water portion seriously, follow instructions, and wear the provided life vest.

One quiet hour on the canoe

The canoe crossing takes about an hour. It is a peaceful beginning, but it also requires some effort and coordination. You will paddle across the lake, reach the opposite shore, and continue on foot from there.

I like this part because it creates a clean break from Stavanger. The sound and pace are different on the water, and the lake crossing lets you settle into the day before the uphill section starts.

Do not confuse the canoe ride with a long recreational paddle. Its purpose is to reach the trail, though the setting gives it real value. The reviews describe especially quiet conditions in late May and early morning, with no other people visible on the lake at that time. Conditions can vary, but the route is designed to keep the opening section peaceful.

The operator supplies life vests and paddles. A canoe ride is included in the price, but clothing and comfort still depend on you. Bring the required outdoor gear, especially a rainproof jacket, water-resistant trousers, warm hat, gloves, and hiking boots. These items are not included as standard, though the operator says rental or purchase options may be available.

The old trail and its real difficulty

After landing, you follow a rediscovered old trail through changing mountain terrain. The route is not presented as a polished walking track, and that is both its appeal and its warning.

You should expect uphill hiking, uneven rock, and some scrambling. The guide sets a manageable pace with time to adjust clothing, rest, eat snacks, and take photographs. Still, the full hiking day is demanding. It takes about 3.5 hours to reach Preikestolen, followed by roughly 2.5 hours downhill.

The operator recommends previous hiking experience. If this is your first hike, you should book only if you are active and regularly complete at least one good cardio workout each week. That is a useful benchmark, though your comfort with steep and rocky ground matters too.

The route is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, or people under 100 centimeters tall. Children under 15 kilograms are also excluded. Jeans and high-heeled shoes are not allowed, which is sensible given the terrain.

A serious fear of heights is another concern. You may encounter exposed or steep sections, and the destination itself is a sheer cliff above Lysefjorden. You do not need to be a climber, but you should be comfortable with rocky mountain paths and a few hands-on sections.

The guiding is a major part of the value. Allan is described as especially attentive and encouraging, while Erlend has added the kind of local detail that turns a walk into a place-based experience. On different departures, guides have discussed bird calls, edible plants, local culture, and mountain wildlife. Line has been praised for a patient pace and for making a connection with each person in the group. Stefan has been singled out for careful handling of the harder parts and for helping with photographs.

Guide assignments can change, so you should not book expecting one particular person unless the operator confirms it. What you can count on is a local Norwegian or English-speaking guide and a maximum group size of eight.

Lunch with a better view than the famous rock

The packed lunch from Villa Rosehagen is eaten along the route. The timing gives you a proper break after several hours of hiking, rather than forcing you to wait until the end of the day.

One particularly appealing feature is that the hidden route includes viewpoints before Preikestolen itself. The guide may take you to a position above the fjord with a broad, unobstructed view. From there, the iconic rock can look less impressive than the surrounding fjord scenery, especially when the main viewing platform is crowded.

That does not make the final arrival unimportant. Reaching Preikestolen after the quieter trail gives you the famous sight from a different angle, and you can appreciate the scale of the cliff after working your way toward it.

You may find the main rock busy once you join the regular route. One description notes that only the final few hundred meters overlap with the standard path, and that the rock itself felt too crowded to be worth lingering at. Another account describes meeting people only after reaching Preikestolen.

This is the honest version of the crowd-free promise: the hidden trail can be remarkably quiet, but nobody can guarantee that the world-famous destination will be empty. The route reduces crowd exposure; it does not remove other people from Preikestolen.

The included hot berry juice is a small but welcome touch, especially after the climb. A snack is included too, though you should still carry enough water and any extra food you personally need. The tour operator specifically reminds hikers to stay hydrated and prepare with enough calories before the hike.

Reaching 604 meters above Lysefjorden

Preikestolen is the payoff. The cliff sits 604 meters above Lysefjorden, with a sheer drop and a broad view across the fjord.

The arrival should feel earned. You have already paddled across the lake, crossed rough ground, and spent hours climbing away from the regular route. The final viewpoint is not simply a photo stop reached by a short walk from the road.

