Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Lunch and Canoe Trip

The clever part of this day is that you reach Preikestolen by canoe and an old trail, rather than simply joining the main walking route. You paddle across Refsvatnet, hike for about three hours, and approach the famous cliff from above and behind the usual crowds.

I like the small group of no more than eight and the way the day allows time for clothing adjustments, snacks, rest, and photos. I also like that lunch comes from a historic Norwegian restaurant, so you are not left to sort out food during a long hike. The catch is simple: this is a demanding day with roughly 5.5 hours of hiking, and wet weather can make it tougher.

Key points

• Canoe across Refsvatnet: The day begins on the water, with safety guidance before you paddle toward the old trail.
• A quieter route to Preikestolen: The trail avoids the main path for much of the climb and can feel remarkably peaceful.
• Views from above the famous cliff: The route reaches viewpoints higher than Preikestolen, looking down toward the people gathered on the rock.
• Guides who adjust the pace: Stephan, Chris, and Allen have led the hike many times and pay attention to how the group is doing.
• Lunch and equipment included: Your packed meal and canoe equipment are arranged before the hike begins.
• A full nine-hour commitment: Pickup starts around 7 a.m., and the day ends back at Preikestolen Fjellstue.

Why this route feels different from the usual Preikestolen walk

Preikestolen, or Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway’s best-known viewpoints. The flat-topped cliff rises 604 meters above Lysefjorden, and the standard route is popular for good reason. It is accessible, well known, and leads directly to the classic view.

This experience takes a more unusual approach. You do not simply walk from the parking area to the cliff and back. You begin at Refsvatnet, carry or use canoe equipment, paddle across the lake, and then follow an old trail that is described as forgotten and free of the main route’s crowds.

That difference matters most in summer. The cliff itself can become busy, especially around the famous photo spot. On this route, you may have a quieter walk for much of the day, then reach a higher viewpoint where you can look down toward Preikestolen and see the line of people waiting for their turn on the rock.

I would not book this only because it promises a quieter path. Book it because you want the whole package: water, a strenuous hike, less-used viewpoints, and a full day outside. The canoe is not a short decorative add-on. It is the opening stage of the route and helps give the day its distinct character.

Starting at 7 a.m. in Stavanger

Pickup is offered from designated locations in Stavanger, with the general pickup time set for 7 a.m. Exact pickup times depend on the location, so you need to check the timetable when booking.

The drive to Preikestolen Basecamp takes about 45 minutes. This early start is useful for two reasons. First, it gives you enough daylight and time for the long walking day. Second, it gets you moving before the busiest part of the morning at the main access point.

The meeting point is Preikestolen Fjellstue at Preikestolvegen 521 in Jørpeland. The activity also ends there, so the day has a clear beginning and finish rather than dropping you somewhere different.

You should treat the 7 a.m. start as a real commitment. This is not a late-morning outing that happens to include a hike. Allow time to reach your pickup point, and do not plan another fixed activity immediately afterward. The advertised duration is about nine hours, and the return portion can vary with weather, pace, and rest stops.

Refsvatnet adds a real canoe trip

At Basecamp, the group collects the packed lunch and canoe equipment before walking down to the beach at Refsvatnet. The guide gives instructions on safe canoeing, explains the trail, and discusses the conditions expected that day.

That briefing is important. You are not being placed in a canoe without guidance and sent off across the lake. The group gets a basic introduction first, which is especially helpful if you have limited canoeing experience.

The paddle across Refsvatnet is one of the most appealing parts of the day. It changes the rhythm before the climb begins. Instead of starting with an immediate uphill walk, you first cross calm water, reach the far shore, and then continue on foot.

The supplied details do not specify the exact canoe distance, boat design, or how much paddling each person does. You should therefore think of the canoe segment as a meaningful part of the route, but not plan your day around a long independent lake excursion.

Once ashore, the guide sets the group onto the old trail. The pace is intended to leave room for adjustments, breaks, snacks, and photographs. That is good planning for a demanding outing. A rigid march would make the day harder, especially when weather shifts or the group has mixed ability.

Three hours on the old trail

The hike to Preikestolen takes about three hours. That is a serious walk, not a casual stroll before lunch.

The route is valuable because it gives you a different experience from the standard path. You may go for long stretches without seeing another group. Several people who completed the activity described reaching the top without meeting anyone on the trail, which is a major attraction for anyone who finds crowded viewpoints tiring.

The quiet comes with a tradeoff. An old trail may feel less polished and less predictable than the main route. The tour information calls for a moderate level of fitness, but the timing tells you more than that phrase does: expect three hours going up, 2.5 hours coming down, plus the canoe segment and transport.

You should be comfortable with sustained walking and uneven ground. The guides can adjust the pace and check how people are feeling, but they cannot remove the physical demands of the route. Allen and Chris are described as having completed the hike many times and as being especially attentive when someone is tired or hurting. That kind of support is useful, though it does not turn a hard hike into an easy one.

Bring clothing that can be adjusted during the day. The schedule specifically allows time to change layers and equipment, which suggests conditions may shift. One person completed the hike in intermittent rain and still found the views worthwhile, but rain can make any old trail more tiring and slippery.

The reward is not only Preikestolen

After around three hours, you reach Preikestolen, 604 meters above Lysefjorden. The cliff’s sheer face and wide fjord view are the headline attraction, and they justify the effort.

Yet the route offers a second visual reward. The path reaches a point above Preikestolen, giving you a different angle on the famous rock. From there, you can look toward the cliff and see people gathering for photographs below. That perspective helps you understand the scale of the area in a way the standard viewpoint cannot.

