Posted on
September 2, 2025
in
Trip Ideas
Our own Koentje3000 has traveled halfway around the world and back. His recent trip to Norway included the journal, “Southern Norway’s Little Gem,” in which he captured the old city of Stavanger beautifully. Dating to the time of the Vikings, the city finally came into its own late in the 20th century, when oil was discovered at the bottom of the North Sea. We were taken with Pulpit Rock, the city’s most popular tourist attraction. It’s a proscenium stage of sorts -- a flat slab of rock, open on three sides and seated about 2,000 feet above the Lysefjord -- which, remarkably, has no safety gates. It was formed in part by melting glaciers thousands of years ago. If enjoying the scenery is not enough, BASE jumping is legal in Lysefjord, and Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) has become a popular site.
Be prepared for a workout if you want to get to the top. As Koentje warns, “The only way to reach the top of Prekestolen is on foot. Although there are several hiking trails near the Lysefjord, most people, including us, come to the rock from the nearby parking lot. From here the interesting trail contains a steep rocky climb, a boardwalk over a boggy area and a good footpath on the edge of the fjord boosting some great views. The 4km walk climbs about 350m (average inclination of almost 10%!) and thus takes a fit person 1.5-2 hours one way. Do take something to drink and perhaps some snacks because there is nothing on the trail.”
For the faint of heart and those not inclined to make the journey, please enjoy the view, courtesy of our contributors.
Photo by Gard
Photo by Koentje3000
More Great Places in Europe
Photos of Amsterdam
Photos of Lisbon
Photos of Vienna
Posted by Nik’sMom (Terre Grilli)