Is the Pulpit Rock too crowded?

I’m not thrilled by crowded trails. Rick’s guidebook indicates it can get busy, and says the lodging at the trailhead is one way to get a jump on the hiking hordes. As a slower hiker, I’ll eventually get surrounded by others regardless, but maybe that’s the best plan… with a $25.00 cost for the parking lot at the trailhead either way?

There’s even the suggestion to start off in the dark (what time is that, given that it’s near the Autumnal Equinox?) and reach the Rock for sunrise. One review I’ve read is from somebody who hiked up at 7:30PM, just a couple weeks ago, and reached the Rock at 9:00 (really fast hiker, and it was still quite light in the sky), stayed for sunset (that must’ve been about 10:30 at night!), then pitched a tent somewhere nearby. He got up and was at the Rock again for sunrise. I’m guessing that was about a quarter after 4:00AM!! So first question about that is, is camping actually permitted, and second, how much sleep did that guy get?

In the Cinque Terre in Italy 2 years ago (October) there were waaay too many people on the main trail. I would hope that Pulpit Rock’s trail isn’t so crowded. Thanks again for any info.

I haven’t been to the Pulpit Rock. With regard to camping, Norway (as well as Sweden) has ”everyman’s right” which allows people the right of access and to camp even on private land (with some limitations). You can read about it here:
https://www.visitnorway.com/plan-your-trip/travel-tips-a-z/right-of-access/

September is in general after-season but be careful with the weather and your fitness and equipment. I was traveling this May to Norway and the weather was colder than the years before.

Laura and MarkK, thank you for your input. I’m now looking for reasons to compel us to include Pulpit Rock in our plans, as I’m leaning toward not including it. Crowds would be a big deterrent.

On the Autumnal Equinox this year, sunrise is 7:23 and sunset is 19:34 in Stavanger, so that person probably got a decent amount of sleep. You are not allowed to camp on the pulpit rock itself, but having a tent nearby is not a problem.

What too crowded is is in the end a matter of personal opinion. But in my opinion Pulpit rock is suffering from overtourism. It's become one of those places you need to visit in order to get some images to post on social media, despite there being many other places with great views.

We've been looking at this hike for either September 21st or 22nd, and I have the same questions/concerns. If you go before us, Cyn I'd love to hear about your experience!

Still haven’t decided on our plans, but I’m leaning further towards leaving Pulpit Rock to the masses, and finding other hikes in Norway with fewer hikers.

That won't be a problem, there are plenty of hiking trails in Norway.

I agree to Badger.
If you look at close Folgefonna national park you can find some hike ideas which are less crowded.

Thank you! Alternate hiking options are encouraging.

How long hikes are you looking for? DNT is a good start, www.dnt.no

Badger, thank you. Unfortunately I can’t find an English version on that DNT Website, and I’m not a Norsk speaker.