Norway has many fantastic sights that nature has created over the years.
One of these is Preikestolen, a cliff rising vertically out of an inlet called Lysefjord.
With overwhelming nature stretching to the horizon in front of you and a 600-meter cliff at your feet, this is a spot where you can experience both excitement and thrill at once.
If you want to know more about Preikestolen, please read on.
What is Preikestolen?
Preikestolen is a cliff that rises above Lysefjord, one of the fjords in southwestern Norway.
It is a monolith shaped like a cube standing vertically out of the water below the cliff.
It is as high as 604 meters.
It is a sheer cliff created by nature that is as high as the Tokyo Sky Tree at 634 meters.
The top of the cliff is a 25m x 25m square-shaped space.
During the tourist season, the top of the cliff is said to be filled with many tourists.
Preikestolen means “platform” in Norwegian.
As the name suggests, the square-shaped, very summit is just like a stage for a speech that speaks to the audience.
A fall barrier does not protect Preikestolen, perhaps to preserve the natural landscape.
If you stand on the cliff’s edge and look down, you will see a bare precipice more than 600 meters below.
The view is spectacular, but at the same time, it is an exciting place to visit.
Spectacular view of the fjord
The view of the fjord from a height of 600 meters is breathtaking.
The spectacular view of Lysefjord from the cliffs has been introduced as one of the world’s most stunning sights to see before you die by major media such as the American travel website “Lonely Planet” and “CNN.”
Because of its mysterious beauty, it was one of the settings for the 2013 Disney film “Frozen.”
How to get to Preikestolen
A mountain trail leads up to Preikestolen.
Therefore, from the trailhead at the foot of the mountain to the top of the destination is a trek on foot.
The distance is about 3.8 km.
It takes an experienced trekker about one and a half hours one way. It takes an experienced trekker about 1.5 hours one way and an average person about 2 to 3 hours to reach the destination.
A set of equipment, such as trekking shoes and a rucksack, is also essential.
There are no stores along the way, so prepare lunch and snacks in advance.
The best time to visit is from April to October.
In winter, you will be greeted by seeing the entire area covered in white snow.
However, it is dangerous for beginners to climb mountains in Norway’s harsh winter.
For safety reasons, trekking is generally prohibited during the winter months.
The gateway to Preikestolen and the base for your stay is the port town of Stavanger in southwestern Norway.
From Stavanger, the most common route to Preikestolen is by bus, ferry, or car.
Stavanger once prospered in the oil industry.
It is Norway’s fourth-largest city, with a population of about 120,000.
Many tourists stay in Stavanger to prepare before heading to Lysefjord or Preikestalen.
Conclusion
Preikestolen offers spectacular views and thrills.
The sheer 600-meter cliffs created by the Norwegian wilderness are breathtaking.
The experience of gazing at the endless Lysefjord stretching out before your eyes will surely be unforgettable.
