Available languages
9 hours
Mobile ticket
You can stop searching: This is THE best day-time hike to Preikestolen money can buy! No other operator runs this tour, and we are proud to deliver it!
See Lysefjorden from the absolute best viewpoints, on a hidden trail guaranteed to be without crowds, even in the middle of summer! Epic and unparalleled beauty awaits. Canoe ride included. Packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant included (please contact us to provide dietary restrictions).
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Lunch
Snacks
Air-conditioned vehicle
Hot berry juice
canoe, paddle, and life preserver
Hiking poles
Select a pickup point
The day starts with being picked up by our guide from one of several designated locations in Stavanger. The general pick-up time is 7AM, but check our pick-up time table for exact times. After a 45-minute drive, we arrive at Preikestolen Basecamp. We pick up our packet lunch, canoe equipment, and walk down to the beach of the lake, Refsvatnet. Here the guide will provide instructions about safe canoeing, information about the trail, and expected conditions. When everyone is ready, the adventure begins. We paddle across the lake, make our way onto shore, and hike along an old and forgotten trail. The pace allows for time to adjust clothes and equipment, time to rest and enjoy snacks, and for taking pictures along the way. After approximately 3 hours of hiking, we will arrive at Preikestolen, 604 meters right above the legendary Lysefjorden. The sheer cliff face overlooks the fjord, and the panoramic view before us makes for a fantastic reward after all the work it took to get there. After we have enjoyed the scenery and relaxed for a while, we head back down. It normally takes about 2.5 hours to get back down to the parking area. Exhausted but satisfied, we get back in the car.
Pickup included
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lydia G,
Sep 10, 2025
- Review from Viator
You need to have some condition because the trail is sometimes steep and you need to climb. But the guide gives you very good advice. I’m only 158 cm tall (or short 😅) and not the youngest but I will go on adventures like this as long as I can. The canoe trip was heavy because we had a lot of wind. But we all made it. We had stunning views during the hike and our guide knew the best spots to take pictures.
Curiosity56201486608,
Sep 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Absolutely amazing trek. This is definitely the best tour group to use when trekking Preikestolen. Our personable tour guide, Erlend took us on an alternative trek to the rock, including a canoe paddle, where we felt we had the place to ourselves. Included snacks, lunch, drinks and a hot chocolate at the end. I cannot say enough about the professionalism and info provided by Erlend during the trek. Amazing insight into the history and the ecosystem of the area. All done with good chat and humour. This is without doubt the best tour group to join for this trek. Don’t hesitate. Thanks again Erlend!

R8596TRangelae,
Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
My husband and I did the Hidden Trail hike earlier this week with Cristian. He was an amazing guide. I was very nervous about my ability to do the hike and he assured me that we would get to the top no matter how long it took. He was so kind the entire time. We enjoyed all of the views along the way. I think we only saw about 5 people total (and the amazing dog of the other guide). Once we got to the top, we saw all of the other people and were so glad we had taken the hidden trail. Cristian was so good about stopping to take breaks after the stretches of uphill. It was very much needed and appreciated. I felt very comfortable with him and was so happy he was our guide! This hike is not easy at all, but zig-zagging up the mountain seems much easier than straight up and down like the main trial. Do this hike, you won't regret it (even if your legs are sore for a week). :)








Anne R,
Aug 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Wow! What a wonderful trip. As seasoned hikers in our 60s-70s, we knew this trip would be special the moment Christian picked us up at a location convenient to our B&B. His expert driving, the congeniality of our fellow hikers, the knowledgeable leadership of Erlend, and the joyful exuberance of his border collie Balder made this hike one like none other. Paddling across a lake to the starting point of our hike gave our arms a workout, and when we hit the trail, our legs knew they were in for a day of ups and downs and boulders and roots. Erlend shared information about the ecology of the area as we hiked along and treated us to several viewpoints no one but those who take this hike can visit. We were definitely off the beaten trail. Our provided sandwiches and hot berry drink hit the spot at lunch, and the chocolate and nut snacks kept us fueled as we made our way to the overpopulated Preikestolen. Taking the horse trail back down the mountain tested our knees, but the provided hiking poles kept us upright. Back at the base, we had yet another treat--hot chocolate and coffee. All in all, this trip couldn't have been better.






carolinesT9636TW,
Jul 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
It was absolutely fantastic, from the service, adapted, the pace to us in a nice way- it was never too hard- and in front of a fantastic route - we were basically by ourselves on the whole route. How beautiful! The canoe trip was also magical. Many thanks for an unforgettable memory.🙏🏻


renelle22,
Jul 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had watched videos of what the "classic" trail would look like during peak season and I knew I would not enjoy making the trek to Preikestolen with the large crowds. I wanted to enjoy the nature surrounding me. My family and I decided that this tour would be worth the money and it definitely was more than we expected! We were led by our guide Stephan and joined by one other family. We had a nice canoe ride across the lake and then began our hike. Had it not been for Stephan, we would not have known where to go, this path was not travelled by many and that's exactly what we were looking for! It was just our two families until we got to Preikestolen and we had views of the Lysefjord 99% of the time. Our lunch stop afforded the most incredible views, again without anyone else around us. Our pictures were better than any picture you could get from Preikestolen because we were higher up than Preikestolen. And we didn't have to wait in a long line to take pictures! We had the trails all to ourselves the entire time. Because the family that was with us had to get back to their cruise ship, we decided to take the "classic" trail down rather than the hidden side trail to save time for them. The "classic" trail was crowded and not very "adventurous" because it involved a lot of steps and bridges. The hidden trail hike required us to do a lot of fun scrambling and walking on boggy trails as we crossed over mini waterfalls ALL BY OURSELVES. If you truly enjoy hiking and want to have the trails to yourselves, go with Explore Lysefjorden! This is money well spent! Stephan was an amazing, knowledgeable and most of all, FUN guide...he was always one to lend a hand for those areas where we needed help. He even took pictures with his own camera which was nice because I'm never in front of a camera, but rather always the one taking pictures. Seeing candid pictures with me included was a nice treat. Erlend, the head guide who arranged our tour was amazing to work with, great customer service and so pleasant to chat with. Christian was our driver and he was quite entertaining and provided a lot of great local information during our drive. For an authentic hike to Preikestolen, go with Explore Lysefjorden, you will not be disappointed!! Thank you so very much Stephan, Christian and Erlend for making our experience so unforgettable!


NASW87,
Jul 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The hidden trail hike is not for the non adventurous. The canoe across the lake was scenic and peaceful. The hike up the hidden trail was tough, but being away from the crowds and seeing the amazing landscape was nothing short of amazing. Our guide Stephan was terrific. Made sure we were all doing well and took some amazing photos. I would give it 10 stars if that were possible.



kristieb359,
Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
The only way to go- knowing there are 4k visitors a day on the main trail, why wouldn’t you go with a guide and his amazing border collie across the lake in a canoe to a hidden trail- trekking up steps that only they use. Alan was fabulous, and a pro at capturing breathtaking pictures. This is his dream job, wanting e with a masters in biology, and isn’t he lucky. 10*s
555kiral,
Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
This is the most incredible way to get to Pulpit Rock! Guide was so expert, friendly, helpful. Our group was terrific! This is above and beyond the tourist hike to Pulpit Rock. Do not miss this!
Culture60057057034,
Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
First cruise the water path to the mystery, walk a path that locals are less likely to go to the mountain, the surroundings enjoy a magnificent view along the way, need to simply climb, from the forest to go up to the top of the canyon, immersion experience the beauty of nature!
Operated by Explore Lysefjorden