Pulpit Rock RIB-Safari & Hike Combo Tour from Stavanger
4.6 / 5 · 9 traveler reviews
Experience the Lysefjord from every angle on this unique Pulpit Rock RIB + Hike combo tour. Your adventure begins in Stavanger as you speed out on a high-end RIB, feeling the exhilaration of the open sea before entering the fjord’s dramatic landscape. Get up close to hidden caves, towering waterfalls, and the gravity-defying cliff face of Pulpit Rock rising over 600 meters above you. An astounding sight, but also a summit waiting to be conquered. From the fjord, transfer by minibus to Basecamp, where experienced guides lead you on the iconic hike to the top. Along the trail, enjoy stories of local history and wildlife as the forested path opens into breathtaking mountain vistas. At the peak, stand on the famous plateau and take in one of the world’s most astonishing views—made even more rewarding by having gazed up at the cliff from a boat just hours before. Small-group, guided, and truly all-in-one, this tour gives you the full fjord experience on an unforgettable day of adventure.
Your experience
Stop 1
On your way out of the harbor, you will pass by Stavanger from the seaside, a true picture of Norwegian history. The speed starts out gentle, allowing you to take in a full view of the bustling life on the waterfront. Make sure to catch a glimpse of the old city, the Valgberg tower, and the Norwegian Oil Museum.
Stop 2
After about 30 minutes aboard the RIB, you’ll enter the famous Lysefjord. Extending an impressive 42 kilometers, the fjord showcases a dramatic landscape where towering mountainsides, adorned with lush forests and cascading waterfalls, rise sharply from pristine waters. The fjord's name, meaning "the fjord of light", is derived from the light-colored granite rocks along its sides. As you venture through its narrow corridor, you’ll be on the lookout for the bustling wildlife that inhabits the region. On a good day it will be possible to spot seals, porpoises, sea eagles, and more.
Stop 3
Our first stop is the legendary Fantahålå, a cave whose name comes from fant (vagabond) and hålå (cave). Local lore tells of tramps who once hid here from the sheriff. When discovered, they fought him off by hurling stones until he retreated—earning the cave its notorious reputation and leaving the wanderers free to roam another day.
Stop 4
The captain will then drive you right up close to the gravity-defying cliff face of Preikestolen, towering over 600 meters above you. You’ll admire Its iconic shape, sculpted by a melting glacier 10 000 years ago, and see with your own eyes why its first climber thought it fitting to name it after a preacher’s pulpit. It’s quite a view, but for you, also a summit waiting to be conquered.
Stop 5
Before you head out to conquer the Preikestolen summit, the RIB will make one final stop at Hengjanefossen. This 75-meter-tall waterfall, nicknamed “Whisky Falls,” doesn’t fall as a single curtain but breaks into several cascading streams that rush down the rock face for a truly mesmerizing sight. Your captain will bring the boat right up to the spray and tell you the story of how a German moonshiner once gave the falls its unusual name.
Stop 6
After experiencing the fjord from sea level, the adventure is only just beginning. At a nearby quay in the fjord, our experienced nature guides will meet you and take you by minibus to Basecamp. Here, you’ll have a chance to stock up on supplies and prepare for the hike ahead.
Stop 7
You’re now ready to chase the summit you saw from below. You’ll walk one of the most famous trails in all of Norway. The path starts out gentle, winding through a serene forest, but growing steeper as you ascend. Our guides will support you along the way, cheering you on and sharing captivating tales of the region’s history and wildlife. Your sense of achievement when you finally reach the peak will be truly unparalleled. As you step onto the Pulpit Rock plateau, a panoramic spectacle of the fjord will unfold before you. Long considered one of the most astonishing vantage points on the entire planet, your view from the top will feel all the more gratifying, magnified by the amazing journey you took to get there. As you peer over the edge, you’ll marvel at the thought that just hours ago, you were gazing up from a boat at this very cliff.
Stop 8
After you make your way back down to basecamp, you’ll be returned to Stavanger in a minibus, notably passing through Ryfylketunnelen—the longest and deepest subsea road tunnel in the world.
What’s included
- A Guided hike to the top of Pulpit Rock
- Kvikklunsj (the favored Norwegian hiking snack)
- RIB tour of the Lysefjord from Stavanger
- Minibus return from Basecamp to Stavanger
- All necessary equipment for the RIB tour
Not included
- Parking fees
- Hiking clothes (avaliable for rent)
Meeting and pickup
Check-in is in the central Stavanger city harbor in front of the Stavanger Maritime Museum and behind the fish market. You will see a flag that says ‘Stavanger RIB meeting point’.
Before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour is fully cruise-friendly for passengers onboard ships docking 8 hours or more in Stavanger.
- We continuously track the mandatory back-onboard time for all cruises and will make absolutely sure you’re dropped off back at the cruise terminal in time, cutting the trip short if need be.
- We also provide full refunds in case of cruise cancellations that happen after the free refund window and will try to reschedule the tour in case of cruise delays.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Check the policy for your selected date and option before booking.
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