That quiet climb is rare in Norway. This day trip pairs a hidden trail to Preikestolen with a real canoe moment on Lysefjord’s lakeside.

I love how it keeps you away from the main crush, with many people reporting they did not see a soul until they reached the top area. I also like the pace, because the guide builds in time to get sorted with clothes and gear, plus rest and snack breaks.

One possible drawback: it depends on weather, and you’ll want moderate fitness for the uphill hike, especially if conditions turn wet.

Key things I’d plan for

• 7AM Stavanger pickup and a direct drive to Preikestolen Basecamp
• Canoe across Refsvatnet with safety guidance before you paddle
• A hidden, older trail that’s designed to avoid the main crowd
• A big view payoff after about 3 hours of hiking to Preikestolen
• Packet lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant plus time for breaks
• Small group size (max 8) for a calmer, more adjustable day

Hidden Trail + Canoe: Why This Day Feels Different

Preikestolen is famous for a reason. But the famous part can also mean waiting, crowds, and the feeling you spend more time navigating people than scenery.

This tour is built to change that. You start with a canoe ride on Refsvatnet, then you hike up via an older, forgotten route rather than the main track. The result is a day that feels more personal, more natural, and much less like a line-up.

I also like that the views don’t save themselves only for the final minutes. You get fjord sightlines along the way, and then the real reward hits when you reach the Preikestolen viewpoint area about 604 meters above Lysefjorden.

If you’re the type who hates trekking just to stand in a crowd for a photo, this is the better way to experience Preikestolen.

From Stavanger at 7AM: Timing, Pickup, and What You’re Actually Doing in the Morning

Your day begins with pickup from designated Stavanger locations. The general pickup time is 7:00 AM, and there’s a timetable for the exact pickup time, so don’t assume you roll in right at 7 on the dot.

Then it’s about a 45-minute drive to Preikestolen Basecamp. That morning transfer matters more than it sounds, because it gets you moving before the busiest hiking wave starts.

At the basecamp, you’re not just dropped off and told good luck. You collect your packet lunch and canoe equipment, and then you head down toward the lake beach of Refsvatnet. This is where the day gets organized so the hike doesn’t feel chaotic later on.

Practical tip: go layered. Norway in summer can still toss you wind and rain. Starting early also helps you make the most of changing weather while the group is still fresh.

Refsvatnet Canoe Ride: Safety First, Then Real Fjord-Edge Peace

Before you paddle, the guide gives instructions about safe canoeing and explains what conditions to expect. That’s important because you’re not just hopping into a canoe for a quick photo op.

Once everyone is ready, you paddle across Refsvatnet, then make your way to shore. You’re transitioning from water to hiking, so this section of the tour is also a warm-up in a mental way: you get the scenery, you get the rhythm, and you stop thinking of the hike as one long grind.

What makes the canoe part valuable is the timing and pacing. After a short drive, you’re already outdoors in an active, scenic way. It also breaks up the day, so the climb doesn’t feel like a single-note slog from the start.

If weather is unsettled, you might feel it most on the water. The guide’s job is to keep you safe and comfortable, but your best move is to dress for wet and wind: quick-dry layers, and footwear you trust on uneven ground after you land.

The Hidden Trail Climb: Old Route, Fewer People, Big View Reward

Here’s the core of why this tour gets such strong recommendations: the hike uses a route meant to avoid the main crowd.

You set off along an old and forgotten trail. The pace is deliberately not just “go, go, go.” You’ll have time to adjust clothing and equipment, rest and snack, and take photos when the view opens up.

That matters because the Preikestolen area is steeper than people expect when they only think about the iconic cliff edge. A steady rhythm keeps you from burning out early, especially if it’s cool or damp.

After about 3 hours of hiking, you reach Preikestolen, where the viewpoint sits 604 meters above Lysefjorden. At that point, the panoramic view makes sense of every uphill step.

One cool detail from people who’ve done this route: you can arrive feeling even more “up” than the main lookout crowd. Some describe it as gaining a perspective that lets you see the people queuing lower down for their cliff picture. That’s not just a neat photo moment; it’s a reminder that your trail choice changes your experience.

Then you enjoy the scenery and relax for a while, before heading back down.

Why the Pace and Breaks Matter More Than You Think

A lot of hikes promise breathtaking results. Fewer tours manage the human side of getting there.

The hidden-trail format is tough enough that pacing actually becomes part of the product. You’re walking a route that is more than a gentle stroll, and the guide keeps things flexible so nobody feels rushed or left behind.

