Preikestolen cliff in Norway: photo, description, how to get

Norway is a developed European country, which is known in the world for its high standard of living. But this is not what attracts tourists here. This northern region is famous for its incredible beauty. One of the most popular natural attractions in Norway is the Preikestolen cliff. Its grandeur amazes even experienced travelers.

How the pulpit was formed

The giant rock has truly gigantic dimensions: it towers over 600 meters above the Lysefjord. Its extraordinary peak is a flat square with a side of 25 meters. In English, this place is called “Pulpit Rock” or “Pulpit”. Scientists believe that mankind owes the formation of such a beautiful place to a glacier that crashed into a rock several millennia ago, splitting it. This attraction was discovered back in 1900, but it became an object of active visiting only 49 years later.

Opposite the Preikestolen cliff is the Kjerag Plateau, famous for the “pea stone” or Kjeragbolton, stuck between rocks at a height of 1 km above the ground.

How to get there

Positive travel experiences appear long before the cliff top is reached. The fact is that you can get there only on foot from the parking lot or the bus stop. A one-way trip takes an average of about 2 hours, although the length of the route is only 6 km. But the time spent depends on the physical fitness of the person. Before such a serious trip, you need to equip yourself appropriately. Sportswear and comfortable shoes are essential for a comfortable climb. You should also take care of drinking water, as there will be nowhere to buy it along the way.

The trail first goes through the forest and then over the rocks. Gradually climbing the mountain, you will have to conquer a vertical drop of 330 meters. The path is very winding and steep, in some places it is not easy to overcome it. Such a walk will surely appeal to adventure lovers.

The famous place is not specially equipped with a lift, so as not to disturb the natural beauty of nature. Moreover, along the way you can admire the beautiful views – the road running down; cars in the parking lot getting smaller and smaller; natural reservoirs in which, if desired, you can swim. The resulting aesthetic pleasure makes you forget about fatigue. And for those who really get tired, there are places for rest on the way – benches with tables. You can sit and relax while admiring the surroundings.

Following the road, people make pyramids of stones, the so-called trolls. It is believed that those who do this will surely find happiness.

Unusual shape and impressive size

When approaching the top, an unusually beautiful view of the fjord opens up – a bay with cliff-shores. A sight like this is truly breathtaking. And also because you need to go in the immediate vicinity of the cliff in the complete absence of barrier posts. Despite the constant flow of tourists, only 1 accident was recorded for all the time. The Norwegians believe that the fences will not affect the level of security in any way, and the harmony of nature will certainly be violated. And it's hard to argue with them.

Having reached the top, it is impossible not to be amazed by its shape and size. Nature took care of itself and created a miraculous observation deck from which you can see valleys, mountains, lakes, and plateaus. There are very few places in the world where true natural power is also felt. Boats and excursion boats sail below, clouds cover from above, and even the head begins to spin from beauty and height.

The most desperate tourists come to the edge of the abyss to take pictures and forever leave in their memory the most beautiful shot of the conquest of Preikestolen. In fact, the pictures are excellent from any point – the majestic nature cannot be unphotogenic. You can stand on the plateau for a very long time, calmly surveying the views and experiencing endless surprise from the unreal beauty. This spectacle will not leave anyone indifferent. How can you not be glad that you have the opportunity to see all this with your own eyes!

The concern of Norwegians and tourists from all over the world is caused by a crack that has formed between the cliff and the plateau. If this place is not strengthened in time, then the rock can simply fall into the bay. This, of course, cannot be allowed. But there is no doubt that Norwegians who love their country will take all necessary measures.

Route

The Preikestolen cliff is good in any weather, and even the rain that often falls in these places is not able to spoil the impression.

Being at the top, I really want to delay the moment when I have to leave. Be that as it may, you will have to move in the opposite direction. But even here, the caring nature of Norway has prepared a surprise for travelers – you can go down the cliff by a different route. Only at first you will need to climb a little higher, but behind this rise new beauties will open. These are mountain lakes with sky-blue water, a winding fjord, and far, far away you can see the sea.

In winter, the cliff is beautiful in its own way. But visiting it at this time of the year is unsafe. Strong winds and ice-crusted rocks underfoot make climbing impossible. True, there are daredevils who are not stopped by such adversity, but, as a rule, they have to be removed from the middle of the route by professional climbers.

Skydiving

This rock is also very popular among skydiving enthusiasts. However, just climbing up there and jumping will not work. You must first register in the prescribed manner and provide written confirmation of your qualifications. Those who have not yet gained enough experience can receive special training.

A huge number of people come to see the rock every year. These are not only foreign tourists, but residents of Norway.

There is hardly a single person in the world who would regret his visit to this unique place. A visit to Preikestolen Rock will surely be remembered for a lifetime. And how nice it will be to once again feel an incredible whirlwind of emotions, showing photos and sharing impressions with family and friends!

Another interesting place in Norway is the Geirangerfjord.