Private Guided Hike
Pulpit Rock - Back Track
A quieter and more scenic route to Preikestolen, tailored to your pace and comfort. Enjoy wider viewpoints, fewer crowds and a more personal fjord experience with a local guide.
⭐ Pick-Up Anywhere
in Stavanger
Comfortable, private transportation
for a smooth start and finish.
⭐ Premium
Photos Included
Professional photos included
at no extra cost.
⭐ Private & Exclusive
Experience
You never join strangers - hike is
tailored to your pace, and interests.
Fitness level
Suitable for guests with normal fitness.
Expect 5 – 7 hours of hiking on rocky, uneven terrain. Elevation gain: approx. 400–450 meters.
Prices
10,000 NOK for 1 guest
+ 1,000 NOK per extra guest (max. 4 total)
For groups of 5 or more, please request a price.
Time & meeting
Pickup at your hotel, cruise port or any agreed location in Stavanger. Start times are flexible and adjusted to your schedule and weather conditions.
Families
This hike is not suitable for younger children.Children may join if they are used to longer mountain hikes and uneven terrain.
✨ What to Expect on the Trail
The back track hike to Pulpit Rock offers a more varied and demanding mix of terrain. Expect rocky sections, uneven mountain paths, open highland terrain and wide viewpoints overlooking Lysefjorden. This quieter route takes us higher into the landscape, offering 360-degree panoramic views and a unique perspective above Pulpit Rock, before approaching the plateau from the back side. Total hiking time is normally 5 - 6 hours, depending on conditions and your pace.
Your guide sets a calm, steady pace with regular breaks for photos, storytelling and enjoying the surroundings. Along the way, you’ll experience elevated viewpoints and see the top of the mountain and Pulpit Rock from above, giving a rare and memorable overview of the area before reaching the plateau. Time is set aside to enjoy the view, relax and take photos.
The return follows the standard Preikestolen trail, allowing you to experience the classic route as well. This gives you the best of both worlds - a quiet, scenic approach from above and the iconic descent from the famous plateau - before your private transport takes you comfortably back to Stavanger.
What’s Included in Your Private Hike
Everything that’s part of your private hiking adventure.
Private Transportation – Comfortable, door-to-door pickup
All Fees Included – Parking, tolls & logistics
Flexible Pickup & Drop-off – Hotel, cruise port or any location
Customized Route & Pace – Adjusted to fitness & weather
Pre & Post Tour Support – Easy communication
Experienced Local Guide – Personal, safe, knowledgeable
Safety Equipment – First aid kit, emergency gear, GPS tracking
Weather-Optimized Planning – Route adjusted for best conditions
Headlamps – Provided when needed
Professional Photography – High-quality photos included
Light Meal & Hot Drinks – Simple Norwegian outdoor meal
Local Norwegian Treats – Traditional hiking chocolate
Learning-Focused Experience – Wildlife, fjord geology & culture
Personal hiking gear
Travel or health insurance
Full meals - Additional drinks or food
Hotel breakfast or packed lunches
Tips (appreciated but never expected)
If you’re unsure what to bring, we’ll send you a simple packing checklist after booking.
What your day will look like
Your hike is fully personalised - from pick-up to pace, breaks and timing.
Here’s what a typical day looks like:
QUIET TRAILS & LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
We start the hike on a less-traveled trail, gradually gaining elevation through forest terrain.
This back track route is more demanding than the standard trail, but rewards you with calm surroundings, fewer people and a stronger connection to the landscape from the very beginning.
EASY PICK-UP & SMOOTH START
This seamless start ensures you save energy for the hike itself. Your guide also shares useful tips about the trail, weather and timing during the drive - giving you the best possible start to your Pulpit Rock Back Track adventure.
EPIC MOMENTS & PREMIUM PHOTOGRAPHY
We take time to enjoy the famous Pulpit Rock plateau, with space for photos, rest and quiet moments.
The return follows the standard Preikestolen trail, allowing you to experience the classic route as well - a perfect contrast to the quieter ascent.
GUIDED HIKE WITH SAFETY & COMFORT
As we reach higher ground, the landscape opens up with 360-degree panoramic views over Lysefjorden and the surrounding mountains.
From above, you experience a rare perspective of Pulpit Rock from the top, seeing the plateau and fjord far below before approaching it from the back side.
A PEACEFUL AND RELAXING RIDE BACK
After the hike, your private transport takes you smoothly back to Stavanger.
With both routes experienced and memories secured, you can relax and enjoy the journey back after a full and rewarding mountain adventure.
Important to know before hiking Pulpit Rock
Pulpit Rock is one of Norway’s most visited hikes, and the standard trail can be crowded during summer (June – August). Being prepared for queues near the summit helps ensure a smoother and more enjoyable day.
Looking for a quieter alternative?
Try Reinaknuten, Ramnstoknuten or The Hat.
About Your Guide
My name is Espen, and I’m a local guide born and raised in the Stavanger region. I’ve spent my life exploring the mountains and fjords around Lysefjorden, and I love sharing these places with guests from around the world.
