The Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen), the most famous tourist attraction in Ryfylke, towers an impressive 604 metres over the Lysefjord. In old times, the plateau was called Hyvlatånnå ("planed tooth"). This flat mountain plateau, approximately 600 square metres was most likely formed with the melting frost 10,000 years ago.
The crack of the Pulpit Rock
The Pulpit Rock plateau seems to have been cut out with a knife. The right angled system of faults is very visible when viewed from above. One can imagine that enormous blocks on either side of the Pulpit Rock have plummeted into the Lysefjord. Along the whole fjord can be found so-called pressure-release faults, a particulary good example being the crack in the Pulpit Rock. When the Lysefjord glacier melted some 10.000 years ago, the pressure of the ice was removed and the rock.bed cracked. You can easily imagine what will happen when the cracks get deep enough.
It is a great experience to be at the top of the plateau.
The Pulpit Rock lodge is located near the main road (Rv 13) south of Jørpeland and can be reached by car or, in the summer, by bus from Tau. From here, there is a trail to the Pulpit Rock climbing 350 metres through somewhat uneven terrain. Along the trail, there are picnic areas and excellent bathing spots. Remember proper walking shoes/boots, walking sticks, warm clothing and food.
It is a 2 hours hike from Preikestolhytta to Preikestolen (one way).
Season: April - October.
You can enjoy served food and accommodation at the Pulpit Rock Mountain lodge, which is an excellent starting point for several other marked trails. There is a paying car park, an information booth and sanitary facilities (May-September).
It is also wonderful to experience the Pulpit Rock from the fjord, either from a sightseeing boat or from a car ferry going from Lauvvik, Oanes, Stavanger, or from several other places of call on Lysefjorden. See timetable at www.norled.no and www.rodne.no.
The Pulpit Rock is also a point of interest in the Ryfylke Multiguide - a free app for your smartphone.
Do you think the only thing to do in the Pulpit Rock area is to walk to the Pulpit Rock ? Not so. You can find exiting things to do here for days.
Swim, fish, row, pick, berries, and mushrooms, study the fjord and fauna, scramble among huge bolders, visiting wartime hidingplaces - and above all to go walking.
This is an eldorado for young and old alike. You can find exiting trails in mysterious woods. Or you can rely on the specially made orienteering map to guide you past enchanted woods, mossy boulders and idyllic small lakes. Guidebook available in English and French.