PRIVATE · SCENIC · OFF THE BEATEN PATH
PRIVATE PULPIT ROCK BACK TRACK HIKE
Experience Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) from a different side. Follow a quieter alternative route through varied mountain terrain, with the option to add a canoe crossing for an extra part of the adventure.
Local Guide
Alternative route
Optional canoe
Pickup included
04
Enjoy
Reach the famous Pulpit Rock viewpoint, take in the spectacular views over Lysefjord and enjoy the summit before heading back.
03
Take It In
Take time for photos, peaceful breaks and a simple snack or lunch along the way. There is no group schedule to keep up with.
02
Discover
Explore a different side of the mountain, the local landscape and, if you wish, add a canoe crossing to the adventure.
01
Hike
Follow a less-travelled route towards Pulpit Rock through varied mountain terrain, at a pace adapted to your group.
THE QUIETER WAY TO PULPIT ROCK
A Quieter Trail. Even Better Views.
Experience Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) from a different perspective on a private Back Track hike. Follow a quieter route through varied mountain terrain, with the option to include a canoe crossing or complete the full route on foot.
REAL MOMENTS ON THE BACK TRACK
Real guests. Real adventures. A glimpse of the quieter trails, optional canoe crossing and spectacular views that make this Pulpit Rock hike different.
A personal adventure beyond the usual trail
The Back Track offers a quieter and more varied way to reach Pulpit Rock, with spectacular viewpoints along the way. Unlike the standard route, parts of this hike take you through more rugged terrain, adding a greater sense of exploration to the experience.
As your private local guide, I adapt the pace to your group and make time for photos, breaks and those unexpected moments worth stopping for. There is no large group to keep up with or fixed schedule to follow.
You can also choose to include a peaceful canoe crossing as part of the adventure, depending on your preferences and the conditions. The entire hike can alternatively be completed on foot.
Throughout the day, I keep an eye on the weather, terrain and timing, making adjustments when needed to ensure an enjoyable and well-planned experience.
Arriving in Stavanger by cruise ship?
I plan the hike around your ship's schedule, with pickup close to the cruise terminal and comfortable time allowed for the return to Stavanger before departure.
A PRIVATE BACK TRACK EXPERIENCE
A Different Route. A Day Shaped Around You.
Every private Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) Back Track hike is different. I adapt the pace, breaks and timing to your group, the weather and the mountain conditions, making room for the experiences that matter most to you.
17,000 NOK
1 - 4 guests
20,000 NOK
5 - 6 guests
On request
7 + guests
PRIVATE TOUR PRICING
Private Pulpit Rock Back Track – Pricing
One private adventure. A quieter route. Your own pace.
The price is for the private tour, not per person.
Local Guide
Alternative route
Optional canoe
Stavanger pickup
Optional canoe crossing: May be arranged upon request, subject to availability and suitable weather conditions. The entire route can also be completed on foot.
YOUR GUIDE & TRANSPORT
Your Local Guide. Your Own Back Track Adventure
From your first message to the return to Stavanger, I personally plan and guide your private Back Track hike, taking care of transport, timing and the details that make the day yours.
Your local guide
I'm Espen, the guide behind Stavanger Adventure. When you contact me, you're speaking directly with the person who plans your experience and joins you on the trail.
I know the Pulpit Rock area, including the quieter Back Track route, its rugged terrain and remarkable viewpoints. My approach is calm, practical and personal, with attention to your group's pace, the conditions and the experience along the way.
Direct communication
Plan the trip directly with the guide who takes you out. Quick answers and personal advice.
Local knowledge
First-hand experience with the Back Track route, mountain terrain and changing weather conditions.
Flexible pickup and return
Pickup and return transport from Stavanger are included. I can normally meet you at your hotel, close to your cruise ship or at another agreed location in the Stavanger area.
I plan the departure and return around your schedule and the conditions. For cruise guests, I allow sufficient time to return comfortably before the ship departs. If you choose the optional canoe crossing, I also coordinate that part of the adventure in advance.
Pickup included
Hotel, cruise port or another agreed pickup point in the Stavanger area.
Flexible timing
Departure and return are planned around your group, the conditions and your available time.
WHAT GUESTS SAY
“The hike was spot on given our level and what we’re looking for (not to crowded). Also the guidance was great. We felt very much safe throughout, even when the hike was challenging. During the hike Espen explained, but also really felt when some silence was needed.”
Niels van der Laan - Netherlands
GOOGLE REVIEW
GOOD TO KNOW
Everything You Need for Your Back Track Adventure
I take care of the planning, transport and practical details so you can focus on the experience. This private Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) hike follows a more rugged alternative route, with spectacular views and an optional canoe crossing.
A NOTE ABOUT THE TERRAIN
The Back Track is more rugged than the standard Pulpit Rock trail. Expect uneven ground, rocky sections and occasional use of your hands for balance. Good mobility, suitable footwear and some hiking experience are recommended. I will help you prepare before the trip.
Suitable footwear
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip are strongly recommended. The Back Track includes uneven rocks, steep sections and sometimes wet terrain.
Dress for the weather
Bring layers and a waterproof jacket. Mountain weather can change quickly, even on otherwise pleasant days.
Food & water
Bring enough water and a packed lunch or snacks. There is time to stop, recharge and enjoy the surroundings along the way.
Stavanger pickup
Pickup and return transport are included from your hotel, cruise port or another agreed location in Stavanger.
