Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Lunch and Canoe Trip

The unusual part of this Preikestolen outing comes before the famous cliff: you paddle across Refsvatnet, then follow an old trail that avoids the main hiking route for much of the day. You reach Preikestolen from above after roughly three hours on foot, with broad views of Lysefjorden and, from higher ground, a look down toward the people waiting at the cliff.

I like the small group of up to eight and the way the day combines canoeing, hiking, lunch, and transport in one package. I also like the guides’ practical approach. Stephan, Chris, and Allen are named in the feedback, and they are described as fit, friendly, and attentive to sore legs, clothing changes, rest stops, and changing conditions.

The catch is simple: this is a demanding day, not a gentle sightseeing trip. The hike takes about three hours up and two and a half hours down, and rain can arrive during the walk. You need moderate fitness, suitable outdoor clothing, and enough energy for a long day.

Key points to know before booking

• Canoe across Refsvatnet first: You begin with a paddle across the lake before reaching the old trail.
• A quieter route to Preikestolen: The trail is designed to avoid the crowds found on the main route.
• Higher viewpoints above the cliff: You may look down toward Preikestolen and see the line of people waiting for photos.
• Lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant: A packed meal is included, and you should give dietary details in advance.
• A long, active day: Expect about nine hours in total, with roughly five and a half hours of hiking.
• Small-group guiding: The maximum group size is eight, which gives the guide room to adjust the pace.

Why this route feels different from the standard Preikestolen hike

Preikestolen is one of Norway’s most famous viewpoints, but fame brings crowds. The usual approach can feel busy, especially in summer, when the cliff itself becomes a queue for photographs. This outing changes the rhythm by starting on the water and using an old trail away from the main flow of hikers.

That matters if you want the mountain setting to feel quieter and more personal. You still reach the famous viewpoint, but the route gives you more time in the forest and around the lake before the big reveal over Lysefjorden.

The canoe is not just a decorative extra. It makes the day feel like a proper outdoor trip rather than a standard walk up and back. You receive canoe equipment and a safety briefing at the lake, then paddle with the group toward the far shore before beginning the hike.

The route is not crowd-free all day. The description promises a trail without crowds, and the strongest praise centers on not seeing anyone until reaching the top. But Preikestolen itself remains a major attraction. Once you arrive, you should expect other people around the cliff and the familiar photo line.

The 7 AM start and drive from Stavanger

The day begins early, with pickup generally around 7 AM from one of several designated locations in Stavanger. Exact pickup times vary by location, so you need to check the timetable rather than assume every pickup happens at the same hour.

The drive to Preikestolen Basecamp takes about 45 minutes. That early start is useful for two reasons: it gives you a full day for the long route, and it helps you reach the trail before the busiest part of the day.

The listed meeting point is Preikestolen Fjellstue, at Preikestolvegen 521 in Jørpeland. Pickup is offered, but you should confirm your exact collection point and time when booking. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you are not left arranging a separate return from the hike.

With only eight people allowed, the group should be easier to manage than a large coach excursion. That is especially helpful on a route where everyone may need different rest times. It also gives you a better chance to ask questions without shouting over a crowd.

Canoeing across Refsvatnet

At Preikestolen Basecamp, you collect the packed lunch and canoe equipment. Then you walk down to the beach at Refsvatnet, where the guide explains safe canoe handling, the route, and the conditions expected that day.

The canoe crossing is likely to be one of the most memorable parts for anyone who enjoys variety. You get a quiet start beside the water before the harder walking begins. It also spreads the day’s effort more evenly, rather than placing all the activity into one steep climb.

You should listen closely during the safety briefing. The trip requires you to paddle as part of a group, and the guide needs everyone to understand the basic instructions before setting off. The supplied information does not give the exact canoe distance or crossing time, so you should not plan around a precise number.

After crossing, you reach shore and begin the old trail. This transition is part of the appeal: the route moves from water to woodland and rough ground, with the main viewpoint still ahead.

Three hours on the old trail

The climb takes about three hours, with time built in for adjusting clothes and equipment, taking breaks, eating snacks, and stopping for photographs. That slower pace is important. A guide-led mountain day should not be a race, and the schedule allows the group to respond to weather and energy levels.

Still, do not read the planned rest stops as a sign that the route is easy. The hike requires moderate physical fitness, and the total walking time is substantial. One person described the hike as tough, even though the effort was worthwhile. That is a useful warning for anyone who normally sticks to short urban walks.

The old trail is the heart of the outing. Instead of following the busiest line directly to Preikestolen, you spend much of the ascent away from large groups. Several people praised the quiet route, with one account describing no other hikers until reaching the top.

Guides Stephan, Chris, and Allen receive particularly warm praise for their approach. They are described as experienced on this hike, very fit, and willing to check how everyone is feeling. If someone is hurting, the pace can be adjusted. That does not remove the physical challenge, but it gives you a better chance of finishing comfortably.

Bring layers you can change easily. The day includes sitting in a canoe, hiking uphill, resting, and possibly dealing with rain. The guide provides instructions about conditions, but you remain responsible for dressing sensibly and keeping your own equipment manageable.

Lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant

A packed lunch is included and collected at Basecamp before you walk to the lake. It comes from a historic Norwegian restaurant, adding a local touch to an otherwise active day.