In the groups guided by people like Stephan and Chris (names that show up in prior experiences), the vibe is practical: they keep an eye on how everyone is doing and make adjustments on the go. One description even mentioned that the guides were very fit, but they still checked in to make sure people were okay and that the hike felt manageable.

I love that approach because it changes what the day feels like. Instead of you vs. the mountain, it becomes a guided progression: paddle, hike, snack, breathe, then repeat.

If you’re traveling solo or with friends who have different fitness levels, this kind of pacing can be the difference between a good memory and a stressful day.

Packet Lunch in the Middle of Norway’s Climb

Your lunch is included as a packet lunch picked up at basecamp. It comes from a historic Norwegian restaurant, and you can request dietary restrictions by contacting the provider.

That’s a meaningful inclusion. When hikes run all day, food often becomes the weak link: you either arrive hungry or you waste time searching for something edible. Here, the meal is built into the flow, which means you can focus on the trail.

You’ll also have snack breaks during the hike. That matters because the climb is long enough that “just water” isn’t always enough. Having food planned into the day helps you keep energy for both the ascent and the return.

Practical tip: pack whatever you need for weather (and don’t skip water). A small snack plus a proper lunch can be the difference between enjoying the view stops and feeling tempted to rush through them.

The Return Down to the Car: Getting Back on Schedule Without Feeling Beat Up

After the viewpoint time, you head back down. The descent normally takes about 2.5 hours to return to the parking area.

This part is where planning pays off. If you go up too fast, you often pay for it on the way down, and tired legs make slippery patches feel worse. With the tour’s pacing model and earlier snack breaks, you’re more likely to start the return with some fuel left in the tank.

You’ll get back in the car afterward, bringing a satisfying end to a long day. The total duration is about 9 hours, so it’s not a quick half-day excursion. It’s a full “morning-to-evening” adventure—just not the chaotic kind.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes a clear end point (rather than endless hiking), this structure helps.

Price and Value: Is It Worth $212.61?

At $212.61 per person, this isn’t the cheapest way to visit Preikestolen. But it also isn’t just a ticket for a hike.

You’re paying for a complete package:

• pickup from Stavanger
• round-trip ground time to the basecamp area
• canoe equipment and guided instruction
• lunch included
• a small group experience capped at 8 travelers
• time and effort spent getting you onto a quieter route

In other words, you’re covering the logistical work that most independent hikers would need to solve themselves: transportation, gear coordination, safety guidance for canoeing, and a lunch plan.

When I compare value, the biggest thing is the crowd factor. Spending your energy on the view instead of navigating people is worth real money to many travelers. Add in the canoe ride (which most Preikestolen outings don’t include), and the cost starts to make sense.

Also, small group size helps protect the experience. You’re less likely to get stuck in bottlenecks, and guides can keep an eye on pacing and safety.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This experience is best for you if:

• you want fewer crowds and a quieter feel on the way up
• you like active days that mix activities (canoe + hike)
• you prefer guided structure, not just a trail map
• you enjoy photo stops but don’t want your whole day controlled by queues

You should think carefully if:

• you’re not comfortable with a sustained climb and a return descent (moderate fitness is required)
• you’re sensitive to wet conditions, since Norway can change fast
• you need an ultra-flexible schedule and zero weather risk

The best part is that it still works even if the day isn’t perfectly sunny. One account noted off-and-on rain during the hike, and the trip still felt worth it because the route rewards you with views along the way—not only at the cliff edge.

Should You Book This Hidden Trail + Canoe Day?

If you want the classic Preikestolen payoff but without the main-trail crowd pressure, I’d book it. The hidden route idea isn’t marketing fluff here; it’s the reason many people describe feeling alone on the way up, then rewarded with a view that makes the effort feel fair.

I’d also choose this if you value a full, organized day: pickup, canoe instruction, lunch, and pacing all handled. At $212.61, you’re not paying just for a hike—you’re paying for time saved and stress reduced.

The one thing I’d check is your comfort with a longer day (about 9 hours) and changing weather. If you pack for wet and keep a steady pace, you’ll get a much more human, memorable Preikestolen experience than the standard approach.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 7:00 AM, and pickup is offered from designated locations in Stavanger. The exact pickup time can vary, so you’ll want to check the pickup time table.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately 9 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You receive a packet lunch from a historic Norwegian restaurant.

Is a canoe ride included?

Yes. You paddle a canoe across Refsvatnet after receiving instructions about safe canoeing.

Where does the tour start?

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

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 8 travelers.

What fitness level do I need?

You should have a moderate physical fitness level, since there is hiking involved.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are allowed.

What about dietary restrictions?

Dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you contact the provider, since the lunch is arranged from a historic Norwegian restaurant.

What happens if 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.