Flexible pace
The hike is private, allowing breaks and timing to suit your group. However, the rugged terrain requires reasonable fitness and confident footing.
Photos included
I take photos during the hike and share them with you afterwards, so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Weather & safety
I monitor the forecast and mountain conditions closely. The route and optional canoe crossing depend on the conditions, and safety always comes first.
Payment on the day
Payment can be made by card or cash after the tour. Prepayment by SumUp link is also available if preferred.
PULPIT ROCK BACK TRACK FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Planning a private Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) Back Track hike from Stavanger? Here are answers to the most common questions about the alternative route, difficulty, optional canoe crossing and practical arrangements.
The Back Track follows a quieter, less-travelled route through forests, rocky mountain terrain and spectacular viewpoints high above Lysefjord.
Unlike the standard trail, you approach Pulpit Rock from a different direction, enjoying wider panoramic views and a greater sense of wilderness along the way. The return normally follows the classic Preikestolen trail, giving you two very different perspectives in one adventure.
The Back Track is more demanding than the standard Pulpit Rock hike. It includes steep sections, uneven rocks, natural mountain terrain and places where you may need to use your hands for balance.
Good mobility, reasonable fitness and some experience hiking on uneven ground are recommended. Technical climbing is not required, but this is a genuine mountain hike rather than an easy walking trail.
The Back Track includes some exposed sections and viewpoints high above Lysefjord. It is more airy and exposed than the standard route, so a reasonable level of comfort with heights is important.
Mild discomfort with heights may be manageable, but if you have moderate or severe fear of heights, I would normally recommend the standard Pulpit Rock hike instead.
I can discuss the terrain with you before booking to help you choose the right experience.
Allow approximately 5–7 hours of hiking, depending on your pace, breaks and mountain conditions. The full experience normally takes around 7–9 hours including transport from Stavanger.
The Back Track is longer than the standard 8 km Pulpit Rock route. The exact walking distance can vary depending on the chosen approach and whether the optional canoe crossing is included.
Yes! The Back Track takes you across the mountain to spectacular viewpoints high above Lysefjord before descending to the famous Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen) plateau, 604 metres above the fjord.
One of the biggest advantages of this route is the peace and quiet. We normally encounter few, if any, other hikers until we approach the upper part of the mountain.
As we descend towards Pulpit Rock, we join the more popular hiking area, where you can expect to meet other visitors, especially during summer. From there, we follow the classic trail back down.
This gives you the best of both worlds: a peaceful mountain adventure with even more spectacular views, followed by a visit to Norway's iconic Pulpit Rock.
The canoe crossing is entirely optional. The full Back Track route can be completed on foot, so canoeing is not necessary to enjoy the adventure.
When available, a canoe crossing across a peaceful mountain lake can be arranged at the beginning of the hike.
Canoes are not always available, and the activity depends on suitable weather and water conditions. Please request this option in advance. Availability and any additional cost will be confirmed before booking.
Older children and teenagers who are used to longer mountain hikes may be able to join.
However, the Back Track is more challenging than the standard trail, with rugged terrain, steep sections and exposed viewpoints. It is generally not recommended for younger children.
Please share your children's ages and hiking experience when enquiring, and I can help assess whether this is a suitable adventure for your family.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots with good grip, comfortable outdoor clothing and layers suitable for changing mountain weather.
Bring a waterproof jacket, drinking water, a packed lunch or snacks, and a small backpack for your personal belongings.
There are no toilet facilities along the mountain route, so please use available facilities before starting the hike.
I will provide practical advice before your trip if the forecast requires anything additional.
Yes. Private pickup and return transport are included from your hotel, cruise port or another agreed location in Stavanger.
Cruise guests are welcome, provided their ship's schedule allows sufficient time for this longer hike. I plan the departure and return around your port hours, with a comfortable time buffer before your ship departs.
Please share your ship's arrival and departure times when enquiring so I can confirm whether the Back Track is a suitable option.
The price covers your private guided hike, personal planning, pickup and return transport from Stavanger, and photos taken during the adventure.
The tour is exclusively for your group, with no strangers joining. I adapt the pace, breaks and timing to your group and the mountain conditions.
Please bring your own drinking water and packed lunch. An optional canoe crossing must be arranged separately, subject to availability and any agreed additional cost.
The advertised price is for the entire private group, not per person.
Mountain weather can change quickly, and light rain does not necessarily prevent a good hiking experience.
I monitor the weather and trail conditions closely before departure. If necessary, I may adjust the starting time, route or planned activities.
If conditions make the Back Track unsafe, I will discuss suitable alternatives or rescheduling with you. If I have to cancel the tour before it begins and no suitable alternative can be agreed, you will receive a full refund of any tour payment made.
Safety always comes first.
Simply send an enquiry with your preferred date, number of guests, pickup location and any special requests.
I will personally reply to discuss availability, your group's hiking experience and any optional canoe arrangements.
Once the details are agreed, I will confirm your reservation in writing. Payment can normally be made by card or cash on the day, or in advance through a secure SumUp payment link.
No deposit is normally required unless special arrangements or external services need to be booked.
YOUR BACK TRACK ADVENTURE
Ready to Experience Pulpit Rock the Quieter Way?
A more adventurous route, spectacular views and time to enjoy every moment. Your own private guide, your own pace, with pickup and return from Stavanger included.