Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike + Lunch and Canoe Trip

The clever part of this Preikestolen day is that you approach Norway’s famous cliff by canoe and an old trail instead of joining the main walking route from the start. You paddle across Refsvatnet, hike for about three hours, and reach the cliff at 604 meters above Lysefjorden. I like the small maximum group of eight and the chance to see the fjord from viewpoints above Preikestolen, not only from the busy cliff itself.

I also like the practical rhythm: transport from Stavanger, canoe equipment, a packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant, and plenty of time for clothing changes, snacks, rests, and photos. The trade-off is clear: this is a demanding day, with roughly three hours uphill and another two and a half hours down. Rain can affect the outing, and the old trail requires moderate fitness.

Key points to know before booking

• Paddle before you hike: You cross Refsvatnet by canoe before reaching the old trail.
• A quieter route: The trail is designed to avoid the crowds on the usual approach, even in summer.
• A high viewpoint: The route can take you above Preikestolen, with views toward the cliff and people gathering there.
• A full nine-hour day: Expect about three hours hiking up, time at the cliff, and about two and a half hours back down.
• Small-group guiding: The group is limited to eight, with guides including Stephan, Chris, and Allen.
• Lunch and equipment included: Your packed lunch and canoe gear are provided, though dietary needs must be shared in advance.

Why the Refsvatnet start changes the day

Most people think of Preikestolen as a straightforward walk from the basecamp. This trip takes a more unusual line. After pickup, you arrive at Preikestolen Basecamp, collect your lunch and canoe equipment, and walk down to the shore of Refsvatnet.

That short approach to the water helps the day feel like more than a standard mountain walk. The guide explains canoe safety, talks through the route, and sets expectations for the conditions ahead. You then paddle across the lake before stepping onto the shore where the old trail begins.

I like this opening because it gives you two kinds of outdoor activity in one day. The canoe crossing is not just transport. It creates a quiet start and lets you see the surroundings from the water before the harder work begins. It also means you should arrive ready to listen closely to the safety briefing and manage your gear carefully.

The canoe section is included in the price, as are the canoes and related equipment. The information provided does not give a precise paddling time, so the hiking schedule is easier to predict than the water portion. Conditions and group pace can affect how long the first part takes.

Following an old trail instead of the main route

Once across the lake, you begin the hike along an old and largely forgotten trail. The main benefit is space. The route is intended to keep you away from the heavy foot traffic associated with the usual Preikestolen path, and the small group makes it easier for the guide to adjust the pace.

Do not read hidden trail as easy trail. The day requires a moderate level of fitness, and the ascent lasts about three hours. You should expect sustained effort rather than a quick walk to a viewpoint. The guides allow time to adjust clothing and equipment, stop for snacks, rest, and take photos, which matters on a long outing.

This flexible pace is one of the strongest practical features. You are not expected to march without stopping. If the weather changes or you need to adjust layers, there is room to do so. Still, you should arrive prepared for a serious hike. A canoe trip at the start does not reduce the physical demand of the mountain section.

The route’s character is also part of its appeal. Instead of following a busy line where the focus is simply on reaching the famous cliff, you spend much of the day walking through quieter surroundings and looking for viewpoints along the way. The exact trail conditions can change, especially in wet weather, so sturdy walking footwear and sensible outdoor clothing are important choices.

Three hours toward the Lysefjorden viewpoint

After roughly three hours on foot, the route reaches Preikestolen, the flat-topped cliff rising 604 meters above Lysefjorden. This is the moment most people have come for, and the reward is a broad view across one of Norway’s best-known fjords.

The cliff itself is dramatic because of the drop and the open view. You get time to relax and enjoy the scenery before beginning the return journey. That pause is important. The climb is long enough that you will want to eat, take photos, and let your legs recover before heading down.

The route offers another useful perspective. Because parts of it reach higher than the main Preikestolen platform, you may be able to look toward the cliff and see people lining up for photographs below. This gives you a sense of the famous site as part of the wider fjord setting, rather than treating the flat rock alone as the entire attraction.

Weather will shape this part of the day. One outing had periods of rain during the hike but still produced good views above Preikestolen. That is a fair warning for western Norway: clouds and rain can arrive, and the view may change quickly. The experience requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

The return takes about two and a half hours

The walk back to the parking area normally takes around two and a half hours. That is shorter than the ascent, but downhill walking can be tiring, especially after the climb and the time spent at the cliff.

I would plan this as a full-day physical outing, not as a casual sightseeing stop. The advertised duration is about nine hours, and the early start helps make room for the canoe crossing, hiking, lunch, breaks, and return drive. Pickup generally begins around 7:00 a.m., with exact times depending on your designated location in Stavanger.

At the end, you return to the parking area and get back in the vehicle. The activity finishes at the meeting point. This simple arrangement is useful if you are staying in Stavanger and do not want to organize your own transport to Preikestolen Basecamp.

