Stavanger: Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Canoe + Lunch

Skip the busy route for a while. This nine-hour Preikestolen adventure begins with a peaceful canoe crossing, then follows an old mountain path used by very few people before joining the famous Pulpit Rock area. I like the quiet start on Revsvatnet and the chance to see wide fjord views before reaching the main viewpoint. I also like the small group size, with no more than eight people and no cancellation if numbers are low.

The trade-off is clear: this is not an easy first walk for most people. You will scramble over rocky ground, climb for about three and a half hours, and deal with steep or exposed sections. The packed lunch from Villa Rosehagen, hot berry juice, and calm, safety-minded guides add real value, but the $273 price makes sense mainly if avoiding crowds matters greatly to you.

The best guides add much to the day. Erlend has pointed out bird calls, edible plants, and local customs, while Allan and Line have earned praise for patience, safety, and making each person feel included. A guide may also bring a friendly dog, though that is not guaranteed.

Key points to know before booking

• A canoe starts the day: You paddle across Revsvatnet for about one hour before reaching the old trail.
• The quiet route is the main attraction: You may see no other hikers until the final section near Preikestolen.
• The hike is demanding: Expect rocky ground, scrambling, uphill work, and some exposure. Regular hikers will be more comfortable.
• The best views may come before Pulpit Rock: One high point on the secret route gives a broad view of Lysefjorden with fewer obstructions.
• Lunch is included: A packed meal comes from Villa Rosehagen, with dietary needs handled if you give notice.
• The group stays small: A maximum of eight people makes it easier for guides to watch pace, safety, and comfort.

Why this Preikestolen route feels different

Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway’s most famous viewpoints. The flat rock platform sits 604 meters above Lysefjorden, and the usual path can become crowded, especially during the summer season.

This outing takes a different approach. Instead of simply walking the standard route, you begin by crossing Revsvatnet in a canoe. From the far shore, you follow an old, little-used trail through several types of mountain terrain. The route was brought back into use by a local guide, and it gives you a much quieter way to reach the famous cliff.

That difference matters. Pulpit Rock itself is spectacular, but the usual arrival can feel less special when many people are waiting for the same photograph. Here, the walk is part of the reward. You get time to listen, stop, adjust your clothing, eat a snack, and take pictures without being pushed along by a line of hikers.

You should not book this expecting a gentle scenic stroll. The trail includes scrambling over rocks, uphill sections, and places where a strong fear of heights could spoil the day. The route is best for someone who hikes regularly or stays active with at least one good cardio workout each week.

Pickup in Stavanger and the ride to the trailhead

Pickup is available from several locations in Stavanger and nearby Jørpeland. The choices include central hotels, St. Petri Church, Preikestolen Fjellstue, and designated stops such as Victoria Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger, Scandic Stavanger City, and Thon Hotel Maritim.

The exact pickup time depends on your location, so do not assume every stop follows the same schedule. The operator provides a marked vehicle, and the guide knows who they are collecting. A quick check of your pickup point before the day begins will prevent a rushed start.

The drive takes about 30 minutes before the first stop at Villa Rosehagen. This historic restaurant supplies the packed lunch, which is a useful touch. You are not left to buy food at the last minute or carry a full picnic from Stavanger. Tell the company about dietary restrictions in advance.

After another 20-minute drive, you reach Preikestolen Basecamp. Toilets are available here, so use them before setting off. You also collect life vests and canoe paddles, then walk down to the shore of Revsvatnet.

One peaceful hour on Revsvatnet

The canoe crossing is more than a novelty. It changes the mood of the day. Instead of starting with a busy trail and a steady climb, you begin on quiet water, surrounded by mountain scenery.

Before paddling, the guide explains how to use the canoe, where to sit, and how to stay safe. You do not need to be an experienced canoeist. One person described this as a first canoe outing and still found it enjoyable and safe, while another participant was reassured by the guide despite not knowing how to swim.

That said, tell your guide if you feel nervous around water. Life vests are provided, and the guide gives instructions before the crossing. The canoe portion lasts about an hour, so it is long enough to feel like a genuine part of the outing rather than a quick photo stop.

