Preikestolen or Prekestolen, also known by the English translations of Preacher's Pulpit or Pulpit Rock, and by the old local name Hyvlatonnå, is a massive cliff 604 metres (1982 feet) above Lysefjorden, opposite the Kjerag plateau, in Forsand, Ryfylke,Norway. The top of the cliff is approximately 25 by 25 metres (82 by 82 feet) square and almost flat, and is a famous tourist attraction in Norway.
During the four summer months of 2009, approximately 130,000 people took the 3.8 km (2.4 mi.) hike to Preikestolen, making it one of the most visited natural tourist attractions in Norway.
There is a trail from the Preikestolen Fjellstue (mountain lodge) through different mountain landscapes. A trip to Preikestolen from the closest car park and Norwegian Mountain Touring Associations-staffed refuge Preikestolen fjellstue takes about 3-4 hours for a round trip hike. The parking facility and hut are about one hour from Stavanger city by ferry and car.
The walk to Preikestolen is very steep in places. The path starts at the Preikestolen fjellstue at an elevation of approximately 270 metres (886 feet) above sea level, and climbs to 604 metres (1982 feet). The hike takes 1-3 hours depending on the experience of the hikers. Even though the elevation difference is only 334 metres (1096 feet) and the walk is not particularly long (3.8 km each way), the total elevation gain and loss over the course of the hike is more than one might initially expect, as the path climbs and descends various ridges. The walk is not recommended in winter and spring when there is snow and ice and the track may be slippery. Best season is from April to October.
A granite sculpture of the cliff is erected in Forsand's twin
town, Langeskov in
Denmark.
