Yes, October might seem a bit early to discuss winter trips, but this one is worth planning far ahead. Preikestolen is always a beautiful hike, but in wintertime, it might even be better than in summertime. The view looks even more magical with the snow-covered mountains, and you will likely be on the plateau all by yourself.
What to Expect on a Winter Hike
1. Weather and Conditions
- Snow and Ice: Expect very icy conditions. The path up to Preikestolen also functions as a river when it rains, and there is a lot of rain on the Norwegian West Coast. In wintertime, this will freeze creating one long very icy slide.
- Shorter Days: With fewer daylight hours, starting early and bringing (head) lights is essential.
- Quiet Trails: Unlike summer, when thousands of tourists make the trek daily, winter hikes are much quieter. You’ll likely have the trail to yourself or share it with only a handful of others.
2. Essential Gear for a Safe Winter Hike
- Traction Aids: Crampons or micro spikes are essential to avoid slipping on icy patches along the trail.
- Layers and Insulated Clothing: Layer up with insulating layers to keep warm in freezing temperatures. Also, bring a clean shirt and a ‘low activity layer’ for the breaks.
- Headlamp: With limited daylight, a headlamp is crucial.
- Trekking Poles: These will help with balance on icy sections and provide support on steeper inclines.
- Emergency Supplies: Winter hiking requires extra preparedness, so pack extra clothes, food, and a small first aid kit.
3. Safety
- Check the Weather: Winter weather can change quickly. Check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out.
- Check the daylight time: The winter days are short in Norway, so start in time.
- Bring Navigation Tools: A map, compass, or GPS device can help you stay on track, especially if visibility is low.
- Know Your Limits: Winter hiking can be more challenging than it seems. If conditions worsen, be prepared to turn back.
How to Get There and Costs
You will either have to travel in your car or book a guided tour. The road is usually well-cleared of snow, but conditions in the mountains can always shift. Either way, it will be a costly hike. The tunnel system ‘Ryfast’ is a toll road, and a round trip will cost more than 30 euros for a regular car. A similar price will have to be paid at the parking lot at ‘Preikestolen Basecamp’.
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