Two ways to reach Preikestolen. You start with a canoe trip on Refsvatnet, then hike a hidden trail above the main viewpoint for Lysefjorden views without the usual summer crush. I especially like how the route gives you time to settle in, take breaks, and enjoy the scenery while the group stays small.

One thing to consider up front: this is a full day with a tough-ish hike and early timing, and if the weather turns wet, you’ll be out there in it.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• Canoe across Refsvatnet before the hiking starts, with guide-led safety instructions
• Hidden trail to Preikestolen designed to keep the hike quieter, even in busy season
• About 3 hours uphill and roughly 2.5 hours down, with a pace that allows rest and photos
• You may reach higher than the main landing spot, including views of people queuing below
• Packed lunch included from a historic Norwegian restaurant, with dietary requests supported
• Max group size of 8 means more attention, fewer bottlenecks, and a calmer experience

Pickup, basecamp arrival, and why 7:00 am matters

The day starts early, with a general pickup around 7:00 am from Stavanger-area meeting points. You’ll drive about 45 minutes to Preikestolen Basecamp, then the adventure kicks off from there instead of rushing straight to the cliff.

That early start is not just for timing. It changes the whole vibe. When you arrive, you’re not fighting crowds for the first viewpoint, and you get to follow a route that keeps you away from the busiest parts of the experience.

After the pickup, your “base” becomes Preikestolen Basecamp. The tour is set up so you’re not just a hiker, you’re doing a paired plan: canoe time, then trail time, then viewpoint time.

Refsvatnet canoeing first, then the hike

Before you put boots on the trail, you’ll get out on the lake. From Basecamp, you walk down to the beach of Refsvatnet, where the guide handles the key setup: canoe equipment, instructions, and what conditions to expect that day.

This matters because canoeing is not just a scenic add-on. It’s the warmup that also helps you understand how the guide runs the day. The pace is practical. You get time to adjust clothes and gear, and the group moves as one unit rather than sprinting.

You paddle across the lake, then make your way onto shore. From there, the hike starts along an old, forgotten route. The best part is that you’re already in the right headspace when you begin climbing: you’ve had a calm start, you’ve got your rhythm, and the scenery has been working on you for hours.

The hidden trail hike to Preikestolen, without the main-trail crowd

The climb is the star of the day, and it’s specifically the reason I think this tour is worth seeking out. Instead of taking the well-known route straight to the main stop, you hike a hidden trail that is built for fewer people.

Expect around 3 hours of hiking to reach Preikestolen, roughly 604 meters above Lysefjorden. The pace is not “run it to the top.” It’s more “steady effort with room to breathe,” including pauses for snacks and stopping for photos.

If you like the idea of having a viewpoint moment instead of a congestion moment, this is the payoff. Reviews highlight that hikers often see no one until they reach the top, which is exactly what makes the views feel more personal.

One especially memorable detail from the experience: the route can put you higher than the main landing spot. That can give you a perspective where you’re looking down on people queuing to get the classic photo. It’s a subtle psychological shift. You’re not stressed, you’re just taking it in.

The Preikestolen payoff: Lysefjorden views from the best angles

Once you reach the top, you get the dramatic wall of cliff with Lysefjorden below. The view is why Preikestolen is famous in the first place, but the angle and timing here can feel different than the main trail.

Because you reach it via a quieter path, you’re more likely to get breathing room at the viewpoints. That means you can linger, rotate your position for photos, and actually enjoy the scene instead of constantly stepping aside.

Take a moment to look around, not just down. You’ll get a sense of how the fjord bends and how the shoreline sits far below. It’s one of those views that makes the effort feel obvious, even when conditions are gray or damp.

And yes, it can be tough when you first arrive, but the cliff reward is immediate. After that, you head back down with the “exhausted but satisfied” feeling people talk about.

Packed lunch at basecamp: fuel that keeps you moving

Lunch is included as a packed meal from a historic Norwegian restaurant. It’s not just an afterthought. It’s timed to support the hike and help you avoid that late-day hunger crash that can make steep trails feel harder than they are.

The tour also notes that you should contact in advance with dietary restrictions. If you have allergies or a specific diet, do it early. That gives you the best chance that your lunch matches your needs without last-minute stress.

Even if you’re an experienced hiker, I’d treat this as real fuel, not a snack. Steep terrain plus a long day means calories matter.

Hiking down: what “about 2.5 hours” really feels like

Heading back down usually takes about 2.5 hours to reach the parking area. It sounds shorter than the uphill, and it is, but descending can still be tiring, especially if your legs get tight from the earlier climb.

The upside is that you’re already out of the “effort mode.” You’ve reached the reward, you’ve taken your photos, and you know the day’s rhythm. If weather is changeable, this part can also be when you appreciate having been paced earlier in the hike.