You should expect some teamwork. Paddling in rhythm makes the boat easier to control, and a first attempt may feel slightly awkward. That is part of the fun, and the small group gives the guide more time to help.

The lake can be especially peaceful early in the season. One group described being alone on the water, with no other people in sight. Conditions can change, of course, so the guide’s instructions and the weather on your day matter more than any promise of perfect calm.

The old trail and its rocky character

Once ashore, the group begins the long climb. The route moves through different types of mountain terrain and includes sections of scrambling. You may use your hands on rocks, step carefully over uneven ground, and adjust your pace as the trail rises.

This is where the tour’s small group helps. The guide can wait while you change layers, check your footing, drink water, or take a picture. The advertised pace allows for breaks and snacks rather than treating the walk as a race.

The trail can be hard on your knees, especially on the descent. Hiking poles are available from the guide if needed, which may help on steep or loose sections. Wear proper hiking boots with good grip. Jeans, high-heeled shoes, and casual city footwear are poor choices for this route.

Bring or rent the other basics if you need them. A small backpack, warm hat, gloves, rainproof jacket, water-resistant trousers, and hiking boots are not included, but the operator can advise about gear for rent or purchase. Norway’s weather can shift quickly, and wet rock makes scrambling more difficult.

The guides add an educational side to the walk. Erlend has shared information about bird calls, edible plants, and Norwegian culture. Allan has discussed wildlife and the mountain itself. These small observations give the quiet route more character, especially when you are not passing other hikers or stopping at marked attractions.

The best viewpoint may come before Pulpit Rock

After about three and a half hours of hiking, you reach Preikestolen. The famous rock platform is the obvious goal, but one of the most useful details about this route is that the approach can provide an even broader view.

From a high point near the cliff, you may see more of Lysefjorden without the same visual obstruction found at the main platform. One experienced hiker considered this viewpoint more impressive than Pulpit Rock itself because it showed the full sweep of the fjord.

That does not make Preikestolen a disappointment. Standing on the 604-meter cliff remains the day’s signature moment. The difference is that you get to judge it after already enjoying a quieter, more open view.

The final stretch can be more crowded because the route joins the standard trail near the rock. Expect people here, particularly during popular summer hours. Some participants have chosen to enjoy the view from the quieter high point rather than queue for a photo at the platform. Your guide can help you decide how much time to spend at each place.

The sheer drop means you should be careful near the edge. Anyone with a serious fear of heights may find this route uncomfortable, even if the guide takes sensible precautions.

Lunch, hot berry juice, and a sensible pause

The packed lunch comes from Villa Rosehagen, an established restaurant in Stavanger. The meal gives you a proper break after several hours of effort, and the group can stop at a scenic point along the route.

You also receive a small snack and hot berry juice. That warm drink is a minor detail, but it can feel welcome after a cool or wet climb. The guide controls the timing of the break so you can eat without losing too much daylight or rushing the final approach.

Do not treat the included lunch as a reason to carry no water. The tour information specifically stresses hydration, and one participant advised eating well the day before and keeping your energy up during the hike. Bring enough water for your own needs.

Tell the operator about dietary restrictions before the tour. That is especially important because the food is collected in advance rather than selected during the day.

The descent takes about two and a half hours

After the fjord views and lunch, the group starts down. The return to the parking area usually takes about two and a half hours, which is shorter than the ascent but not effortless.

Downhill walking can be tiring after a long climb. Rocky sections may feel harder on your knees than they did on the way up, and wet weather can make the descent more cautious. Use the available hiking poles if you need extra balance.

The guide remains with the group and sets a pace that allows for rest. This is not a tour designed to rush people back to the vehicle. Still, you need enough stamina to stay comfortable late in the day.

At the parking area, you return equipment and ride back toward Stavanger. The full experience lasts about nine hours, including transport, canoeing, hiking, stops, and the return drive.

