Sunday 2nd September 2018
After enjoying a fun evening with our very young neighbours from Düssledorf and their super laid back dog Nia, a rescue dog from Iran, we had made arrangements to meet this morning around 7 o’clock to drive down the road to hike to the famous natural attraction known as Preikestolen.
Ray had previously completed the climb and was confident that an early start would be beneficial for several reasons. (I can’t imagine what he was thinking when he said he would do it again!!)
Although it doesn’t cost anything to climb the cliff you pay for the privilege of using the car park, (200 NOK) and trust me, after completing this feat, you will feel relieved to have a short walk back to your vehicle, if you are as we were, out of practice at climbing, despite the hike being considered a relatively easy one by Norwegian standards 😉
On arrival in the Preikestolen car park there were a few cars and motorbikes but we found a space easily. The later in the day you arrive, the harder it will be to find a space, although there is another parking area about 1 km before reaching the trail. So Ray’s suggestion of an early climb was a good move.
It is really hard to put into words how it felt to hike up this major tourist attraction, as my fitness levels will differ immensely to others but I made it to the top and back down again and in the 4 hours they recommend it will take you, as did Ray and our companions/carers 😉 for the hike.
Just be prepared for some extremely steep, often narrow and uneven surfaces on rock paths which climb and descend various ridges.
Take water and rest stops when you feel the need. The climb down was a lot busier than the one up and despite the lack of fitness levels and playing the age card, I felt quite pleased with my achievements compared to much younger climbers I passed on their way up, who were huffing and puffing before the hike got really steep!
I was nevertheless impressed by a couple of blokes, who although didn’t look particularly athletic or young, passed us 3 times on our round trip, RUNNING, up and back down the trail and who we saw on exiting the car parking area, starting a 3rd attempt!! Hats off 😉
I least I can definitely tick this off my bucket list!!
Hey Kim, Hey Ray!!
It’s Anika and Flo AND of course Nia 🙂
It was so nice to meet you and spend a really good time together
The hike was awesome and the pictures are veery beautiful!!
We hope you are well and keep your life spirit
It was an inspiration for us to meet you guys and we are looking forward to see you again someday and have some german beers together ;))
Safe travels!!
Hi!,
Good to hear from you 🙂 I’ve replied via email & sent a couple more pictures, let me know if they haven’t turned up
Ray