Preikestolen gets better with a canoe first. This day pairs Refsvatnet canoeing with a little-used path up to the famous cliff edge above Lysefjorden, so you’re not stuck in the usual photo-line chaos. I like the way the hidden route spreads people out, and I also love that your lunch is built into the day instead of tacked on later. One thing to plan for: it’s an early start and you’ll be hiking steadily for hours, so bring a moderate fitness level and hiking-ready legs.

What makes this especially appealing is the small group size—maximum 8 people—and the pacing. Guides like Stephan, Chris, and Allen focus on keeping you comfortable on the move, including adjusting on the fly if you need a breather. You’ll also get a packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant, timed so you can snack without losing your place.

And yes, weather matters here. The tour needs good conditions, though you may still get off-and-on rain while hiking, so you’ll want to be ready for cool, wet Norway weather and not assume every step will be dry.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel (Not Just See)

• Canoe across Refsvatnet before the hike for a calm start with real time on the water
• Hidden trail to the Preikestolen area so you can enjoy the fjord views with far fewer people
• Guides who manage pace and comfort (Stephan, Chris, and Allen are known for adjusting when needed)
• Top viewpoint at 604 meters above Lysefjorden with panoramic payoff after the climb
• Packed lunch included so you spend less time hunting food and more time outdoors
• Group cap of 8 travelers for a more personal day than the big-tour feel

Why This Preikestolen Day Feels Like Two Adventures

This is not a simple hike-and-done kind of outing. It’s structured as two connected experiences: first, you move across Refsvatnet by canoe, then you hike up using an old, forgotten trail route rather than the busiest main approach.

That combo changes the whole rhythm of the day. Canoeing warms you up, gets you out on the water, and helps you settle into the scenery instead of rushing straight into the climb. Then the hike feels like a payoff—not just exercise—because you’ve already had time to look around and get your bearings.

The hidden trail element is the big reason this can feel dramatically less crowded. The goal is to reach Preikestolen’s views without the heavy main-route crush, which means you can actually enjoy the scenery instead of scanning for your next photo moment.

Stavanger Pickup and The Early Morning Run to Jørpeland

Most days start with a pickup from designated Stavanger locations. The general pickup time is 7:00 AM, and you’ll want to check the pick-up time table for the exact slot assigned to your date.

From there, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Preikestolen Basecamp. You’re doing this early for a reason: it helps you spend more of your day on the trail and less time waiting around. It also gives you a better shot at calmer conditions on the approach, even in summer.

Your listed start point for the activity is also clear: Preikestolen Fjellstue, Preikestolvegen 521, 4105 Jørpeland. If you’re joining without the pickup option, that’s where the day begins at the start time of 7:00 AM.

If you’re the type who likes to travel efficiently—get moving, see a lot, and still return with energy—this early schedule usually lands well.

Basecamp on Preikestolen Fjellstue: Lunch, Gear, and Safety Talk

Once you arrive at the basecamp area at Preikestolen, the day shifts from “road travel” into “ready-to-go Norway outdoors.”

You’ll pick up your packed lunch and canoe equipment. Then the guide walks you down to the lake beach of Refsvatnet and handles the two things you need before you paddle: practical safety guidance and a quick explanation of what the hike will be like.

This matters more than it sounds. You don’t want to be figuring out canoe basics while everyone is impatient or while you’re focused on the climb. A short instruction window means you can settle into the rhythm of paddling and save your attention for enjoying the water and shoreline.

Also, because dietary needs can come up, you’ll want to contact the operator when booking if you have restrictions. The lunch is included, but the team notes that you should reach out to provide dietary details.

Paddling Refsvatnet: Quiet Water Before the Steep Part

When the group is ready, you paddle across Refsvatnet, then make your way back onto shore. This segment is usually the mental transition from “getting there” to “doing it.”

Paddling first also gives you a few natural advantages:

• You’re warmed up and moving before the hike starts.
• You get views and fresh air without your legs already burning.
• You’re not walking into the steep climb like it’s a straight line from parking lot to cliff.

Expect the day to keep a comfortable pace. The plan explicitly builds in time for adjusting clothes and equipment, plus breaks for snacks and photos. In other words, you’re not treated like a machine, even with a set schedule.

One practical tip for you: treat your canoe time as part of the experience, not just a step before the hike. It’s the moment where you can look around and understand how Lysefjorden’s world feels from water-level.

The Hidden Trail Hike: Old Path, Real Effort, Better Views

After canoeing, the hike begins along an old and forgotten trail. This is where the day earns its reputation.

The pace is set so you can adjust gear and clothing, rest when needed, and keep taking pictures. The plan calls for about 3 hours of hiking before you reach Preikestolen.

Along the route, you’ll get chances to enjoy the fjord scenery before the final big viewpoint. One of the best things about hiking a lesser-used path is that you can look at the scenery without constantly stepping around crowds. The goal here is a trail that stays quiet even during the busiest time of year.

You’ll also benefit from having fit, experienced guides like Chris, Stephan, or Allen. They’ve done this route multiple times and have a strong reputation for helping everyone feel okay while still pushing forward at a sensible speed. If you’re worried about keeping up, this is exactly the kind of day where a good guide’s pacing choices can make a big difference.

