Norway is a developed European country known in the world for its high standard of living. But this is not what attracts tourists here. This northern region is famous for its incredible beauty. One of the most popular natural attractions in Norway is the Preikestolen cliff. Its majesty amazes even seasoned travelers.
How the Chair of the Preacher was formed
The giant rock is truly gigantic in size: it rises over the Lysefjord for more than 600 meters. Its extraordinary peak is a flat square with a side of 25 meters. In English, this place is called "The Pulpit Rock" or "The Pulpit's Pulpit". Scientists believe that humanity owes the formation of such a beautiful place to the glacier, which crashed into the rock several millennia ago, splitting it. This attraction was discovered back in 1900, but it became an object of active visit only 49 years later.
Opposite the Preikestolen cliff is the Kjerag plateau, famous for the "stone-pea" or Kjeragbolton, stuck between the rocks at an altitude of 1 km above the ground.
How to get there
A positive travel experience lasts long before you reach the top of the cliff. The fact is that you can only get there on foot from the parking lot or the bus stop. A one-way trip takes about 2 hours on average, although the length of the route is only 6 km. But the time spent depends on the physical fitness of the person. Before such a serious hike, you need to equip appropriately. Sportswear and comfortable footwear are essential for a comfortable climb. You should also take care of drinking water, as there will be nowhere to buy it along the way.
The trail goes first through the forest and then over the rocks. Gradually climbing uphill, you will have to conquer a vertical drop of 330 meters. The path is very winding and steep, and in some places it is not easy to overcome it. Adventure lovers will surely enjoy such a walk.
The famous place is not specially equipped with a lift, so as not to disturb the natural beauty of nature. Moreover, on the way you can admire the beautiful views - the road running down; cars in the parking lot, getting smaller and smaller; natural reservoirs in which you can swim if you wish. The resulting aesthetic pleasure makes you forget about fatigue. And for those who really get tired, there are places for rest on the way - benches with tables. You can sit and rest while admiring the surroundings.
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Following the road, people make up cairns of stones, the so-called trolls. It is believed that those who do this will surely find happiness.
Unusual shape and impressive size
When approaching the summit, an unusually beautiful view of the fjord opens up - a bay with cliff shores. Such a sight is really breathtaking. And also because you need to go in the immediate vicinity of the cliff in the complete absence of barrier posts. Despite the constant flow of tourists, only 1 accident was recorded for the entire time. Norwegians believe that fences will not affect the level of safety in any way, and will certainly violate the harmony of nature. And here it is difficult to argue with them.
Having reached the top, it is impossible not to be amazed by its shape and size. Nature itself took care of it and created a miraculous observation deck from which you can see the valleys, mountains, lakes, and plateaus. There are very few places in the world where true natural power is also felt. Boats and excursion boats sail below, clouds cover from above, and even your head begins to spin from beauty and height.
The most desperate tourists come to the edge of the abyss to take a picture and forever leave in their memory the most beautiful shot of the conquest of Preikestolen. In reality, the pictures are excellent from any point - the majestic nature cannot be non-photogenic. You can stand on the plateau for a very long time, calmly observing the views and experiencing endless surprise at the unreal beauty. This spectacle will not leave anyone indifferent. How can you not be glad that you have the opportunity to see all this with your own eyes!
Norwegians and tourists from all over the world are concerned about the crack that has formed between the cliff and the plateau. If this place is not strengthened in time, then the rock can simply fall into the bay. This, of course, cannot be allowed. But there is no doubt that the Norwegians who love their country will take all the necessary measures.
Route
The Preikestolen cliff is good in any weather, and even the often falling rain in these places is not able to spoil the impression.
Being at the top, I really want to delay the moment when I have to leave. Be that as it may, you will have to move back. But here, too, the caring nature of Norway has prepared a surprise for travelers - you can go down the cliff by another route. Only at first you will need to climb a little higher, but new beauties will open behind this rise. These are mountain lakes with sky-blue water, a winding fjord, and far, far away you can see the sea.
In winter, the cliff is beautiful in its own way. But it is not safe to visit it at this time of the year. Strong winds and icy stones underfoot make it impossible to climb. True, there are daredevils who are not stopped by such adversity, but, as a rule, professional climbers have to shoot them from the middle of the route.
Skydiving
This rock is also very popular with skydiving fans. However, you can't just get there and jump. You must first register in the prescribed manner and provide written confirmation of your qualifications. Those who have not yet received enough experience can receive special training.
A huge number of people come to see the rock every year. These are not only foreign tourists, but residents of Norway.
There is hardly a single person in the world who would regret his visit to this unique place. A visit to the Preikestolen cliff will surely remain in your memory for a lifetime. And how pleasant it will be to once again feel the incredible whirlwind of emotions, showing photos and sharing impressions with family and friends!
Another interesting place in Norway is the Geiranger Fjord.
