The iconic Pulpit Rock, or Preikestolen as it’s known in Norwegian, is one of Norway’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Towering 604 meters above the Lysefjord, this flat-topped cliff offers unparalleled views that draw visitors from around the globe. However, capturing the perfect photograph without the distraction of crowds, particularly from cruise ship tours, requires careful planning. Timing your visit is everything if you want to experience the serenity of the site and take stunning, unobstructed shots.

The Challenge of Cruise Ship Crowds

One of the biggest obstacles to a peaceful visit to Pulpit Rock is the influx of tourists from cruise ships. During peak season, large vessels dock in nearby Stavanger, disgorging hundreds of passengers who make the journey to Preikestolen. These groups often arrive in waves, creating a crowded and chaotic atmosphere at the summit. For photographers and solitude seekers, this can be a major frustration. The narrow pathways and limited space at the cliff’s edge mean that avoiding these crowds is essential for both safety and the quality of your experience.

Early Mornings: The Golden Window

To escape the masses, an early start is non-negotiable. The hike to Pulpit Rock takes approximately two hours each way, depending on your pace. Setting out before dawn not only ensures you’ll beat the cruise ship crowds but also provides the opportunity to witness a spectacular sunrise over the fjord. The soft morning light enhances the dramatic landscape, casting long shadows and adding depth to your photos. By the time the first tour buses arrive, you’ll already be enjoying the tranquility of the summit, with only a handful of fellow early risers for company.

The Shoulder Seasons: A Quieter Alternative

While summer is the most popular time to visit, the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn offer a compelling alternative. During these months, cruise traffic diminishes, and the trails are less congested. The weather remains relatively mild, and the changing seasons bring a unique beauty to the landscape—think vibrant autumn foliage or the fresh blooms of spring. Visiting outside peak season not only improves your chances of a crowd-free experience but also allows for more creative photography, with natural elements adding variety to your shots.

Weekdays Over Weekends

If an early morning hike isn’t feasible, opting for a weekday visit can still significantly reduce your exposure to crowds. Weekends, especially during summer, see a surge in both local and international visitors. Cruise ships often schedule their stops to coincide with weekends, compounding the problem. By contrast, weekdays—particularly Tuesdays through Thursdays—tend to be quieter. This small adjustment in your itinerary can make a world of difference, giving you more space to explore and photograph the site at your leisure.

Weather Considerations: More Than Just Avoiding Rain

While clear skies are ideal for photography, overcast conditions can also work in your favor. Fog and mist add a mystical quality to the landscape, creating moody, atmospheric shots. However, heavy rain or high winds can make the hike dangerous and obscure the view entirely. Checking the forecast ahead of time is crucial. Additionally, cloudy days often deter casual tourists, meaning you might have the place to yourself even during typically busy times. Balancing weather conditions with crowd avoidance is a delicate art, but one that pays off in spades when executed well.

The Hidden Advantage of Late Afternoons

Another often-overlooked strategy is arriving in the late afternoon. Most cruise ship day-trippers begin their descent by mid-afternoon to return to their vessels. By starting your hike around 2 or 3 PM, you’ll encounter fewer people on the trail and at the summit. The evening light, known as the golden hour, bathes the cliffs in a warm glow, perfect for photography. As an added bonus, you’ll likely have the iconic viewpoint almost to yourself as the day winds down.

Staying Overnight: The Ultimate Solution

For those committed to capturing Pulpit Rock in its most pristine state, spending the night nearby is the ultimate solution. The nearby Preikestolen Mountain Lodge offers basic accommodations, allowing you to start your hike at unconventional times. An overnight stay enables you to photograph the cliff at sunset and sunrise, times when day-trippers are absent. The stillness of the fjord in the early morning or the fading light of dusk provides unparalleled photographic opportunities, free from the distractions of crowds.

Local Insights: Talking to Guides and Rangers

Engaging with local guides or park rangers can provide invaluable tips for avoiding crowds. These experts know the patterns of tourist traffic and can advise on the best times to visit based on current cruise schedules. Some may even suggest lesser-known viewpoints that offer equally stunning perspectives without the foot traffic. Building a rapport with locals not only enhances your experience but can also lead to hidden gems that aren’t mentioned in guidebooks.

Patience and Persistence: The Photographer’s Virtues

Even with meticulous planning, there’s no guarantee you’ll have Pulpit Rock entirely to yourself. Patience is key. Waiting out brief surges of visitors or scouting alternative angles can yield remarkable results. Sometimes, the best shots come when you least expect them—a momentary break in the clouds, a bird soaring overhead, or the interplay of light and shadow as the sun moves across the sky. Persistence and flexibility often trump rigid schedules when it comes to nature photography.

In the end, the effort to avoid crowds at Pulpit Rock is well worth it. The sense of standing alone on the edge of such a monumental cliff, with the fjord stretching endlessly below, is an experience that stays with you long after the hike is over. By choosing the right time to visit, you not only secure the perfect photo but also the memory of a truly undisturbed connection with one of Norway’s most awe-inspiring landscapes.