Stavanger: Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Canoe + Lunch

Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most popular sights, but this trip reaches it by canoe and an old trail that avoids most of the usual foot traffic. You paddle across Revsvatnet, hike through quiet mountain terrain, and arrive at the famous 604-meter cliff above Lysefjorden after roughly three and a half hours on foot.

I like the calm start on the water and the fact that the best views come before the crowded final section. I also like the small group, capped at eight people, and guides such as Erlend, Allan, Line, and Stefan, who bring local stories, safety skills, and, in some cases, a friendly dog.

The tradeoff is clear: this is not an easy stroll. The route includes steep ground, rocky scrambling, and sections that can trouble your knees on the way down. If you are new to hiking, you should book only if you are active and can handle a solid cardio workout each week.

Key points at a glance

• Canoe across Revsvatnet: Begin with about an hour on the lake before reaching the lesser-used trail.
• A quieter route to Preikestolen: Most of the hike avoids the regular path, with the main crowds appearing near the rock itself.
• Three and a half hours uphill: Expect changing terrain, rocky sections, rests, clothing adjustments, and time for photographs.
• Lunch from Villa Rosehagen: A packed meal, snack, and hot berry juice are included, with dietary needs handled if arranged ahead.
• Small groups and no minimum turnout: The group can be as small as one booking, with no cancellation simply because numbers are low.
• A demanding but rewarding day: The full experience lasts about nine hours and includes transport from Stavanger.

Why this route changes the Preikestolen experience

The standard way to Preikestolen is popular for good reason. The rock is easy to recognize, the view over Lysefjorden is grand, and the trail is well known. The problem is that popularity can make the final approach feel more like a queue than a mountain outing, especially in summer.

This tour takes a different approach. You reach the starting point of the lesser-used route by canoe, which turns the first hour into part of the adventure rather than a simple transfer. Once ashore, the trail moves through quiet terrain, with rocky ground and some scrambling. The guides set a steady pace and allow time for rest, snacks, photos, and changes to clothing or equipment.

That slower pace matters. You are not being pushed uphill to meet a strict photo stop. You have room to listen, ask questions, and notice birds, plants, and the changing character of the mountain. Erlend, for example, has shared details about edible plants, bird calls, and Norwegian culture during the walk. Allan has also brought a strong interest in local wildlife and foraging.

The route is not completely free of other people. You eventually reach Preikestolen, where the regular path brings more visitors. The quietest and most original part of the day is the approach, not the famous rock itself.

From Stavanger pickup to Revsvatnet

Your guide collects you from one of several named pickup points in Stavanger or near the trail area. Options include St. Petri kirke, Victoria Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger, Scandic Stavanger City, Thon Hotel Maritim, and Preikestolen Fjellstue, among others.

The pickup schedule varies by location, so you need to confirm your exact time rather than rely only on the general start time. The vehicle is marked, and the guide knows who is due to be collected. Transport is included both ways, which makes the day easier than arranging a bus, taxi, or rental car around a long hike.

The first drive takes about 30 minutes, followed by a stop at Villa Rosehagen. This historical restaurant prepares the packed lunch. Tell the operator about dietary restrictions in advance, since the meal is arranged before the day begins.

After another 20-minute drive, you reach Preikestolen Basecamp. This is the last convenient place for a restroom stop before the outdoor part of the day. You collect life vests and canoe paddles, then walk down to Revsvatnet.

Your guide gives instructions for safe canoeing and explains the trail, expected conditions, and useful clothing tips. This briefing is especially important if you have never used a canoe before. One person who did not know how to swim found the guide’s care reassuring, but you should still be comfortable following safety instructions and wearing a life vest.

One quiet hour on the lake

The canoe ride takes about an hour. It is not a long expedition, and the point is not technical paddling. It is a peaceful way to cross the lake and reach the old trail without starting on the regular route.

The water also changes the mood of the morning. Instead of beginning with a steep climb, you start with a slow crossing and mountain views. In late May, one group found itself alone on the lake, with no other people in sight. That kind of quiet is part of the appeal, though exact conditions will vary with the season and weather.

You should still dress for the full day rather than for a gentle boat ride. The canoe is only the opening chapter, and the trail ahead is much more demanding. The included seasonal technical equipment helps, but you may need to rent or buy additional items such as a small backpack, warm hat, gloves, rain jacket, water-resistant trousers, or hiking boots.

The old trail and its rocky challenges

Once you reach the far shore, the hiking begins. This is the section that makes the tour special, and also the part that requires honest self-assessment.

The trail passes through several types of mountain terrain and includes rocky scrambling. You do not need to be an elite mountaineer, but you do need balance, stamina, and comfort using your hands on uneven ground. A serious fear of heights is a poor match for this route.

The uphill section usually takes about three and a half hours. That includes pauses, not just nonstop walking. Guides allow time for water, snacks, photographs, clothing changes, and a sensible pace for the whole group. A small group helps here, since the guide can pay closer attention to each person than on a large coach excursion.

The guides are the strongest part of the experience. Erlend has added bird recognition, foraging, and cultural details to the walk. Allan has been praised for making people feel included and for handling safety with care. Line is patient and encouraging, while Stefan has helped hikers through more difficult sections and taken photographs along the way.

Some departures may include a dog, such as Erlend’s Border Collie. That is a pleasant extra for many people, but the core value remains the guide’s route knowledge and judgment on the rocks.

You may find sections that feel moderate rather than extreme, but do not confuse this with an easy route to a viewpoint. Several people with regular hiking habits described it as tiring, and one specifically warned that the path can be hard on the knees. Hiking poles are available from the guide if needed.

Lunch with a better view than the rock

At some point along the route, you stop for the packed lunch from Villa Rosehagen. This is more than a quick sandwich eaten while walking. The guide makes room for a proper break, and the meal gives you time to recover before the final approach.