Guides tend to keep the group together and adjust if someone is struggling. Reviews specifically mention guides who made changes on the go so everyone felt okay, including when rain popped up during the hike.

Weather changes plans, but it doesn’t stop the day’s value

This experience is weather dependent, which is Norway code for “the fjord doesn’t care about your timeline.” If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

On a day with rain, the route is still worth it, but you’ll want to manage comfort. One review mentions off-and-on rain and still calls the day well worth it, especially because the hidden trail can feel peaceful even when the sky is moody.

If you’re used to hiking only on sunny days, this is where you decide whether you’re a “rain jacket hiker” or a “stay dry at all costs” hiker. If you can handle damp conditions with the right clothing, you’ll get a great day.

Small group size makes the difference on steep terrain

You max out at 8 travelers, and that small number is a big part of what you pay for. When the group is small, it’s easier to:

• keep the pace steady without waiting in long clusters
• adjust for people who need extra time
• avoid the stop-start frustration that comes with larger groups

Reviews also mention guides such as Stephan and Chris, and highlight that they’re experienced with the hike and fit themselves. More important than fitness, though, is the way they help the group feel safe and comfortable, including making adjustments if someone is hurting.

That combination of competence and calm is what makes a tough trail feel manageable instead of intimidating.

Price and value: what $212.61 buys you

At $212.61 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to see Preikestolen. But the value isn’t just that you reach the viewpoint.

You’re paying for a full package:

• a canoe trip on Refsvatnet with equipment
• a hidden trail plan that focuses on fewer people
• a guided day with a max group size of 8
• packed lunch included

If you tried to DIY it, you’d still face coordination challenges, and you’d likely pay for canoe time separately if you wanted the full experience. Here, the day is built as one connected sequence, canoe first, trail second, viewpoints third.

In other words, this price makes sense if you want more than the classic photo shot. You’re buying time, structure, and a quieter way to experience Lysefjorden’s biggest cliff moment.

Who should book this Preikestolen hidden trail + canoe day

This tour fits best if you want:

• the Preikestolen viewpoint, but without a constant crowd flow
• a calmer hike with a guide keeping the group together
• a day that combines water time and trail time
• steady pacing and photo stops rather than a race

It’s also listed as moderate physical fitness. That’s a helpful phrase, because it tells you this is not a flat stroll. You’ll be on steep terrain for hours, and your body needs to be ready for that.

If you want a purely easy day, this likely won’t be your best match. But if you’re a confident walker who can handle steep sections and changing weather, this is exactly the kind of day you remember.

Also note: service animals are allowed, which can matter for certain travelers.

Practical tips I’d use on this day

I’d plan for a long, active day that starts early and ends with tired legs. With that in mind, a few practical choices can make things easier.

Bring clothing you can layer. Norway mornings can feel colder than you expect, and conditions can shift quickly. Pack something waterproof for rain, because even short wet spells can make the climb feel longer.

Comfortable hiking footwear matters. Canoe time plus a hike means you’ll appreciate shoes that grip and dry reasonably well. If you have spare socks, bring them.

For photos, treat the timing as part of the experience. Because the route is designed to avoid crowds, you can take your time at viewpoints and on the trail without feeling pushed. That’s a quality-of-life upgrade more than a scenery upgrade.

Finally, if your group includes anyone with dietary needs, contact ahead about lunch requirements. The tour says dietary restrictions can be provided, but you’ll want to communicate early.

Should you book this tour?

Book it if you want the famous Preikestolen payoff with a quieter approach, plus a real canoe experience on Refsvatnet before the hike. The combination of small group size, hidden trail routing, and included lunch adds up to a full-day outing that feels thoughtfully planned, not just “get you to the viewpoint and go.”

Don’t book it if early mornings plus a moderate hiking effort would ruin your day. This is active, and the weather can change. If you need a relaxed, low-effort plan, you might be happier choosing an easier option.

If you’re on the fence, here’s my simplest test: do you want fewer people and a guided rhythm, or do you prefer doing things quickly with the main-trail crowd flow? If you want the calmer rhythm, this is the right kind of day.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Preikestolen Hidden Trail Hike plus Lunch and Canoe Trip?

The tour duration is listed as 9 hours approximately.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Preikestolen Fjellstue, Preikestolvegen 521, 4105 Jørpeland, Norway and ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is listed as 7:00 am.

Is pickup available from Stavanger?

Yes, pickup is offered from several designated locations in Stavanger, with the general pickup time also around 7:00 am.

What is included in the tour?

The tour includes a packed lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant, canoe equipment and a canoe ride on Refsvatnet, and a guided hike along the hidden trail.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What fitness level do I need?

The tour lists moderate physical fitness as the requirement.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions for lunch?

You should contact in advance to provide dietary restrictions so the packed lunch can be prepared accordingly.