Camera: Mamiya 645AF     Lens: Mamiya 645 N 2.8/55mm AF     Film: Agfa RS200     Date: 20.06.1991

On the path to Preikestolen, Rogaland, Norway

It weren’t the best conditions for the gruelling 2 hour hike to Preikestolen (“The Pulpit Rock” or “Preacher’s Chair”), one of Norway’s prime tourist attractions. The weather was miserable and low hanging rain clouds didn’t promise a good view of the breathtaking cliff. As it turned out, we were the only visitors on that morning and we had the small platform on top of the cliff all for ourselves. A little breeze cleared off most of the clouds on our way back so we could see the 604m high vertical drop-off just long enough to take one quick photo. (For comparison: the roof of the Empire State Building is ‘only’ 381m up, the Eiffel Tower even less at 276m)

Fast-forward 30 years: in 2013 the local tourist board decided to improve access by widening and leveling the path, and by 2020 an average of 1,000 people visited Preikestolen during the tourist season every day. Recently it has become a favourite destination for BASE jumpers, who often leap from the cliff with their parachutes or wingsuits.