Norway 2004 - Part II

'Journey to the pulpit rock' is a special trip i planned as part of my Europe
trip in 2004. It was special because it's not a spontaneous detour from my
trip. I was drawn to the landscape the first time I read about 'preikestolen'
and its surrounding beauty...

Preikestolen, the pulpit rock, is a popular tourist attraction in south
western part of Norway. It's a plateau towering 600mhigh from the fjord
down below. It used to be a site for base jumpers. Each year Preikestolen
draws thousands of spectators from different countries in the world.

misty morning

Stavanger. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

Overnight rain and foggy early morning doesn't seem promising for hikers
who wish to get the best view of the fjord from the pulpit rock. Here
is Preikestolen lodge, just minutes away from where the trailhead starts.

midpoint

Stavanger. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

This is about midway through the trail, where a sign indicates the elevation
changes. Visitors hike along the boardwalk and stone path, climb up
boulder hill following red "T" marks to reach the destination. The trail is
well-maintained, and it takes about 2 hours to reach the top by foot.

stone path

Preikestolen. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

destination in sight

Stavanger. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

by preikestolen

Stavanger. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

conquer

Stavanger. Norway. July 2004. Photo: unknown hiker

Standing at the edge of the pulpit rock is a great
feeling. This was about 40 days after I first saw the
picture of preikestolen from my guide book.

the platform

Preikestolen. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

The pulpit rock is not really the "end" of the trail, tho most travellers
rest over there and enjoy the stunning view. I found a higher place to see
see the platform and the surrounding landscape of Lysefjord.

hikers below

Stavanger. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

my backpack

Preikestolen. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

barren landscape

Stavanger. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

preikestolen in distance

Stavanger. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

over the top

Preikestolen. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

mirror of an image

Preikestolen. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

spectators

Preikestolen. Norway. July 2004. Photo: v.c.

postcard preikestolen

Preikestolen. Norway. July 2004. Postcard

It is possible to see the pulpit rock from the fjord below
by boats. While my time is limited here, I could only see
this view from the postcard i got from Preikestolen lodge.

postcard kjeragbolten

kjeragbolten. Norway. July 2004. Postcard

Another popular site for hikers - kjeragbolten,
located just 20km east of Preikestolen.