Preikestolen or Prekestolen is also known by an English translation of Preacher’s Pulpit or Pulpit Rock and is a famous attraction in Forsand, Ryfylke, in Norway. It is located in Ryfylke, Rogaland, a country in Western Norway and the city of Stavanger, the fourth largest city in Norway is located 25 km from this site.
It consists of a steep cliff which towers at an impressive height of 604 meters over the Lysefjorden.The cliff is said to have been formed during the ice age, probably 10,000 years ago when the edges of the glacier reached the cliff and the water from it froze in the crevices of the mountain which eventually broke off large, angular blocks and were then carried away with the glacier.
This could be the cause of the angular shape for the plateau. Along with the plateau, it continues to be a deep crack due to which the plateau at some point tends to fall down though all the geological investigations had indicated that this will not take place in the future. Geologist too has confirmed the safety of the plateau.
Earlier Known as Hyvlatanna/Planned Tooth
In olden times, the plateau was known as Hyvlatanna or planned tooth.Access to Preikestolen from Stavanger is done through the RV13 road as well as the ferry from Tau. Access by RV13 from the south is done through Sandnes via the ferry from Lauvik to Oanes and the roads are open with the ferries running throughout the year though in winter due to snow it may not be possible to hike to the top.
Road to the site ends at a parking facility at Preikestolen Fjellstue having a trail which extends from the parking area to the site and a trip hike to Preikestolen from the nearest car park takes around 3 to 4 hours for a person with normal fitness.
Walking to Preikestolen could be very steep in some places and the path begins at the Preikestolhytta which is elevated to approximately 270 metres above sea level climbing to 604 meter where the duration of the hike takes about one to three hours based on the experience as well as the fitness level of the traveller.
Best Time – April to October
Though the elevation is only 334 meters and the walk is not really long, the total elevation loss and gain over the process of hike is more than one would expect since the paths ascends and descends at different ridges. During winter and spring time, walk is not recommended due to snow and ice with the possibility of the tracks being slippery.
The best time to hike the trail is from April to October where sturdy shoes and rain gear is essential for the hike. The rock formation could also be enjoyed from the sea by boat. The number of tourist to this site in recent year has been between 150,000 and 200,000 in 2012 making it the most natural visited tourist attraction in Norway and due to its increase in tourists arriving at this site, a project is presently in the pipeline for improving the path to the site which is accessible only through a 3.8 km route.
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