Stavanger: Preikestolen Sunrise Hike with Breakfast Buffet

Exploring Preikestolen at Dawn: A Guide to the Sunrise Hike with Breakfast Buffet

While we haven’t personally tackled this sunrise adventure, countless travelers have raved about its unforgettable experience. This guided tour from Stavanger offers a unique chance to beat the crowds, witness the stunning spectacle of sunrise over Lysefjorden, and enjoy a hearty breakfast in the mountains.

What we love about this experience is how it combines natural beauty, expert guidance, and practical logistics into one seamless package. The three things that stand out are the peaceful early morning hike, the panoramic views from the top, and the comforting breakfast awaiting you afterward. A potential consideration? You need to be comfortable with a moderate hike and early mornings—so this might not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues or low fitness levels.

This tour is ideal for adventure lovers, landscape photographers, and anyone wanting a quieter, more intimate encounter with Norway’s iconic fjord. If you’re eager to see Preikestolen without the high-season crowds and enjoy a well-organized, rewarding experience, this hike is worth considering.

Good To Know

• Early morning tranquility offers a more peaceful, picture-perfect experience.
• Guided hike with local experts ensures safety, insight, and fun stories along the trail.
• Breathtaking views from the 604-meter cliff are some of the best in Fjord Norway.
• Comfortable post-hike breakfast in a mountain lodge provides a satisfying finish.
• Convenient roundtrip transportation from Stavanger saves hassle and time.
• Small group size (up to 8 participants) fosters a personalized experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deeper Dive into the Preikestolen Sunrise Hike

The Experience at a Glance

This guided sunrise hike spans roughly 4 kilometers each way, with an ascent of about 500 meters. The journey begins at dawn, when darkness still cloaks the forested trail. You’ll be picked up from one of 13 designated locations in Stavanger, which includes popular hotels like the Radisson Blu and the Victoria Hotel, making it easy to fit into your itinerary. The pickup times vary, so confirming your slot ensures a smooth start.

Once onboard, the roughly 40-minute drive to the trailhead already sets the tone—expect anticipation, light chatter, and maybe a few jokes about the Norwegian weather. Your guide, whether it’s the enthusiastic Erlend or Baba the friendly guide dog, will brief you on trail conditions, safety tips, and folklore that adds a touch of local charm to the hike.

The Trail and the Ascent

Starting in the dark, with headlamps illumining the path, you’ll walk through towering trees and over rocky steps that can be steep and uneven. This early start is part of the appeal; fewer hikers means more solitude, more serenity, and the chance to witness the first light rays hitting the fjord walls.

Reviewers like Ivica and Jacob mention the “extraordinary good weather” supporting their hike—meaning clear skies and crisp mountain air. The walk takes approximately 2.5 hours, but it’s not a race. Our guides know how to pace the group and offer plenty of breaks, which are perfect moments to enjoy snacks or simply take in the silence broken only by footsteps and distant bird calls.

Reaching Preikestolen

Once on top of the 604-meter-high plateau, the view is nothing short of spectacular. The dramatic cliffs over Lysefjorden are a sight that makes every step of the climb worthwhile. Some lucky hikers, as one reviewer noted, get to see the sun make its debut just as they arrive—casting golden hues over the fjord and highlighting the rugged terrain.

One reviewer, Eve, appreciated the guide’s attentiveness, noting how they provided plenty of water breaks and layered clothing suggestions. The top can be quite windy and cold even on clear days, so packing layers and warm accessories like hats and gloves is a smart move.

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The Descent and Breakfast

After soaking in the views and snapping photos before the crowds arrive, the group begins the descent back to basecamp. The return journey generally takes about an hour, with many reflecting on the stunning vistas they’ve just experienced.

Back at the mountain lodge, a well-deserved breakfast awaits. The buffet is simple but fresh—think hearty bread, berries, and hot berry juice—as one reviewer mentioned. It’s a cozy moment to chat about the hike, share photos, or just relax after the challenging climb.

