Stavanger: Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Canoe + Lunch

The clever part of this Preikestolen trip comes before the famous cliff: you paddle across Revsvatnet, then take an old trail that most hikers never see. I like the quiet canoe start and the small group of up to eight, which let the day feel more like a mountain outing than a queue for a photo.

I also like that guides such as Allan, Line, Erlend, and Stefan bring different touches, from safe canoe instruction to local stories, bird calls, and edible plants. The catch is real: this is a demanding hike with rocky scrambling, steep sections, and some exposure, so it is not a good first hike for an inactive person or anyone with a severe fear of heights.

Key points

• A canoe crossing begins the day: Paddle for about an hour across Revsvatnet before reaching the quiet trailhead.
• A rarely used route avoids most crowds: You normally meet few people until the final approach to Preikestolen.
• The hike takes about 3.5 hours uphill: Rocky ground and some climbing require solid fitness and proper footwear.
• The best fjord view may come before the famous rock: The route includes open viewpoints above Lysefjorden, sometimes with a clearer view than the crowded platform.
• Lunch comes from Villa Rosehagen: You receive a packed meal, a small snack, and hot berry juice.
• The price covers the big practical pieces: At $273, you get transport, guide, canoe, seasonal equipment, lunch, and a full nine-hour day.

Why the canoe crossing changes the Preikestolen day

Most visits to Preikestolen, also called Pulpit Rock, begin at Preikestolen Basecamp and follow the usual walking route. This trip takes a more unusual line. After pickup, you ride to the base area, collect life jackets and paddles, and walk down to Revsvatnet.

The canoe ride lasts about an hour. It is not a white-knuckle water sport. The guide explains how to paddle and how to stay safe, then helps the group cross the lake. For a first-time canoe paddler, that instruction matters. One person specifically appreciated being made to feel safe despite not knowing how to swim.

The water crossing gives you a quiet start. You have time to settle into the day before the hard walking begins. It also removes the feeling that you are simply repeating the standard route with a guide in front of you.

The canoe is still an added responsibility. You need to follow instructions, wear the provided life vest, and be comfortable getting into an outdoor activity before the hike. If you expect a gentle sightseeing boat ride, adjust your expectations. You are paddling as part of a mountain day.

The forgotten trail and its rocky character

Once you reach the far shore, the walking begins on an old, little-used route. This is the main reason to choose this experience. The path was rediscovered by a local guide, and it is not operated by other tour companies according to the provider.

Do not read hidden trail as easy trail. The route crosses rough ground, includes uphill stretches, and calls for some scrambling. You may need to use your hands on rock in places. The guide controls the pace, with stops to adjust clothing, rest, eat snacks, and take pictures, but the total effort remains substantial.

The route passes through several types of mountain terrain. The changing ground keeps the climb interesting, though it also means you need shoes with a firm grip. Jeans are not allowed, and high heels are plainly unsuitable. Hiking boots are not included unless you arrange to rent or buy them, so check your gear before booking.

The quiet is a major part of the experience. You may go for long stretches without seeing anyone else. That gives the trail a more natural feel and lets you pay attention to small details. Erlend, for example, has used the walk to point out bird calls, edible plants, and bits of Norwegian culture. Allan has also been praised for sharing facts about wildlife and the mountain.

Those details are not guaranteed with a specific guide, but they show what a strong guide can add. You are not simply being led from point A to point B. You can ask questions and get a closer look at the place around you.

The views before Preikestolen

One of the most useful things to understand is that the famous rock may not be the best viewpoint of the day. The route reaches open positions above Lysefjorden before it joins the final area near Preikestolen.

From these higher viewpoints, you can sometimes see more of the fjord without people crowding the edge or blocking part of the view. One itinerary account described the view from the secret route as better than the view directly from the rock because the fjord was less obstructed.

That does not make Preikestolen unimportant. The cliff is the goal, and standing at the 604-meter-high formation above Lysefjorden is the moment most people came for. But this trip gives you two rewards: the quiet mountain route and the famous landmark.

You should also expect a sharp change in atmosphere near the end. The hidden route can feel almost empty, then the standard path and Pulpit Rock area bring you back among other hikers. The contrast makes the crowd-free part feel even more valuable.

A three-and-a-half-hour climb to the famous cliff

The uphill hike takes about 3.5 hours, depending on group pace and conditions. The guide leaves room for breaks rather than pushing everyone at one fixed speed. That is useful on uneven ground, especially if your clothing needs adjusting or you need regular water and snack stops.

At the top, Preikestolen rises 604 meters above Lysefjorden. The broad fjord view is the payoff for the climb, and you have time to sit, rest, and take it in before starting down.

The rock itself has a reputation for dramatic edges. If heights make you very uncomfortable, this outing may not be right for you. The guides focus on safety, but no guide can remove the exposure that makes Preikestolen famous.

The return normally takes about 2.5 hours to the parking area. Downhill walking can be harder on the knees than the climb, especially on rough rock. Extra hiking poles may be available from the guide, but I would still bring your own if you rely on them.

Add the canoe crossing, driving, pickup stops, and breaks, and the day lasts about nine hours. This is a full day outdoors, not a quick excursion squeezed between two other activities.

Lunch from Villa Rosehagen

The packed lunch is collected during the drive at Villa Rosehagen, an authentic Norwegian restaurant with a long local connection. You eat it during the hike, usually at a scenic rest point rather than in a formal dining room.

