When Mission: Impossible – Fallout hit theaters in 2018, fans around the world were blown away by the jaw-dropping cliffside fight between Tom Cruise’s Ethan Hunt and Henry Cavill’s August Walker. The scene, set high above a dramatic fjord, was pure adrenaline — and trust me, standing there I found new admiration for both actors and the crew. But here’s the thing: the scene wasn’t filmed in India, as the movie suggests.

That heart-stopping location is Preikestolen — Norway’s legendary Pulpit Rock — perched 604 meters (1,982 feet) above the stunning Lysefjorden. And yes, you can hike there yourself. No stunt doubles required (but a head for heights is definitely recommended).

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From Hollywood to the Norwegian Wilderness

The *Fallout* production crew chose Preikestolen for its sheer vertical drop, cinematic scale, and natural grandeur. To capture the scene, they hauled in cameras, cranes, and safety rigs to the top of the cliff — no small feat given the hike in. I heard most of it was taken there by helicopter and the whole set up was pretty impressive.

In the final cut, the cliff becomes part of an “Indian” mountain range, with CGI tweaks blending the fjord into the story’s setting. But for travelers in the know, that’s unmistakably Norway’s Rogaland region. You can compare movie shots with my photos below ⇓⇓

Since the film’s release, Preikestolen has become even more famous, drawing movie buffs alongside hikers and adventure seekers. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into an action scene, this is your chance.

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What Is Preikestolen?

Preikestolen, or “The Pulpit Rock,” is a flat-topped cliff roughly 25×25 meters (82×82 feet) in size, jutting out dramatically over Lysefjorden. The name comes from its resemblance to a preacher’s pulpit.

Before its rise to global fame, the spot was already one of Norway’s most photographed landmarks. Today, it’s arguably the country’s most popular day hike (along with the Kjeragbolten hike) — and one of the most cinematic.

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The Preikestolen Hike at a Glance

Trailhead: Preikestolen Mountain Lodge (BaseCamp), you will see a big sign for the hike
Distance: 7.6 km (4.7 miles) round trip (3.8 km / 2.36 miles each way)
Elevation Gain: 334 meters (1,096 feet)
Duration: 4–6 hours round trip
Difficulty: Medium
Season: May to October (spring and fall for fewer crowds)

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What to Expect on the Trail

The hike starts at Preikestolen Mountain Lodge, winding past Revsvatnet Lake before climbing into granite staircases built by Nepalese Sherpas. Along the way, you’ll cross wooden boardwalks, skirt small lakes, and scramble over boulders.

Highlights include Tjødnane — a trio of peaceful mountain lakes perfect for a break — and a cliffside section with no guardrails, where you’ll feel just like a Mission: Impossible extra.

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Final Approach

In the last kilometer (0.62 miles), the trail splits:

Cliff Trail: Scenic, easier route — great for the approach.
Hill Trail: Steeper and rockier — good for the descent if you want a challenge.

As you round the final bend, the vast expanse of Preikestolen appears. Whether you stay a safe distance back or channel your inner Ethan Hunt and edge toward the drop, the view will leave you speechless. You can see the huge crack splitting the rock from the mountain, but I heard there is nothing to worry about. Geologists have studied the crack extensively and concluded it is not widening or traveling all the way through the rock formation. So let’s hope!

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