Logistics & Value

The total duration of around 9 hours makes this a full but rewarding day. The price of $253 per person includes transportation, expert guiding, hiking poles, headlamps, a snack, and breakfast. Considering the personalized experience, small group size, and the quality of the guides—many of whom are acknowledged for their friendliness, patience, and local knowledge—this offers excellent value.

It’s worth noting that gear like waterproof jackets, hiking boots, or extra warm accessories can be rented if you prefer not to bring your own. The hike is accessible to those with a decent level of fitness, but not suitable for children under 5, pregnant women, or anyone with mobility challenges.

What the Tour Includes and Excludes

The tour provides everything you need for a safe and enjoyable hike: transport, experienced guides, hiking poles, headlamps, and a nourishing breakfast afterward. There’s no minimum number of hikers—meaning it runs even if only one person books—and the small group format ensures personalized attention.

Extras like a photography package or gear rental are not included, so if capturing every moment on a professional camera or renting waterproof pants is important to you, plan accordingly. Restrooms are available at the trailhead, which is convenient after the early start.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This guide-led adventure is perfect for those who appreciate thoughtful organization, want to avoid the crowds, and are comfortable with moderate hikes. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a mix of action, nature, and comfort—plus a delicious mountain breakfast that makes the early wake-up call worthwhile.

The Real Value of the Sunrise Hike

For around $250, the experience offers more than just a walk; it’s a chance to connect with Norway’s raw natural beauty in a peaceful setting. The early departure ensures you’re among the first to reach the top, granting you uninterrupted views and perfect photo opportunities. The guides, highly praised for their friendliness and local knowledge, often go the extra mile—sharing folklore, secret viewpoints, or just helping you get the best shot.

Even if you’ve done other hikes before, this early-morning trek adds a sense of exclusivity and serenity that’s hard to find during busy daytime hours. And after the climb, sitting in a cozy lodge with a fresh breakfast while recounting the morning’s highlights? That’s the kind of memorable finish every adventurer craves.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour offers a rare chance to see Preikestolen at its most tranquil, with fewer travelers and a stunning sunrise. The small group size and excellent guides make it feel personal and well-paced, suitable for active travelers seeking a bit of challenge and a lot of beauty.

It’s perfect for those who want a deeper experience beyond the crowded midday hikes—appreciating Norway’s majestic fjords in peace. The combination of a scenic ascent, spectacular views, folklore stories, and a hearty breakfast makes this a well-rounded day trip for adventure lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone craving a touch of Norway’s wilderness.

If you value quality guidance, a peaceful setting, and memorable vistas, this sunrise hike will leave you with lasting impressions—and maybe a few extra shots for your travel album.

FAQ

How long is the hike?
The total walk is approximately 4 kilometers each way, with about 500 meters of ascent in total.

What time does the tour start?
Start times depend on the day and your pickup location; check your specific schedule upon booking.

What should I bring?
Pack hats, gloves, layered clothing, waterproof gear, hiking shoes, socks, a small backpack, water, and snacks. Some gear can be rented if needed.

Is this hike suitable for beginners?
It’s best for those with prior hiking experience or active lifestyles. The trail has stone steps and some steep sections, so a reasonable fitness level is recommended.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Not suitable for children under 5 years or those with mobility issues.

What is included in the price?
Transport, guides, hiking poles, headlamps, a snack, and breakfast.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

What about weather considerations?
Weather can change quickly in the mountains; bring layers and rain gear to stay comfortable.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, transport from designated pickup points is included and well-organized, making for a stress-free start.

Will I have time for photos?
Absolutely. The early start means fewer people and more opportunities to capture the stunning scenery without crowds.

In short, this Preikestolen sunrise hike with breakfast from Stavanger offers a blend of adventure, serenity, and spectacular scenery. It’s a smart pick for travelers who want to see Norway’s iconic fjord in its most peaceful and photogenic light—plus, enjoy a satisfying mountain breakfast to fuel the day ahead.

You can check if your dates are available here: