Stavanger: Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Canoe + Lunch

Preikestolen is one of Norway’s biggest draws, but this tour reaches it by canoe and an old trail that avoids most of the usual foot traffic. I like the peaceful start on Revsvatnet and the chance to see fjord viewpoints before joining the main path near the famous rock.

I also like the small groups, capable guides, and proper pause for lunch and hot berry juice. The catch is simple: this is a demanding hike, not a gentle stroll. Rocky scrambling, steep ground, and a total day of about nine hours require decent fitness and suitable clothing.

Key points at a glance

• Canoe before the climb: Paddle across Revsvatnet for about one hour, with life vests and safety guidance supplied.
• A quieter route: The old trail sees far fewer people than the standard path, even during the busy summer period.
• Strong local guiding: Guides such as Erlend, Allan, Line, and Stefan have led groups through the rougher sections with care and encouragement.
• Lunch with a local touch: Your packed meal comes from Villa Rosehagen, a historic restaurant, with dietary needs handled if shared in advance.
• Small groups only: A maximum of eight participants makes it easier to ask questions, take breaks, and get help on tricky ground.
• A serious day outdoors: Expect about 3.5 hours up, 2.5 hours down, canoeing, and a total duration near nine hours.

Why this Preikestolen route feels different

The standard route to Preikestolen is popular for good reason, but popularity changes the mood. On a busy day, the famous cliff can feel less like a remote mountain perch and more like a queue with a view.

This trip takes a different approach. You begin by paddling across Revsvatnet, then leave the main flow of walkers behind and follow an old trail through the mountain. The route has been rediscovered by a local guide and is used by only a small number of people.

That does not mean you get the whole mountain to yourself. The final approach to Preikestolen connects with the better-known route, and the rock itself can be busy. Still, most of the uphill work happens in quiet surroundings, which is the part that matters most if you want a peaceful day outside.

The route also gives you more than the famous final platform. One section reaches a viewpoint above the fjord where the view can feel more open than the view from Preikestolen itself. From the rock, the cliff and fjord are the main event. From the quieter route, you get changing views as you work through the mountain.

From Stavanger to Revsvatnet by canoe

Pickup is available from a long list of Stavanger and nearby locations, including St. Petri kirke, Victoria Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger, Scandic Stavanger City, Thon Hotel Maritim, and Stavanger Bed & Breakfast. Pickup times vary by location, so you should confirm your exact time rather than relying only on the broad start time shown during booking.

The drive begins with a stop at Villa Rosehagen, where the guide collects the packed lunches. This is a useful detail, not just a food stop. You are not handed a generic snack bar lunch. The meal comes from a Norwegian restaurant with a long local connection, and dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you provide notice.

After another short drive, you reach Preikestolen Basecamp. This is where you can use the restrooms, collect life vests and paddles, and get ready for the first active part of the day.

The canoe crossing takes about one hour. You receive instructions on safe paddling, the trail, expected conditions, and practical hiking tips before setting off. If you have never used a canoe, the guides can help you get settled. One participant specifically noted that the guide took extra care with canoe safety despite not knowing how to swim, which is reassuring if you feel nervous on the water.

The lake crossing is not a major expedition. It is a calm opening that breaks up the transport and lets you enter the day at a slower pace. It also gives you a quiet view of the surrounding mountains before the hard work begins.

The old trail and its rocky sections

Once ashore, the group follows the forgotten trail toward Preikestolen. The route passes through several types of mountain ground and includes rocky sections where you may need to use your hands for balance. The exact challenge depends on conditions, your pace, and the group, but you should think of this as a proper mountain hike with some scrambling.

The guide sets a manageable rhythm, with time to adjust layers, rest, eat snacks, and take photographs. That matters because a long uphill day is easier when you are not pushed from one viewpoint to the next.

The guides add more than navigation. Erlend has shared information about bird calls, edible plants, local culture, and the area’s wildlife. Allan has been praised for making everyone feel included and for giving clear help on difficult sections. Line is known for a patient, encouraging approach, while Stefan has helped hikers feel secure during the more exposed or awkward parts of the trail.

These details make the experience feel more personal than simply following colored trail markers. You can ask about the terrain, stop to notice a plant or bird, and learn how the mountain fits into local life.

Still, do not mistake the friendly pace for an easy route. The hike is recommended for people with hiking experience. If this is your first proper hike, you should be active and able to manage at least one good cardio workout each week. Several sections can be tiring, and the descent may be hard on your knees.

A lunch stop with room to breathe

After a few hours, the group stops for lunch. The timing and exact location depend on the pace and conditions, but the meal is designed as a real break rather than something you eat while walking.

You receive a packed lunch from Villa Rosehagen, along with a small snack and hot berry juice. The hot drink is especially welcome in cool or damp weather, and it gives the group a chance to warm up before continuing.

Bring water and consider extra snacks even though food is included. One participant advised eating well the day before and keeping hydrated during the hike. That is sensible advice for a route with several hours of uphill and downhill travel.

You should also tell the operator about dietary restrictions ahead of time. Do not wait until pickup morning. The food can be adjusted when the need is known in advance.

Reaching the 604-meter cliff above Lysefjorden

After roughly 3.5 hours of hiking, you reach Preikestolen, also called Pulpit Rock. The cliff rises 604 meters above Lysefjorden, with a sheer edge and a broad view along the water.

This is the part most people picture when they think of the trip, but the route earns its value before you arrive. You have already had the quiet canoe crossing, the less-used trail, the rocky climb, and the chance to stop at viewpoints without the main crowd around you.

