Preikestolen Hike - Norway July 2016

In July this year we were lucky enough to go on holiday to Norway, Chris had previously worked over there and couldn't wait for us to both go and see this beautiful country.  Well all I can say is he wasn't exaggerating! Everywhere was just stunning, mountains and waterfalls everywhere you looked...I must have about two thousand photos from our trip and we wanted to do a few hikes while we were there. The first one was Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock as it's sometimes known which is one of the most famous hikes in Norway and even though i'd seen lots of photos before we went, nothing could prepare us for how absolutely amazing it was in real life.  

  We took the ferry from Stavanger to Tau which took about 20 minutes and then it was a short drive to the car park near the start of the hike.

The hike itself wasn't too difficult, although quite steep at the beginning it's all on a very well marked path and it was super busy so no chance of getting lost! 

It did get a bit annoying with so many people on the trail but you just have to accept the fact that you aren't going to be able to hike as fast as you might like and just take your time behind the many other hikers.

Once we emerged from the wooded paths at the start the views were just spectacular out over the surrounding countryside.

  It took us just short of 2 hours to reach the top and it was completely breath taking when we arrived at the rock - not to mention a little bit scary! I'm not the best with heights anyway but even Chris was a bit cautious on the last bit as you walk round onto the flat platform, the edges are really sheer and it did freak me out a little at first even though we weren't really anywhere near the edge, but the views (even though the day was a little cloudy) made me forget my fears and we had fun taking a few daring photos nearer the edge!

Then it was a straightforward hike back the same way and as it was getting later in the day it was a lot quieter and more enjoyable on the way down.

All in all a great easy hike (about 4 hours altogether including lots of photo stops and time at the top) with a great pay-off in terms of amazing views...I can see why it's so popular!