Preikestolen, a hike on the world's most dangerous den

A spectacular hike on the Pulpit Rock in Norway

The Preikestolen , also known as Pulpit Rock is a peak cliff overlooking the fjord Lysefjord from the top of its 604 meters. In French, Preikestolen means “the Chair”, this seat which is found in a church and which dominates the hall and since which a bishop addresses his audience.

From the top of this natural den, formed during the last glacial period 10,000 years ago, the risk of falling into the fjord is very large, especially for people who venture too much on the edge of the precipice to take pictures. In October 2013, a Spanish man died when he died from the Preikestolen.

Flickr – kanelstrand

But all this does not seem to scare anyone since more than 200,000 tourists come every year to hike for the breathtaking views offered by the promontory. What makes it one of the most visited tourist sites of the Norway .

The way visitors see the danger of this cliff with so much disinvolture is pretty amazing.

Flickr – fercadi

A disturbing legend...

There is a legend whose hikers don't seem to be too concerned: one can see a crack between the plateau of the Preikestolen and the mountain, and it is said that on the day that seven sisters are married to seven brothers in the region, it will detache from the mountain and crash into the fjord, which will destroy all life in the vicinity.

Flickr – Ronel Reyes

The hike to the Preikestolen

hiking in Preikestolen is not easy but it remains feasible, and it takes about two to three hours to perform it. You can easily count 1 day for visit the Preikestolen because it takes about 4 to 5 hours turn back to walk + 1 to 2 hours to plan on the rock.

Wikimedia - Aconcagua

One. well marked path leads you to the famous cliff. Some portions of the trail are steep enough but this little trek deserves to make the effort to be rewarded by a breathtaking view of the Lysefjord . The walk is spread over 3800 metres for a gap of about 350 metres. Have good walking shoes.

Flickr – Christian Buhl Sørensen

Here is where the Preikestolen is located in Norway:

How to get to the Preikestolen?

First of all, you have to go to the south-west region of Norway. The largest city closest to the Preikestolen is Stavanger . From Stavanger , take a ferry to the city of Tau . Then you'll need about 30 minutes by car/bus to get to the small town. Preikestolhytta south of Jørpeland.

It is in Preikestolhytta that you can also stay in one of the hostels (there are 2 or 3). There are opportunities to make camping also.

Have you been on the Preikestolen?