You get time to relax and enjoy the scenery before heading down. Respect the edge and follow the guide’s directions. A fear of heights can make this section stressful, and the tour is not a good match if exposed viewpoints leave you uncomfortable.

The downhill section takes about 2.5 hours. Many people underestimate descents, but rocky downhill walking can be hard on knees. Hiking poles may be available from the guide, and they can help on uneven ground. Good boots matter even more on the way down than they do on the climb.

At the end, you return to the parking area and ride back toward Stavanger. The day lasts about nine hours, so do not plan another demanding activity that evening.

Is the $273 price fair?

At $273 per person, this is a costly day trip. The value depends on what you would otherwise need to arrange yourself.

The price includes transport from Stavanger or a suitable point along the road, a local guide for the day, the canoe ride, life vests and paddles, seasonal technical equipment, a snack, hot berry juice, and a packed lunch from Villa Rosehagen. It also gives you access to a route that is not available as a normal independent walk.

You are paying for more than a ride to the trailhead. The guide handles navigation on an old route, canoe safety, pacing, weather-related adjustments, and the tricky rocky sections. In a group capped at eight, you also get more personal attention than on a large coach excursion.

The price is less attractive if you want only the classic Preikestolen viewpoint. The regular route may suit you better if you are happy to hike independently, want a shorter or more familiar trail, or prefer to spend less.

You may also need to budget for gear. A small backpack, warm hat, gloves, rainproof jacket, water-resistant trousers, and hiking boots are not included as standard. The operator says gear can be rented or purchased, so ask about availability before booking.

There is no minimum number of hikers, which reduces the risk of a cancellation caused by low turnout. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility. Pickup times still need checking carefully.

Who should book this experience?

I would book this tour if you want Preikestolen but dislike the idea of spending most of the day in a line of people. It suits active adults and older children who already have some hiking ability, enjoy rough ground, and like the idea of adding a canoe crossing to a major Norwegian walk.

It is also a good choice if you want local interpretation along the way. The guides may point out birds, edible plants, wildlife, and details of Norwegian culture. That gives the day more character than a simple transfer and route map.

I would not choose it for a first-ever mountain outing unless you are genuinely fit and comfortable with hard uphill exercise. I would also avoid it if you have a severe fear of heights, cannot manage six hours of mountain walking, or lack suitable waterproof clothing and boots.

The small group makes this a better fit for people who value conversation and individual help. It is less suitable if you want total independence or a predictable, easy-to-follow public trail.

My verdict on the hidden trail hike

This is one of the more distinctive ways to reach Preikestolen. The canoe start, quiet approach, local guiding, packed lunch, and extra viewpoints give you much more than the standard cliff visit.

The main caution is difficulty. The marketing focuses on solitude, but the real selling point is the combination of solitude and demanding terrain. You need to arrive prepared, hydrated, properly dressed, and ready for a long day.

If your priority is a quieter route and a fuller outdoor experience, I think the $273 price can be justified. If your priority is simply seeing Pulpit Rock at the lowest cost and with the least physical strain, choose the standard route instead.

FAQ

How long does the Preikestolen hidden trail tour last?

The experience lasts about nine hours, including transportation, canoeing, hiking, breaks, lunch, and the return journey.

How long is the canoe ride?

The canoe portion takes about one hour on Revsvatnet.

How long does the hike take?

The walk to Preikestolen takes approximately 3.5 hours. The return walk to the parking area usually takes about 2.5 hours.

How high is Preikestolen?

Preikestolen rises 604 meters above Lysefjorden.

How many people can join the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Is there a minimum number of hikers?

No. The tour does not cancel because too few people have booked.

What languages do the guides speak?

Guides conduct the tour in Norwegian and English.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch from Villa Rosehagen is included, along with a small snack and hot berry juice. Dietary restrictions should be provided in advance.

Is the tour suitable for beginners?

The hike is recommended for people with hiking experience. First-time hikers should book only if they are active and complete at least one good cardio workout each week.

Who should not book this tour?

The experience is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people under 100 centimeters tall, or children under 15 kilograms. It is also a poor choice for anyone with a severe fear of heights.