One more detail to know: this route can position you at viewpoints that feel higher than the standard Preikestolen photo spot. Translation: you might get a fresh angle over the people queuing for the classic shot—and you’ll earn the view with less stress.

Reaching the Top: 604 Meters Above Lysefjorden

Eventually, you reach the Preikestolen area at 604 meters right above Lysefjorden. This is the moment everyone came for: the sheer cliff face and the panoramic view over the fjord.

The tour plan includes time to enjoy the scenery and relax before heading back down. That matters, because the view is intense in a good way—so you want a few minutes to stand, look, breathe, and take photos without feeling rushed.

This is also why the hidden trail format pays off. When you approach with fewer people around you, you’re more likely to fully register what you’re seeing: water far below, a huge scale of fjord and mountains, and the feeling that you’re perched above it all.

Coming Down Takes About 2.5 Hours (And That’s Normal)

The return route is down the trail to the parking area, which normally takes about 2.5 hours.

Going down is its own kind of effort. Even if the ascent took most of the hype, your knees and calves do the next job once you start descending. The good news is the day has already built in breaks and snack time during the climb. When you’re tired, it helps that the schedule assumes a reasonable descent length and doesn’t try to compress everything into the final hour.

Once you’re back at the car, the tour ends at the meeting point you started from. If you’re using pickup, you’ll go back the same way you came in.

And yes: it’s the kind of day where you can feel properly exhausted afterward—in a satisfying way.

Price and Value: What $212.61 Buys You Here

At $212.61 per person, you’re paying for more than “just access to a trail.”

You’re also getting:

• A guided canoe trip included in the day
• Lunch included, packed from a historic Norwegian restaurant
• Small group size (maximum 8)
• A route that’s designed around fewer crowds and better flow

If you were to line up canoeing separately, add a guided hike, and secure food on your own, you’d likely end up spending time and money juggling multiple parts of the day. Here, the value is in the coordination: the day is organized so the canoe, hike, and break points support each other.

For me, the strongest value driver is the hidden trail approach. You’re paying to avoid the main-trail crush and to spend your limited vacation time experiencing the place, not waiting behind it.

Weather Reality: When Off-and-On Rain Hits

This tour requires good weather, and if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. That’s the sensible part.

But even on days that are workable, you might still encounter rain while hiking—one participant experienced off-and-on rain yet still felt it was worth it. That lines up with Norway in general: you can’t always predict every cloud shift, especially near cliffs and water.

So here’s my practical advice: pack for damp conditions. You’ll be happier if you can stay warm and your feet stay comfortable and grippy. If you’re deciding whether to bring a rain layer, err on the side of bringing it.

Who Should Book This Preikestolen Hidden Trail + Canoe Day

This is a great fit if you want:

• A Preikestolen experience that feels less crowded
• A day that blends water time (canoe on Refsvatnet) with a real hike
• A guided outing with a small group and supportive pacing

It’s also listed as best for people with moderate physical fitness. The hike takes about 3 hours up and about 2.5 hours back down, so you should feel comfortable moving on uneven trail and managing sustained effort.

It’s less ideal if you:

• Don’t like being on a canoe (even with instruction and safety guidance)
• Want an easy walk with minimal exertion
• Hate early mornings enough to ruin your mood before you start

One bonus: service animals are allowed, which is helpful if that applies to your situation.

Booking Tips for a Smoother Day Over Lysefjorden

A few things I’d do to make this day run smoothly for you:

• Confirm your pickup time carefully. The general pickup is 7:00 AM, but your date has a specific table.
• Plan to arrive ready to move once you reach basecamp. You’ll go from lunch/gear to canoeing quickly.
• Bring layers for Norway weather. Even when it’s not raining hard, you can get cool and damp.
• Treat photos as part of the hike, not the goal. The schedule includes breaks for pictures, which means you’ll get moments without rushing everyone else.

Also, since this is a mobile-ticket experience, keep your phone charged. You’ll rely on it at the start.

Should You Book This Tour or Skip It?

If your priority is the best chance of enjoying Preikestolen with fewer crowds, plus a canoe ride and a packed lunch built into the day, I think this is a strong yes. The mix of hidden trail hiking and Refsvatnet canoeing makes it feel like a full outdoor day instead of a single-note hike.

I’d book it especially if you value guided pacing and small-group comfort. With guides like Stephan, Chris, and Allen running the day and keeping an eye on how people are doing, you’re set up for a safer, more enjoyable experience than a do-it-alone scramble.

Skip it only if you know you won’t handle a moderate hike and long moving time, or if you really don’t want to be on the water for the canoe portion.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The activity starts at 7:00 AM.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 9 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point listed is Preikestolen Fjellstue, Preikestolvegen 521, 4105 Jørpeland, Norway.

Is canoeing included?

Yes. A canoe ride on Refsvatnet is included, along with instructions and canoe equipment.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour is described for travelers with moderate physical fitness.

How big is the group?

There is a maximum of 8 travelers.

What about lunch and dietary restrictions?

Lunch is included as a packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant. If you have dietary restrictions, you’re asked to contact the operator when booking.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.