On my hikes, I focus on calm pace, safety, and creating a deeper connection to Norwegian nature.
ABOUT YOUR GUIDE
My name is Espen, and I’m the local guide behind Stavanger Adventure.
I grew up in the Stavanger region, with the mountains, forests and fjords around Lysefjorden as a natural part of everyday life.
Over the years, I’ve explored countless hiking trails - from iconic routes like Preikestolen to quiet local paths only known to people from this area.
On my guided hikes, I focus on a calm pace, safety, and creating a deeper connection to Norwegian nature. Along the way, I share insights about geology, wildlife, weather, local culture and the history of the region. For me, hiking is not about rushing to the top, but about understanding the landscape and experiencing it in a meaningful way.
Stavanger Adventure is a small, locally owned guiding company. I guide most hikes myself, and for larger groups or custom requests, I work with trusted local partners. This allows us to offer high-quality private hiking experiences that remain personal, flexible and authentic.
Guest Reviews
2025
Espen was an absolutely fantastic tour guide - honestly one of the best we've ever had, and we travel quite a bit.
I don't usually take the time to write reviews for tour guides, but Espen absolutely deserves the recognition. If you're looking to go hiking in Norway or want a more active adventure beyond the typical tourist activities, I cannot recommend him highly enough. 10/10 review for sure. I would even go beyond to give him a 12/10 if I could.
Thank you again, Espen, for making our time in Norway so memorable!
- Alfonso
Rating
2025
Espen took me and my parents up Pulpit rock and it was great! He was very nice, personable, and laid back.
He came prepared with a safety recording prior to the hike, had food/water for us during the hike and at the top and also came with a camera and drone for amazing pictures.
Overall 10/10 would recommend him as a guide!
Rating
Annie F. - Florida
2025
This was our first hike to pulpit rock. Espen is very detailed oriented. Our correspondences started way before our hiking.
My husband is afraid of hieight, but Espen put him at ease right at beginning. We had such wonderful time with him. He made this hike so much easier. Some of the photos Espen took were breathtaking beyond words. Thank you Espen !
Rating
Rana Q. - Bahrain
2025
This was my first time hiking at Pulpit Rock. Espen facilitated the journey by clearly outlining everything from the outset to the difficulty level, ensuring I was adequately equipped.
My solo travel experience was quite enjoyable.
Rating
2025
Was a really pleasure to share the adventure with Espen. For sure the best guide that I get travelling a month around Norway.
He always take care of us, and asking about the places and everything. He motivate us a lot for the hike and finally we could see the best sunrise that I have seen in Norway.
Thanks , thanks and thanks for everything, i will join him again in the summer, so i am coming back to visit this beautiful country. Also he maked beautiful pictures of us and he sendt us very soon after.
Rating
2025
Our hike with Stavanger Adventures was amazing! Espen showed us the beautiful nature of Norway during a hike off the beaten path. Just as we like it.
It was challenging at some points but I always felt safe under Espen’s guidance.
I highly recommend Stavanger Adventures.
Rating
2025
Espen was an excellent guide, always attentive and willing to help us.
It was an amazing hike with the most beautiful sunrise of my life. The views were incredible.
Every step to the top was worth it. I want to come back soon!!
Rating
2024
An incredible family adventure with true professionals.
A hike above Stavanger with two attentive guides who truly love their country.
We will never forget this amazing day!
Thank you, Espen and Alf!
Rating
FAQ – Hiking Adventures
We recommend sturdy hiking shoes with good grip - the trail includes rocky sections, natural stone steps and uneven terrain.
Wear comfortable outdoor clothing in layers, such as:
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a windproof/waterproof jacket
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a warm mid-layer (fleece or wool)
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hat and gloves (even in summer, depending on the weather)
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optional: light backpack for water, snacks and extra layers
Weather in the fjords can change quickly - even on sunny days - so dressing in layers is essential.
If you’re unsure what to pack, we’ll send you a simple clothing checklist after booking.-
The Pulpit Rock Back Track hike is more demanding than the standard route.
The hiking time is typically 5–7 hours, depending on conditions, pace and breaks. Including transport from Stavanger, the full experience usually lasts 7–9 hours from pick-up to drop-off.
This hike involves:
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rocky and uneven mountain terrain
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sustained uphill sections
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some steep and exposed areas (all handled safely with guidance)
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potentially slippery surfaces in wet or early-season conditions
You don’t need to be an athlete, but good overall fitness is required.
You should be comfortable walking uphill for several hours and moving confidently on uneven ground.
The hike is not suitable for everyone, and not ideal for younger children.
For guests with limited hiking experience, we are happy to recommend less demanding alternatives.
With a private guide, the pace is adjusted to the group, with regular breaks and careful guidance throughout the more challenging sections.
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This hike is not suitable for all children.
Children may join if they are used to longer mountain hikes, have good stamina, and feel comfortable on rocky and uneven terrain.