This is also where the route’s quieter character may give way to the usual activity around the main attraction. The experience does not promise that Preikestolen itself will be empty. Its promise is a less crowded approach and additional viewpoints before and above the famous platform.

You get time to rest and enjoy the scenery before heading down. That pause matters. After a hard ascent, it is tempting to take one quick photo and leave, but this tour builds in time to sit, eat, and take in the fjord.

Lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant

A packed lunch is included and collected at Basecamp. The meal comes from a historic Norwegian restaurant, which adds a local touch to an otherwise strenuous outdoor day.

The exact menu is not specified, so you should contact the operator with dietary restrictions before the trip. That is particularly important because there may be few practical chances to buy food once the canoe and hike begin.

A packed lunch also keeps the schedule flexible. You can eat when the guide chooses a suitable break rather than waiting for a restaurant booking. Snacks are mentioned as part of the day’s pacing, but you should confirm what is included and consider bringing any extra food you know you will want during 5.5 hours of walking.

The descent takes about 2.5 hours

The return walk normally takes about 2.5 hours to the parking area. Downhill walking is often underestimated. It may feel easier on your breathing, but uneven ground and tired legs can make the descent demanding.

This is where good pacing matters most. Guides such as Stephan, Chris, and Allen are described as making adjustments when people need help, and the small group makes that easier than it would be with a large coach party.

After the descent, you return to the car and finish back at the meeting point. The tour does not list another canoe crossing at the end, so the water portion is part of the opening approach rather than a repeated return activity.

By the time you reach the parking area, you will likely be tired. That is not a flaw, but you should plan your evening accordingly. A quiet meal and an early night will make more sense than a packed schedule after this outing.

Guides and group size make a difference

The maximum group size is eight people. That is one of the strongest practical features of the experience.

A small group allows the guide to notice if someone is struggling, stop for photos without holding up a large party, and explain the route in a more personal way. It also helps preserve the quiet feel of the old trail. Eight people can still create a group atmosphere, but it is very different from following a large line.

The guides named in the supplied information include Stephan, Chris, and Allen. Stephan is specifically praised for being fun, while Chris and Allen are described as fit, experienced on the route, and considerate of the group’s condition.

You should not confuse high fitness with a need to race. The stated pace includes breaks and adjustments. The best guide for this outing is not simply the fastest person on the mountain. It is someone who can keep the group safe and moving without making slower hikers feel like a problem.

Is $212.61 good value?

At $212.61 per person, this is not the budget way to see Preikestolen. You are paying for more than a walk to a viewpoint, though.

The price includes pickup from designated Stavanger locations, the drive to Basecamp, a guide, canoe equipment, the lake crossing, a packed lunch, and a full-day route with several viewpoints. The group size is capped at eight, which gives the outing a more personal feel than a large scheduled excursion.

The value depends on what you want. If your priority is the cheapest route to the famous cliff, the standard walk will make more sense. If you want the least effort, this is also the wrong choice.

I think the price is easier to justify if you value three things: a less-used trail, the canoe crossing, and a guide who can manage a demanding route. Those are not small extras. They shape the entire day.

The 5-star rating from 20 ratings and a 100 percent recommendation record suggest a very strong response so far. Still, the sample is small, and the physical demands remain the same regardless of praise. Read the description carefully before treating the high rating as proof that the hike will suit you.

Who should book this Preikestolen day?

This is a strong choice for you if you want an active day and prefer unusual routes to the most direct path. It suits hikers who enjoy combining several activities rather than spending the whole day on one trail.

It is also a good fit if crowds are a major concern. You cannot guarantee an empty Preikestolen, but the approach is designed to avoid the main trail for much of the hike.

You should think twice if you have limited fitness, dislike uneven walking, or want a relaxed sightseeing outing. The phrase moderate fitness can sound mild, but three hours up and 2.5 hours down is substantial.

This experience may also be a poor match if rain would spoil the day for you. The tour requires suitable weather and can be canceled if conditions are poor. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Service animals are allowed. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is intended for a maximum of eight people.

The practical decision

I would book this if I had one full day in the Stavanger area and wanted to see Preikestolen in a more active, less predictable way. The canoe crossing, old trail, higher viewpoints, and small group give it more character than a basic out-and-back walk.

I would not book it simply to collect a quick photograph of the cliff. The standard route is more suitable for that goal. This experience asks for time, energy, flexibility, and a willingness to let the guide manage the pace.

The best preparation is straightforward: check the pickup time, share dietary restrictions before departure, wear adaptable outdoor clothing, and leave your evening open. If the weather is good and you are ready for a long day, the route offers a rewarding look at Lysefjorden from several angles.

FAQ

Where does the activity start?

It starts at Preikestolen Fjellstue, Preikestolvegen 521, 4105 Jørpeland, Norway. Pickup is also offered from several designated locations in Stavanger.

What time does the activity begin?

The general start time is 7 a.m. Pickup times vary by location, so check the pickup timetable for the exact time.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately nine hours.

How long is the hike to Preikestolen?

The hike up takes about three hours. The return walk normally takes about 2.5 hours.

Is canoeing included?

Yes. Canoe equipment is included, and you paddle across Refsvatnet before reaching the old trail.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant is included. Contact the operator with any dietary restrictions.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is eight people.

What level of fitness is required?

The activity requires a moderate physical fitness level. You should be prepared for about 5.5 hours of hiking, along with the canoe portion and transport.

Can the activity be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.