Private Guided Hike
The Hat
A short but adventurous hike to Hatten, offering dramatic Lysefjord views in a quieter and more personal setting. This private guided tour combines rugged terrain, flexible route choices, and panoramic scenery - all at a relaxed, safe pace.
⭐ 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 2 – 4 hours of hiking on rocky, uneven terrain. Elevation gain: approx. 250–300 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
Children can join if they are used to walking outdoors. We adjust pace, timing and breaks to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for younger hikers.
✨ What to Expect on the Trail
The hike to The Hat is a shorter but more rugged alternative to Preikestolen, offering the same dramatic views over Lysefjord in a quieter and more personal setting. While the distance is shorter, the terrain is uneven and varied, with rocky sections that make the hike feel adventurous and rewarding.
The trail follows natural mountain paths through forest and open rock, with steady ascents and scenic viewpoints along the way. For those who wish, it’s possible to take a more exposed route near the fjord side, featuring fixed ropes and hands-on scrambling. Alternatively, a less exposed route leads directly to the summit, allowing the hike to be adapted to your comfort level.
From the top, you’re rewarded with sweeping panoramic views over the entrance to Lysefjord, the surrounding mountains, and the fjord far below - a viewpoint comparable to Preikestolen, but without the crowds.
With a private guide, the pace, route and breaks are adjusted throughout the hike, ensuring a safe, calm and flexible experience tailored to your preferences and conditions on the day.
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:
THE ASCENT – CHOOSING THE ROUTE
As the trail gains height, the terrain becomes rockier and more uneven. At this point, we can choose between two routes.
Your guide will help choose the best option based on comfort level, conditions, and preferences.
ARRIVAL & START OF THE HIKE
We begin with a scenic drive from Stavanger to the trailhead near Lysefjorden.
After a short safety briefing and gear check, the hike starts gently, allowing time to settle into the terrain and rhythm of the day.
The surroundings quickly feel quiet and remote, far from the busy main tourist trails.
THE RETURN HIKE
After our summit break, we begin the descent, often following a slightly different line through open mountain terrain.
Changing light and angles offer new perspectives of the fjord and surrounding peaks, making the return just as rewarding as the ascent.
REACHING THE SUMMIT
At the top of Hatten (363 meters above sea level), the scenery opens dramatically.
The views over Lysefjorden are comparable to Preikestolen, but with far fewer people.
This is a perfect place for photos, a short break, and time to enjoy the calm atmosphere and sweeping fjord landscape.
A SHORT BUT DISTINCTIVE EXPERIENCE
Hatten is a shorter hike, but the uneven terrain and rocky sections make it feel like a true mountain adventure.
It’s an ideal alternative to Preikestolen for guests who want the same iconic fjord views, fewer crowds, and a more personal, guided experience - all completed within a shorter time frame.
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.
Why Choose Stavanger Adventure
⭐ Photography Included
⭐ Personal Guide & Planning
⭐ Hidden Trails & Timing
⭐ Pick-Up in Stavanger
⭐ Fully Private & Tailored
⭐ Safety - Focused Guiding
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, as the Hatten trail includes rocky sections, uneven terrain, and some light scrambling depending on the chosen route.
Dress in comfortable outdoor clothing using layers, such as:
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a windproof and 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 weather)
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optional: a small backpack for water, snacks, and extra layers
Although this is a shorter hike, the terrain is uneven and exposed in places, so proper footwear and stable clothing are important for comfort and safety.
Weather near Lysefjorden can change quickly - even on sunny days - making layered clothing essential.
If you’re unsure what to bring, we’ll send you a simple clothing checklist after booking.
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The hike to Hatten (The Hat) is a shorter but more rugged mountain hike. The hiking itself typically takes 2–3 hours, depending on pace, route choice and breaks. Including transport to and from the trailhead, the full experience usually lasts 4–5 hours from pick-up to drop-off.
Although the hike is shorter than many classic fjord hikes, the terrain is rocky, uneven, and exposed in places. Some sections involve light scrambling, and certain routes include fixed ropes or steeper terrain. For this reason, the hike is best suited for guests with normal fitness and good balance, who feel comfortable on uneven ground.
You don’t need to be an athlete, but some hiking experience is recommended. With a private guide, the pace is adjusted, breaks are taken as needed, and we choose the route that best matches your comfort level - whether you prefer the more adventurous approach or a calmer, less exposed ascent.
If preferred, we can move at a relaxed pace, take extra breaks, and adapt the route based on weather, conditions, and group experience.
Children may join if they are used to hiking in uneven, rocky terrain and have good balance. Although the hike to Hatten is relatively short, parts of the trail are steep, exposed, and technically more demanding than standard tourist hikes. For this reason, the hike is best suited for older children with hiking experience.
With a private guide, we adjust the pace, timing, breaks, and route choice to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for the group.
There are no toilets along the trail. Restrooms may be available near the starting area, depending on conditions. If needed, your guide can assist with discreet and suitable nature-stop locations.
Families who enjoy adventurous hikes often find Hatten especially rewarding. A private guide makes it easier to adapt the day to each child’s ability and comfort level, while maintaining a calm and controlled experience.
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)
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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 to avoid the crowds, 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 depends on the route choice and your comfort level.
Hatten offers two different approaches. One follows the exposed fjord-facing side with ropes and steeper sections, which is not recommended for guests with fear of heights. The alternative route ascends more directly from inland terrain and avoids the most exposed areas.
With a private guide, we choose the route based on your comfort level, keep a calm pace, and avoid unnecessary exposure. You are never required to approach cliff edges, and viewpoints can be enjoyed from safe distances.
Many guests with mild fear of heights complete the hike comfortably when using the less exposed route. If you have moderate or strong fear of heights, we recommend discussing this in advance so we can plan the safest and most enjoyable option for you.
