The Preikestolen Cliff

Preikestolen or Prekestolen, also known by the English translations of Preacher’s Pulpit or Pulpit Rock, and by the old local name Hyvlatonnå, is a massive cliff 604 metres above Lysefjorden, opposite the Kjerag plateau, in Forsand, Norway. The top of the cliff is approximately 25 by 25 metres, square and almost flat, and is a famous tourist attraction in Norway.

There is a trail to the rock through different mountain landscapes. The walk is very steep in places. The path takes about 5 hours for a round trip hike and starts at the Preikestol-hytte at a height of approximately 270 metres, and climbs to 604 metres. Eventhough the elevation difference is only 334 metres and the walk is not particularly long (3.8 km each way) the actual hike is more than one might initially expect as the path goes up and down various ridges. On clear days you get a great view of the Lysefjord.

To date no safety ledge has been constructed on the edges of the cliff despite the great danger, in order to preserve the natural beauty of the cliff. There is no record of anyone falling over the side of the cliff accidentally, but there have been several deaths due to suicide.