That arrangement works well. You do not need to carry a full day of food, and you can stop for lunch when the group reaches a good resting place. A small snack and hot berry juice are also included, with the warm drink especially welcome after the climb or at a breezy viewpoint.

Tell the operator about dietary restrictions in advance. The lunch is included, but the supplied details do not promise a particular menu or on-the-day substitutions.

You should still bring enough water for your own needs. The tour includes food and a snack, but no amount is given for water, and hydration is important on a demanding hike.

Guides are a big part of the value

The group is limited to eight people, and there is no minimum number required for the trip to operate. That is a useful combination. A small group makes it easier to hear instructions, ask questions, and keep a steady pace. The no-minimum policy reduces the risk of having your plans canceled because too few people booked.

The guide team includes trained local leaders. Allan has been praised for making every person feel included and for handling the canoe safely. Line is described as patient and encouraging, with a good sense of how much conversation the group wants. Erlend has brought in local knowledge about plants, birds, and culture. Stefan has been singled out for careful help on the more difficult sections and for taking photos.

You cannot necessarily request one of these guides unless the operator confirms it. Still, the pattern is clear: guide quality is not a minor extra here. It is what makes the unusual route practical.

Some guides may bring a dog. That has been a welcome bonus for some groups, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed part of the trip.

What the $273 price really covers

At $273 per person, this is expensive compared with simply taking yourself to the standard Preikestolen trail. The comparison is not quite fair, though. A self-guided visit does not include a canoe crossing, a guide for roughly six hours of hiking, transport from Stavanger, lunch from Villa Rosehagen, a snack, hot berry juice, life vests, paddles, or seasonal technical equipment.

The included transport also removes some planning work. Pickup is available from a range of locations in Stavanger and Jørpeland, including St. Petri Church, Victoria Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger, Scandic Stavanger City, Thon Hotel Maritim, Stavanger Bed & Breakfast, and Preikestolen Fjellstue. The vehicle is well marked, but pickup times differ by location, so you need to confirm your exact time rather than rely only on the nine-hour duration.

For someone who wants the iconic viewpoint but dislikes crowded tourist routes, the added cost can make sense. You are paying for access to a less-used trail, a trained guide, food, and a distinctive opening to the day.

The value is weaker if you are happy to hike independently, already have transport, or mainly want a simple walk to Preikestolen. It is also poor value if you lack the fitness for the route, since included extras cannot make a hard hike easy.

Who should book this hike

I would choose this trip if you hike regularly and want more than the standard Pulpit Rock photo. The published guidance says first-time hikers should book only if they are active, with at least one good cardio workout each week. That is a modest benchmark, but the rocky trail and long downhill return deserve respect.

You should be comfortable with:

• Several hours of uphill and downhill walking
• Uneven, rocky ground
• Some scrambling and hand-assisted climbing
• A canoe crossing
• Exposure near Preikestolen
• A full nine-hour outdoor day

The experience is not suitable for children under eight, pregnant women, people under 100 centimeters, or children under 15 kilograms. Those restrictions are important, especially because the trail is not a smooth walking path.

Pack hiking boots, water-resistant trousers, a rainproof jacket, warm hat, gloves, and a small backpack. These items are not included, though rental or purchase may be possible through the operator. Norway’s mountain weather can change quickly, so a sunny forecast should not tempt you into light city clothing.

Pickup, timing, and cancellation

Pickup is included from designated locations in Stavanger and along the route toward the parking area. The operator uses different pickup times for different locations, so check the current timetable and contact the company if your location is not clear.

The tour runs in Norwegian and English. The group size is capped at eight, which is small enough for direct contact with the guide without making the day feel private-tour expensive.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Check availability for the actual starting time, since the tour is listed as a nine-hour activity rather than one fixed daily departure.

Should you book the hidden route?

Book it if avoiding crowds is central to your Preikestolen plan, and you have the fitness and confidence for rough mountain walking. The canoe crossing, quiet trail, open fjord viewpoints, and included lunch create a much fuller day than a standard out-and-back hike.

Skip it if you want an easy path, dislike heights, or are looking only for the cheapest way to reach the cliff. At $273, this is a premium outing, but the price is easier to justify when you value a local guide, transport, food, and a route that most people will not find on their own.

For an active visitor with one day to spend around Stavanger, this is a strong choice. Just book proper footwear, bring water, confirm pickup, and treat the word scrambling as a real warning rather than a decorative tour word.

FAQ

How long does the Preikestolen hidden trail tour last?

The full experience lasts about nine hours. The hike takes approximately 3.5 hours going up and about 2.5 hours returning to the parking area, with canoeing, driving, breaks, and lunch included in the day.

Is the canoe ride included?

Yes. Canoeing across Revsvatnet is included, along with life vests and paddles. The canoe section takes about one hour, and the guide gives safety and paddling instructions before you leave the shore.

How difficult is the hidden trail hike?

The hike is suitable for people with hiking experience. It includes uphill walking, rocky terrain, and some scrambling, and it is not recommended as a first hike unless you are active and complete about one good cardio workout per week.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a packed lunch collected from Villa Rosehagen, plus a small snack and hot berry juice. You should provide any dietary restrictions in advance.

Where can I be picked up?

Pickup is available from several listed hotels and locations in Stavanger and Jørpeland, including St. Petri Church, Victoria Hotel, Clarion Hotel Stavanger, Scandic Stavanger City, Thon Hotel Maritim, and Preikestolen Fjellstue. Pickup times vary by location, so confirm the correct time with the operator.

Is the tour suitable for children?

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