One especially useful feature is that the route can offer broad views of Lysefjorden before you reach Preikestolen. Some hikers felt these viewpoints were even better than the famous rock because they could see more of the fjord without the rock platform or other people blocking part of the view.

You also receive a small snack and hot berry juice. That warm drink is a welcome touch in cool mountain weather. Pack extra water and any preferred snacks, since the day is long and the hike requires steady energy.

The lunch is included in the price, but dietary restrictions must be communicated ahead of time. Do not wait until pickup morning to mention an allergy or special diet.

Arriving above Lysefjorden

After roughly three and a half hours of hiking, you reach Preikestolen, also called Pulpit Rock. The cliff rises 604 meters above Lysefjorden, and the view is the payoff for the work below.

This is the moment when the two sides of the tour meet. You get the quiet approach and the extra viewpoints, then finish at Norway’s best-known rock formation. The final area can be busy, especially during the summer, so expectations matter. The tour does not remove people from Preikestolen itself. It lets you postpone the crowds until the very end.

You have time to rest and enjoy the view before heading down. This is also where the photography package might be useful if you want more formal images, though photography is not included. Guides may also take pictures for you during the day when conditions allow.

The route gives you a different perspective on the landmark. Instead of treating Preikestolen as the entire experience, it becomes the final scene of a longer mountain day. That makes the destination feel earned.

The two-and-a-half-hour descent

The return to the parking area usually takes about two and a half hours. Do not underestimate this part. Downhill travel can be harder on tired knees than the ascent, particularly on wet or uneven rock.

Use the breaks. Adjust your pack, keep your water accessible, and ask the guide for poles if you need them. The guide stays with the group and helps manage the more awkward sections, but you remain responsible for moving carefully and wearing suitable gear.

Near the end, you join the regular route for the last few hundred meters. This is where you may encounter more people. Until then, the return can remain surprisingly quiet.

Back at the vehicle, you ride toward Stavanger. The full day lasts about nine hours, including driving, canoeing, hiking, stops, and rest. You will likely be tired, but the transport means you do not need to handle a long drive after the descent.

What $273 buys you

At $273 per person, this is expensive beside a self-guided walk to Preikestolen. But the comparison is not quite fair. The fee includes transport from Stavanger, a guide for the day, the canoe ride, life vest and paddle use, seasonal technical equipment, lunch, a snack, hot berry juice, and the lesser-used route.

The biggest value is access. You are paying for a route that is difficult to find and not practical to attempt without local guidance. You are also paying for safety on rocky ground and for a guide who can adjust the pace, explain the area, and help with canoeing.

If your main goal is simply to reach the rock as cheaply as possible, this will not be the best value. The ordinary route is the more sensible choice for a lower-cost visit. If you want a quieter day, unusual access, a small group, and a full outdoor experience, the price is easier to justify.

The no-minimum policy is useful for solo visitors and couples. The operator does not cancel just because only one or a few people book. With a maximum of eight participants, the group remains small enough for personal attention without requiring a private tour price.

Who should book this hike

You should consider this trip if you:

• Hike regularly and can manage several hours of uphill and downhill movement.
• Enjoy rocky trails and do not mind a little scrambling.
• Want Preikestolen without spending the whole day on the standard route.
• Like learning about birds, plants, local culture, and mountain conditions.
• Prefer a small group to a large sightseeing outing.
• Are comfortable canoeing while wearing a life vest.
• Can commit about nine hours to the entire experience.

You should think twice if you:

• Are looking for a gentle family walk.
• Have a severe fear of heights.
• Have knee problems that make long descents difficult.
• Are pregnant.
• Are under eight years old, under 100 centimeters tall, or under 15 kilograms.
• Do not have suitable outdoor clothing or hiking shoes.

Jeans and high heels are not allowed, and both would be poor choices for this terrain in any case. Bring proper hiking footwear, weather protection, water-resistant clothing, and warm layers. You can ask about renting or buying missing equipment.

The tour runs in Norwegian and English. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later, which helps if your Stavanger schedule is still shifting.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if the crowded standard route is the main thing you want to avoid and you see the canoe ride, quiet trail, and guide-led mountain day as part of the attraction. The best moments may come before you reach Preikestolen, especially at the open viewpoints above Lysefjorden.

Skip it if you only want a short, simple visit to the rock or if your hiking experience is limited. For fit walkers who want a fuller day, the combination of Revsvatnet, rocky trail, Villa Rosehagen lunch, expert guiding, and the final fjord view makes the $273 price reasonable. It is a demanding outing, but it gives Preikestolen context, not just a quick photograph.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about nine hours, including pickup and return transport, canoeing, hiking, meal stops, and time at Preikestolen.

How much hiking is involved?

The hike to Preikestolen usually takes about three and a half hours, followed by a descent of about two and a half hours to the parking area.

Is the trail suitable for beginners?

It is intended for people with hiking experience. First-time hikers should book only if they are active and complete about one good cardio workout each week.

How large is the group?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Is there a minimum number of people required?

No. The operator does not cancel the experience because of low turnout.

Is lunch included?

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

Is canoeing included?

Yes. The tour includes about one hour of canoeing on Revsvatnet, plus use of a life vest and paddle.

Where does pickup take place?

Pickup is available from several named locations in Stavanger and near Preikestolen, including St. Petri kirke, Victoria Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger, Scandic Stavanger City, Thon Hotel Maritim, and Preikestolen Fjellstue. Exact times vary by location.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in Norwegian and English.

Is the tour suitable for children?

It is not suitable for children under eight years old, children under 100 centimeters tall, or children under 15 kilograms. It is also not suitable for pregnant women.