The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this assuming a particular dish. If you have dietary restrictions, contact the operator in advance. This is one of those small steps that can prevent a hungry afternoon on a long hike.

The timing of lunch can also depend on the group and the route. You may eat during a planned pause or at another suitable point along the hike. Snacks are not specifically included, so you may want to ask what the packed lunch contains and decide if you need extra food.

Arriving above Preikestolen

After roughly three hours of hiking, you reach Preikestolen, the cliff rising 604 meters above Lysefjorden. The payoff is a wide fjord view from one of Norway’s most recognizable natural viewpoints.

The route has an extra advantage here. It takes you to higher ground above Preikestolen, giving you a different angle on the famous cliff. From that position, you can look down toward the flat rock platform and see people queuing for their turn at the edge.

That view helps explain why this route appeals to hikers who dislike crowds. You get the iconic scene, but you also see it from outside the main photo point. The experience is less about rushing onto the rock, snapping one picture, and leaving. You have time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the fjord from several viewpoints.

Weather matters greatly. One account describes intermittent rain during the hike but still considers the views worth the effort. On a wet day, clouds may soften or block the fjord views, and the trail may feel harder underfoot. The operator requires good weather and offers a different date or a full refund if poor conditions force cancellation.

The 2.5-hour return to Basecamp

The return normally takes about two and a half hours to the parking area. That is shorter than the ascent, but it can feel harder because your legs are already tired and the excitement of reaching the cliff has passed.

Use the descent carefully. The supplied information does not describe the trail surface in detail, so you should not assume an easy walk down. The guide can adjust the pace, but you still need enough stamina for the complete route.

Once back at the parking area, you return by car and finish at the meeting point. The total day runs about nine hours, including the drive, canoe section, hiking, breaks, and time at Preikestolen.

This schedule leaves little room for adding another major activity afterward. I would treat the tour as your main event for the day and keep the evening simple.

Is $212.61 a fair price?

At $212.61 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Preikestolen. The value depends on what you would otherwise need to arrange yourself.

The price includes pickup, return transport, canoe equipment, guiding, the packed lunch, and a route that is not offered by another operator according to the supplied details. You are also paying for a very small group and for a guide who can monitor the pace rather than move a large crowd along a fixed schedule.

The canoe and the less-used trail give the trip more variety than a standard hike. If you only want to reach the cliff by the most direct route, the price may feel high. If you want a full-day outing with water, a guided route, lunch, and a different angle on Preikestolen, the package makes more sense.

The five-star rating from 20 reviews and a 100 percent recommendation record suggest strong satisfaction, though the sample is small. I would place more weight on the consistent details: quiet trail, demanding hike, helpful guides, and good views even when rain appears.

Who should book this hike?

This trip suits you if you enjoy active days and want to see Preikestolen without spending the entire hike among crowds. It is also a good fit if you like mixing activities. The canoe gives you a calm opening, while the trail supplies the real physical challenge.

You should be comfortable with a long hike and moderate fitness demands. The route may not suit anyone looking for an easy walk, a short viewpoint visit, or a flexible day with plenty of free time.

It is also a good choice for people who value small groups. With a maximum of eight, the guide can pay closer attention to how the group is doing. That matters on a five-and-a-half-hour hiking day.

Service animals are allowed. The information does not provide further accessibility details, so anyone with mobility, equipment, or support needs should ask the operator specific questions before booking.

Booking, weather, and practical details

Confirmation is provided at the time of booking. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted or refunded.

Good weather is required for the activity. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The tour has more than five bookings in the last month, but the maximum group remains eight. That combination may appeal to you if you want a specialized outing without a large party.

Contact the operator about dietary restrictions before the day. Also confirm your pickup location, since collection is offered from designated places in Stavanger while the listed meeting point is at Preikestolen Fjellstue in Jørpeland.

Should you book the Preikestolen canoe and hidden trail hike?

I would book this if your priority is a quieter, more varied route to one of Norway’s most famous viewpoints. The canoe, small group, packed lunch, and higher viewpoints give you more than a standard walk to Preikestolen.

I would skip it if you want a short, easy outing or if $212.61 feels too steep for one viewpoint. The route is long, weather-sensitive, and physically demanding.

For fit hikers who want the cliff without following the busiest path all day, this is a strong choice. Go prepared for rain, allow the full nine hours, and treat the hike as the main event.

FAQ

How long is the Preikestolen canoe and hike experience?

The experience lasts about nine hours in total, including transport, canoeing, hiking, breaks, and time at Preikestolen.

What time does the tour start?

The general start time is 7 AM. Exact pickup times depend on the designated pickup location in Stavanger.

Where does the activity start?

The listed meeting point is Preikestolen Fjellstue, Preikestolvegen 521, 4105 Jørpeland, Norway.

Is pickup from Stavanger included?

Pickup is offered from several designated locations in Stavanger. You should check the pickup timetable for your exact location and time.

How long does the hike take?

The hike to Preikestolen takes about three hours, and the return to the parking area normally takes about two and a half hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant is included. You should contact the operator in advance with any dietary restrictions.

Is the canoe equipment included?

Yes. Canoe equipment is provided at Preikestolen Basecamp, along with instructions about safe canoeing and the route.

How large is the group?

The maximum group size is eight people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.