Yes, you can hike Preikestolen in winter, and on a clear, cold day the view over a quiet Lysefjord is hard to beat. But it is a different hike from the summer version: shorter days, ice on the rock slabs, few other people on the trail and weather that can turn quickly. This guide covers what the trail is like between November and March, what to wear, the latest sensible start times, how to get there when the summer buses stop, and when it makes sense to go with a guide.
The hike in numbers
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is a flat-topped cliff standing 604 metres above the Lysefjord, about 40 minutes by car from Stavanger. The marked trail is roughly 4 km each way with around 500 metres of climbing. The foundation that maintains the trail rates it moderate and gives 4–5 hours for the round trip. That is a summer estimate. With snow, ice and shorter breaks to stay warm, plan for a longer day and keep some time in reserve.
The path is a mix of forest, open marsh, stone steps and long sections of bare rock. It is the bare rock that changes most in winter: what is easy walking in July can be a sheet of ice in January.
What winter on the trail is really like
Winter here is not one thing. Around Stavanger the coast is mild, so you can leave the city in rain and meet snow higher up, or find the whole trail icy after a cold, clear night. The figures published by Preikestolen 365, the official trail site, give a good picture of the season:
- Temperature at the top: around 0°C in November and roughly -4 to -1°C from December to March.
- Sunshine: about one hour a day on average in December and January, rising to around five hours in March.
- Rain and snow: most days in late autumn and winter bring some precipitation, so dry clothing matters more than speed.
- Crowds: very few. If you want Pulpit Rock without a queue for photos, this is the time.
Snow can hide stones, streams and cracks, and wind can build overhanging snow edges (cornices) near the cliffs. Stay on the marked route, which is signed with red T’s and reflective poles, and keep well back from edges where you cannot see what is under the snow. The weather at the top is often colder and windier than at the car park.
Latest start times: respect the daylight
The most common winter mistake is starting too late. The trail foundation publishes latest recommended start times, and asks hikers to respect them:
- October: 13:00
- December and January: 11:00
- March: 13:00
For November and February, check the current table on the official site before you go. In practice we like to be on the trail well before these times, so there is room for a slow section, a longer lunch break or a turn back without any stress. Carry a headlamp even if you plan to be down by early afternoon.
What to wear and bring
Good equipment is the difference between a cold, anxious day and a good one. The trail foundation is very clear that trainers and casual shoes are a no-go outside summer. A sensible winter kit looks like this:
- Boots: waterproof hiking boots that cover the ankle.
- Traction: the official trail map says crampons are needed in snow. For most winter days, a set of spikes or light crampons that fit your boots makes the icy rock slabs far safer.
- Layers: wool closest to the skin, a fleece or wool mid layer and a waterproof jacket. Avoid cotton and jeans, which stay wet and cold.
- Hands and head: a warm hat that covers the ears and mittens rather than thin gloves.
- In the backpack: a headlamp, a charged phone in a plastic bag, a thermos with something hot, food and an extra warm layer for the top.
Water bottles can freeze, so a thermos is the practical choice. And do not plan to eat snow for water.
Getting to the trailhead in winter
From Stavanger, the drive to the Preikestolen car park goes through an undersea road tunnel and takes about 40 minutes. The car park is staffed all year, and staff will tell you if conditions are poor. If they advise against hiking, listen to them.
Public transport is the tricky part. The bus from Tau to the trailhead runs from March through November. Outside that period there is no regular bus, so you need a car, a taxi or someone to drive you. This is one of the reasons many winter visitors choose a guided day with transport included.
Should you hike Preikestolen in winter with a guide?
The foundation behind the trail recommends a guide in particular from November to March, and on any day with difficult weather or trail conditions. It also advises strongly against hiking alone outside the summer season. A guide does not make the mountain risk-free, but it changes a few important things:
- Someone who knows the route under snow and can see where the path actually goes.
- A pace set for your group, with the turnaround time decided before you start.
- Transport sorted, so you are not depending on a bus that does not run.
- A clear, calm decision if the weather turns, including the decision not to go to the top.
We guide Preikestolen privately, also in winter. You can read about one of those days in our story of a guided winter hike to Pulpit Rock in fresh snow, and find the practical details on our private guided Preikestolen hike page.
Plan a buffer day
In winter, the honest advice is to keep your plan flexible. If you have two or three days in the Stavanger area, keep Preikestolen on the best-looking day rather than locking it to a date months ahead. The trail foundation suggests the same: an extra day in the area improves your chances of a good hike. If the weather closes in, there are good lower-level alternatives, from seeing the Lysefjord by boat to coastal walks. Our Stavanger base itinerary shows how we build that kind of flexibility into a longer stay, and our guided hiking overview lists other hikes in the region.
Frequently asked questions
Is Preikestolen open in winter?
Yes. The trail can be hiked all year, and the car park is staffed year-round. What changes is the daylight, the ice and the weather, so preparation matters more than in summer.
Do I need crampons for Preikestolen in winter?
When there is snow or ice, yes. The official trail map says crampons are needed in snow, and spikes or light crampons that fit your boots make the bare rock sections much safer.
How long does the winter hike take?
The summer estimate is 4–5 hours for the round trip. In winter, plan for more and start early enough to be back before dark.
Can I see the northern lights from Preikestolen?
Very unlikely. The trail foundation describes the chances in this region as close to zero, so do not plan your winter hike around them.
Is there a bus to Preikestolen in winter?
The bus from Tau to the trailhead runs from March through November. In December, January and February you need your own transport, a taxi or a guided day with transport included.
Official trail information and the full seasonal table are on Preikestolen 365. For the forecast, we use yr.no from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute.
Why travel with NORDIQ Travel?
NORDIQ Travel is a small team based in Stavanger. John and Gert Olsson started guiding here in 2019, under the name TrollAdventure. Both work as firefighters in Norway, and our guiding network is built around people from the emergency services: fire, police and medical. We also hike these mountains because we love it, not only because it is our job.
That shows in how we work: careful preparation, clear communication and calm decisions when conditions change. We plan your days, sort out transport and ferry connections, match you with a local guide and set the pace around the people travelling. You have one person to talk to from your first message to your last day, and we will always tell you honestly what is possible, and what depends on the weather and the season.