The early start also has a practical benefit: you get moving before the day is fully underway. It does not guarantee an empty route or perfect weather, but the route itself is intended to avoid the main crowds. If your main goal is to reach the famous viewpoint with as little congestion as possible, the start time and alternate approach work in your favor.

Guides who keep an eye on the group

The named guides associated with this outing include Stephan, Chris, and Allen. Their role matters here because the day combines canoeing, an unusual trail, changing conditions, and a long return walk.

Stephan is specifically praised for making the experience fun, while Chris and Allen are described as highly fit guides who have completed the hike many times. More important than their fitness is their attention to the group. The guiding approach includes checking how people are doing, making adjustments when someone is hurting, and helping participants feel safe.

That support is especially valuable on a route where not everyone will move at the same pace. You should still be honest about your fitness before booking. The guide can adjust the pace, but no guide can turn a five-and-a-half-hour hiking day into an easy stroll.

The group limit of eight is another advantage. A small group makes the canoe crossing more manageable and gives the guide more opportunity to offer direct help. It also reduces the chance that you will spend the day waiting behind a large line of people.

Lunch, gear, and the value of $212.61

The listed price is $212.61 per person. That is a substantial cost, but it covers more than a guided walk. The package includes pickup, the guide, canoe equipment, the Refsvatnet crossing, a packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant, and the organization needed for a long day on an alternate route.

The lunch is practical rather than a centerpiece of the trip. You should provide dietary restrictions when booking so the meal can be planned properly. Food matters on a day with hours of hiking, and having lunch arranged means you do not need to prepare a separate meal for the trail.

The value depends on what you would otherwise have to organize. If you already have transport, route knowledge, canoe equipment, and the confidence to manage an old trail alone, the price may feel high. If you want the unusual route, a guide, group support, transport from Stavanger, and the canoe section in one booking, the cost is easier to justify.

I would compare it with the experience you want, not only with the cost of a standard hike. The main route may be the better choice for a lower-cost, more direct visit. This option is for someone who sees the quiet approach and water crossing as central parts of the day.

Who should choose this route

This outing suits you if you want Preikestolen with a more active and less conventional plan. It is a good match for people who enjoy combining hiking and paddling, prefer a group of no more than eight, and care more about quiet viewpoints than about taking the quickest route to the cliff.

It also works well for someone based in Stavanger who wants pickup and a fixed plan. The day is long, but the transport, lunch, gear, and guiding reduce the number of details you need to handle yourself.

You should think twice if you dislike early starts, wet-weather hiking, canoeing, or long descents. A moderate fitness level is required, and the route takes about five and a half hours of hiking in total. The views are the reward, but you have to earn them.

This is not the best choice for a short stop in the Stavanger area. With a nine-hour schedule and a 7:00 a.m. general start, you need to give the outing most of your day. It is also not a good fit if you want complete control over your walking speed or prefer a simple paved sightseeing excursion.

What to bring and how to prepare

The supplied information does not list a detailed packing list, but the route itself gives you a clear starting point. Wear clothing suitable for changing conditions, and bring footwear appropriate for a long mountain hike. Rain is possible, and wet conditions can make an old trail more demanding.

Allow room for extra layers or clothing adjustments. The guide builds in time for this, but you will be more comfortable if you can manage your temperature during the climb. Bring a willingness to stop for snacks and water as needed, even though lunch is provided.

You should also tell the operator about dietary restrictions before the day. Service animals are allowed. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience has free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and cancellations caused by poor weather can be moved to another date or refunded.

Should you book the Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike?

Book it if you want a quieter, more demanding way to experience Preikestolen and like the idea of adding a canoe crossing to a major Norwegian hike. The combination of Refsvatnet, an old trail, small-group guiding, lunch, and views from above the cliff gives the day a clear identity.

Skip it if your priority is the simplest or least expensive way to reach Preikestolen. The standard route may suit you better if you do not want a long day, an early pickup, or the extra effort of canoeing and an alternate trail.

For the right person, the $212.61 price pays for a carefully organized day rather than just a viewpoint. I would choose it for quiet, variety, and guide support, while accepting that western Norway weather and a long hike remain part of the bargain.

FAQ

How long does the Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike take?

The activity lasts approximately nine hours. The hike takes about three hours to reach Preikestolen, followed by roughly two and a half hours back to the parking area, plus the canoe crossing, breaks, lunch, and transport.

Where does the activity begin?

The listed meeting point is Preikestolen Fjellstue, Preikestolvegen 521, 4105 Jørpeland, Norway. Pickup is also offered from several designated locations in Stavanger.

What time does the tour start?

The general pickup time is 7:00 a.m. Exact pickup times depend on your designated location, so check the pickup timetable.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant is included. You should contact the provider with any dietary restrictions.

How many people can join the group?

The activity has a maximum of eight travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.