The guides are a major part of the value

The best reason to choose this tour is not just the route. It is the guide-to-hiker ratio and the quality of attention you can receive.

Erlend has been praised for his calm manner, local knowledge, and ability to make the walk about more than reaching the top. He has identified birds, explained edible plants, and shared parts of Norwegian culture. Allan has been especially good at helping nervous participants feel secure in the canoe and on the rocky trail. Line has been described as patient, encouraging, and attentive to each person in the group.

Those details matter on a demanding hike. A guide who only points toward the summit is less useful than one who notices when you need a break, explains a tricky section, or adjusts the conversation to the group.

A dog may join the outing with some guides. That has added charm for some people, but it is not a feature you should count on when booking.

The activity runs in English and Norwegian. With a maximum of eight participants, you can ask questions and receive more direct help than you usually get on a large coach excursion.

Is $273 a fair price?

At $273 per person, this is expensive compared with hiking Preikestolen independently. The price includes transport from Stavanger, a guide for the day, the canoe, seasonal technical equipment, a snack, hot berry juice, and a packed lunch.

You are also paying for access to a route that would be difficult to find without a local guide. The canoe crossing, route planning, safety support, and small group all save you from organizing several moving parts yourself.

The value is strongest if you dislike crowded attractions, want a guide for a challenging route, and would otherwise need to arrange transport and food. If you are happy to walk the regular path alone and do not mind crowds, the cheaper independent option may suit you better.

There is no minimum group size, so the outing does not depend on filling every place. That is useful if your dates are fixed. The limit of eight people keeps the group personal without making the cost as low as a large bus tour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans around Stavanger are still moving, but they do not change the physical demands of the hike.

Who should book this hike?

I would choose this for an active visitor who wants Preikestolen to feel like a mountain day rather than a quick stop at a famous viewpoint.

It suits you if:

• You hike regularly and are comfortable with uneven, rocky ground.
• You want quiet time away from the main trail.
• You enjoy a mix of canoeing, hiking, local stories, and scenery.
• You are comfortable spending most of a day outdoors.
• You value a small group and close guide support.
• You can manage a long uphill walk followed by a tiring descent.

I would think twice if this is your first serious hike, you have a severe fear of heights, or you dislike scrambling. The tour is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people under 100 centimeters, or children under 15 kilograms.

Pack layers, water, sturdy boots, and rain protection. Avoid jeans and high heels. Most of all, do not judge the day by the short distance alone. The rocky route and repeated uphill sections make it much more demanding than an ordinary city walk.

Should you book the hidden trail to Preikestolen?

Book it if the quiet route matters as much as the famous rock. The canoe crossing, old trail, empty mountain sections, generous guide support, and broad fjord views create a fuller day than simply walking to Pulpit Rock and back.

Skip it if you want a low-cost, easy hike or prefer to avoid exposed terrain. The $273 cost is high, but it covers transport, food, equipment, a small group, and a route that is not practical to find on your own.

For fit hikers who want to see Preikestolen without spending the whole day in a crowd, this is one of the strongest ways to experience the area.

FAQ

How long does the Preikestolen hidden trail experience last?

The full activity lasts about nine hours, including transport, canoeing, hiking, breaks, and the return drive to Stavanger.

How long is the canoe portion?

The canoe ride takes about one hour. You paddle across Revsvatnet before starting the old trail.

How long does the hike take?

The uphill hike takes approximately three and a half hours. The return walk to the parking area usually takes about two and a half hours.

How high is Preikestolen?

Preikestolen sits 604 meters above Lysefjorden.

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.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Is there a minimum number of hikers?

No. The tour does not cancel because of low participation.

What languages are offered?

The live guide service is available in Norwegian and English.

Is the hike suitable for beginners?

It 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.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear proper hiking boots and outdoor clothing. Bring layers, water, warm headwear, gloves, rainproof clothing, and water-resistant trousers as needed. Jeans and high-heeled shoes are not allowed.

Is pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available at designated locations in Stavanger and along the route to the parking area. Different locations have different pickup times.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve the experience and pay later.