Due to the more demanding route and longer hiking time, this experience is best suited for older children with hiking experience. For families with younger children, we are happy to recommend more suitable alternatives.
There are restrooms at the trailhead, but no facilities along the trail.
Your guide will assist with discreet and appropriate nature stops if needed.
As this is a private guided hike, the pace and breaks can be adjusted - but the overall route and terrain still require a good level of fitness.
Yes.
We offer pick-up at your hotel, the cruise port, or any agreed location in Stavanger.
Start times are flexible and adjusted to your schedule and the weather conditions.After the hike, we return you to your preferred location.
If you’re arriving by cruise ship, we make sure the timing fits your ship’s schedule.Yes.
We regularly guide guests arriving on cruise ships and can adjust pick-up, drop-off and timing to match your ship’s schedule.
As long as the timing is agreed in advance and fits within our guiding schedule, we will plan the hike so that you return well before departure - with a comfortable safety buffer.
The private tour is 10 000 NOK for one guest, plus 1 000 NOK per additional guest
(up to 4 guests).
Groups above four guests are possible, but not recommended for comfort and safety.
Larger groups may require an additional guide/car, which increases the price significantly.
If you’re more than four, please contact us for a custom quote.Yes.
All Pulpit Rock tours with Stavanger Adventure are fully private, meaning:-
only your group participates
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no strangers join
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the pace, breaks and timing are tailored to you
This ensures a calmer, safer and more personal experience - especially compared to
large group tours.
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Yes - your guide takes premium photos throughout the hike.
We know the best spots for:
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safe photography
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dramatic angles
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quiet moments away from the main crowds
You receive the photos after the hike.
Please note: In heavy rain or very wet conditions, photo opportunities can be fewer, as professional camera equipment cannot be fully exposed to water. We always take photos when conditions allow, but the style and quantity may differ from what is possible on a clear day.
All photos shown on this website and on our social media are taken by your guide.
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We don’t offer instant checkout.
To book, simply send us a request with your preferred date, group size and pick-up location.
We’ll discuss your wishes, fitness level, timing and weather to create the perfect personalised hike.
Payment is made on the day of the hike, using a portable card terminal or cash.
There is no charge for cancellations, but we kindly ask that you respect the agreement - last-minute cancellations take a spot someone else could have enjoyed, and affect our guiding schedule.
We monitor the weather conditions closely in the days and hours leading up to the hike.
Light rain and changing weather are normal in Norway, and the hike is still safe in most conditions.
If the weather makes the hike unsafe or unpleasant, we offer:
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adjusted start times
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an alternative nearby hike
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rescheduling (if possible)
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or cancellation
Since you don’t pay anything in advance, you won’t be charged if the tour has to be cancelled due to weather.
Sharing a phone number is optional, but highly recommended. It allows us to reach you quickly if conditions change shortly before the hike, so we can update you and confirm your preference.
Your safety and comfort always come first.
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Your private hike includes everything you need for a safe, comfortable experience:
Transportation & Logistics
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Private transportation with comfortable, door-to-door pickup
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All fees included (parking, tolls, logistics)
-
Flexible pickup and drop-off (hotel, cruise port or chosen location)
-
Customized route and pace, adapted to fitness level, weather and preferences
-
Pre- and post-tour support with easy communication
Safety & Professional Guiding
-
Experienced local guide — personal, safe and knowledgeable
-
Safety equipment: first aid kit, emergency gear and GPS tracking
-
Weather-optimized planning for the best hiking conditions
-
Headlamps provided when needed
Food, Photos & Local Experience
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Professional photography — high-quality photos included
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Light outdoor meal and hot drinks
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Traditional Norwegian hiking treats
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The following items are not included in the tour price:
Meals & Personal Gear
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Full meals (only light snacks are provided on the trail)
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Personal hiking gear such as boots, jackets, backpacks and water bottles
Insurance & Extra Purchases
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Travel or health insurance
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Additional drinks or food purchased along the way
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Hotel breakfasts or packed lunches
Other
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Tips (optional — appreciated but never expected)
If you’re unsure what to bring, we’ll send you a simple packing checklist after booking.
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Yes - on request.
We can start early, or plan a special sunrise or sunset hike for the best light and atmosphere.
These options require additional planning and may involve hiking in low light, so they are offered as part of our Custom Hike experience and may include an additional fee.
Weather and safety conditions will determine what is possible on your date.This route is more exposed than the standard Preikestolen trail.
Guests with mild fear of heights often manage well, but those with moderate to strong fear of heights may find parts of the hike challenging.
There are a few airy sections at higher elevation. Your guide chooses safe lines, keeps a calm pace, and offers support where needed, but you should feel reasonably comfortable with open terrain and heights.
You are never required to stand close to cliff edges, and we can adjust breaks and viewpoints to suit your comfort level. If fear of heights is a major concern, we are happy to recommend less exposed hiking alternatives.
Simple booking - fast communication - flexible planning