At Preikestolen, conditions change. The final area can be busy, especially in summer. You may have to share the rock and wait for a clear moment at the edge. The guide helps you use your time well, but cannot control the number of people at Norway’s most famous cliff.

Some hikers find the quieter viewpoint along the way more impressive because it offers a broad view of the fjord without the same visual obstruction. Others want the classic photograph from the rock itself. This tour gives you both options, which is a strong reason to choose it over a standard hike if you have the stamina.

If heights bother you badly, think carefully before booking. The route includes rocky terrain and dramatic drops, and the final cliff is not a place where you can simply ignore the exposure.

The descent takes patience

The return to the parking area usually takes about 2.5 hours. Downhill travel is often harder than expected, especially after the excitement of reaching the top has worn off.

Watch your footing on the rocky sections and use the available rest stops. Hiking poles may be available from the guide if needed, and they can help on ground that is rough on the knees.

The group returns to the parking area, gets back into the vehicle, and rides to the Stavanger drop-off point. Since the day lasts about nine hours, you should avoid planning a tight evening appointment, restaurant reservation, or onward connection.

The long duration is part of the value, but it is also the main practical cost. This is not a quick photo stop squeezed between other activities. It takes most of a day and leaves little energy for another major excursion afterward.

What the $273 price buys you

At $273 per person, this is an expensive Preikestolen outing. You are paying more than you would for an ordinary self-guided hike, and the price deserves a clear explanation.

The fee includes transport from and back to Stavanger, a local guide for the day, canoe use, seasonal technical equipment, a snack, hot berry juice, and packed lunch. The group is capped at eight, and the operator does not cancel because only a small number of people book.

That combination makes the price easier to justify for the right person. You are not simply paying for a ride to the trailhead. You are paying for a special route, equipment, local guidance, food, and help with the rougher parts of the day.

The value is strongest if you care about avoiding crowds or do not want to manage the canoe, route-finding, and mountain safety yourself. It is weaker if you are happy to walk the main trail independently and mainly want a quick view from Preikestolen.

A photography package and hiking gear rental are not included. You may be able to ask about renting or buying a small backpack, warm hat and gloves, rainproof jacket, water-resistant trousers, or hiking boots, but confirm this before the day.

What to wear and pack

Jeans and high-heeled shoes are not allowed, and both would be poor choices for this terrain anyway. Wear proper hiking boots with good grip and clothing that handles changing weather.

A practical setup includes:

• Hiking boots
• Warm layers that can be added or removed
• Rainproof outerwear
• Water-resistant trousers
• Small backpack
• Water bottle
• Extra snacks
• Warm hat and gloves when conditions call for them

The tour provides seasonal technical equipment, but you should not assume that every item of personal clothing is included. Ask about rentals if you are traveling without hiking gear.

The canoe portion also calls for sensible clothing. You receive a life vest, but the water can still make the morning feel cool. Bring layers that allow you to stay comfortable before the climb begins.

Who should book this tour?

I would choose this outing if you want Preikestolen with a quieter approach, enjoy being active, and like having a guide who can explain the natural and cultural details along the way.

It suits regular hikers, active first-time hikers, and anyone who wants more than the standard out-and-back walk. It is also a good fit for small groups who value personal attention. With no more than eight participants, the guide can adjust the pace and respond to different comfort levels.

I would not choose it for young children, anyone pregnant, or anyone below the stated height and weight limits. Children under eight are not accepted, and the activity is not suitable for children under 100 centimeters or under 15 kilograms.

If you have a severe fear of heights, the cliff sections and final viewpoint may make the day stressful rather than enjoyable. And if you want a relaxed sightseeing day, the total hiking time is likely too much.

Practical booking advice

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That is useful when weather or a changing Norway itinerary makes planning uncertain.

The tour runs in Norwegian and English. Pickup and drop-off are available at the listed Stavanger and nearby locations, but times differ by stop. Contact the operator or check the pickup table carefully so you are waiting at the right place and time.

The operator says there is no minimum number of hikers, so the outing is not canceled solely because turnout is low. That is valuable for solo visitors or couples who do not want to gamble on a minimum group size.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is a quieter, more unusual route to Preikestolen and you are ready for a full day of hard walking. The canoe crossing, packed lunch, small group, and local guiding make it far more than a standard transfer to the trailhead.

Skip it if you want an easy hike, dislike scrambling, have serious concerns about heights, or only have a few hours in the Stavanger area. For fit hikers who want the famous cliff with extra mountain time and fewer people along the way, the $273 price is reasonable, provided you arrive with the right gear and realistic expectations.

FAQ

How long does the Preikestolen hidden trail tour last?

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

How long is the canoe ride?

The canoe section takes about one hour across Revsvatnet.

How long does the hike to Preikestolen take?

The uphill hike takes approximately 3.5 hours. The descent to the parking area usually takes about 2.5 hours.

How many people can join the tour?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a packed lunch from Villa Rosehagen, plus a small snack and a serving of hot berry juice.

Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes, but you need to tell the operator about dietary restrictions in advance.

Is transport from Stavanger included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available at designated locations in Stavanger and at some nearby locations along the route to the parking area.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in Norwegian and English.

Is the hike suitable for beginners?

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

Is the tour suitable for children?

Children under eight are not accepted. The activity is also not suitable for children under 100 centimeters tall or under 15 kilograms.

What equipment is included?

The tour includes canoe equipment, life vests, paddles, and seasonal technical equipment. Personal hiking gear such as boots, a small backpack, rainproof clothing, warm hats, and gloves may need to be rented or purchased separately.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.