Ever wondered what are the best hikes in Norway, the country full of dramatic mountains, deep fjords, emerald lakes, and wild reindeer? I’ve got you covered. Here, you will find the list of the most spectacular hikes in Norway, all over the country. Start planning your next outdoor adventure in the Nordics!
By now, you probably know that I love hiking, and everything outdoors-related (wild camping included). So it’s not a surprise that I’m using my years of living in Norway to the maximum, finding the best hikes in Norway that I can go on (these are more and less known). I’ve managed to cover quite a lot of them already, and I still have more on my list. Norway hiking culture is pretty awesome and one can spend a lifetime on hiking trails in Norway mountains. It’s so pretty around here!
BEST HIKES IN NORWAY (OR SCANDINAVIA?)
Don’t say it to other Scandinavians, but I really think that Norway has the best hikes in Scandinavia. Where else will you find an opportunity for hiking in Norway fjords, with dramatic views on every corner? Or a huge boulder wedged into the mountain hanging 1000 meters above the water? Or a hike that was voted one of the most beautiful hikes in the world (the views!)?
If you want to find some truly spectacular hikes and you’re not sure where to turn, I have your back. Below, you can find a list of top hikes in Norway, with a short description and essential information – most of them tried by me personally.
At the bottom of the article, you can also find a map with hikes in Norway. It’s not the full list of the best hikes in Norway’s areas – there are way too many to include all of them here. But at least, you can see the best ones, and with time, I might extend the list even further.
*****This is not an exhaustive list, and I keep trying new spectacular hikes in Norway (usually less-known ones). If you are interested in my future posts about it, make sure to sign up for the newsletter here.******
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BEST HIKES IN NORWAY
It’s surely not easy to choose the best hikes in Norway. There is so much to choose from! So, instead of giving you a very short general list, I decided to group some of the top hiking trails in Norway per specific region in the country. They include the famous, must-see places, as well as less visited, more local hikes, but still worth an effort. One thing they all have in common – is amazing views and the promise of an unforgettable adventure.
# The best hikes in Norway
Romsdalseggen Ridge & Rampestrekken
Romsdalseggen was voted one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway (and in the world). The ridge is located in the heart of Romsdalen Valley. From the trail, you get 360 degrees view of the wild mountains of Norway, and the tallest climbing wall in Europe – Trollveggen (on the edge of which you can also hike to!). Rampestrekken, the picturesque viewing platform perched off the cliff, is a nice end to this spectacular hike. It really delivers!
Read more about Romsdalseggen, Rampestrekken, and the alternative route here.
Normal route
Total distance: 10.3 km
Total time: 5- 8 hours
Elevation gain: 970 m
Difficulty: Challenging
Trollveggen, Troll Wall
On the other side of the Romsdalseggen hike, you find Trollveggen (Troll Wall), the highest vertical wall in Europe. And you can hike to the edge of it! There are several routes that will take you close to Trollveggen. The most known ones are Stabbeskaret, Bruraskaret, Store Trolltind and Nordre Trolltind. Some are harder than others. Check out more details about Trollveggen hikes here. Below are the details of the Stabbeskaret hike.
Total distance: 10 km
Time: 2,5 hour one way
Elevation gain: 800 m
Difficulty: Red (challenging)
Rondeslottet and Rondane National Park
The highest peak of Rondane Park, Rondeslottet (“The Rondane Castle”) at an altitude of 2,178 m (7,146 ft), is a popular local hike. But, whether you decide to scale this one or another one from Rondane’s majestic mountains, I highly recommend you go to this national park. Especially in the early autumn – for the colorful landscapes.
Total distance: 12 km
Time:6–8 hours.
Elevation gain: 1000 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
#Best hikes in Flam Norway
With the numerous things to do in Flam, hiking the trails and admiring the fjord views is at the top of the activities. Hiking in Norway’s fjords offers a special experience to anyone visiting the country.
The Aurlandsdalen Valley
The historic Aurlandsdalen Valley is a well-known and popular hiking trail in Norway often referred to as Norway’s Grand Canyon. It used to be one of the main routes between the eastern and western parts of Norway. Now, it offers a great Scandinavian hiking experience, where you can discover rich plant and animal life, cultural treasures, history, and geological features.
You can hike through the valley in one go, break it down and wild camp or stay in the lodges on the way.
Total distance: 58 km
Total time: 18 hours
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Utladalen hike to Vettisfossen
Utladalen is a classic Norway hike that goes along the Utladalen valley from Hjelle to Vettisfossen waterfall, Norway’s biggest unregulated waterfall at the free fall height of 275 meters. In the valley, you pass four impressive waterfalls, before arriving at the Vettisfossen.
Total distance: 12 km
Total time: 4-6 hours
Elevation gain: 300 meters
Difficulty: Medium
# The best hikes in Norway near Bergen
Some of the below trails are not *exactly* near Bergen, but they are well accessible from it. And if you find yourself in Bergen in winter, you can take a cable car to Ulriken and a ferry to the fjords instead with Norway in a Nutshell in winter (hiking in Norway in winter is only for the experienced ones).
Trolltunga – Troll Tounge
Trolltunga (“Troll Tounge”) is one of the most famous hikes in Norway. This spectacular formation is a flat rock sticking out of the edge of the mountain cliff, like a tongue. Positioned at 1,100 meters above sea level and hovering 700 meters over the Ringedalsvatnet lake, at the western edge of the Hardangervidda plateau, it provides magnificent views of the area around. The Trolltunga hike is very popular, but apart from the normal way of getting there, there is also another, more special one – by using Trolltunga via ferrata (click on the link for more details).
Trolltunga hike normal route
Total distance: 28 km
Total time: 8-12 hours
Elevation gain: 800 metres
Difficulty: Medium/Challenging
Ulriken hike in Bergen
Ulriken, the highest of Bergen’s seven mountains is a popular hike for locals and visitors alike. If you don’t feel like hiking, or you visit Bergen in winter, or in bad weather, you can also get to the top by the Ulriken cable car. Pretty views and no effort? Win-win.
Total distance: 4 km
Total time: 2-3 hours
Elevation gain: 460 meters
Difficulty: Medium/demanding
Hardangevidda hikes
Hardangevidda is a mountain plateau with an area of 3,422 square kilometers. It’s one of the biggest National Parks in Norway and the place where you can hike for days!
Dronningstien Queen’s Trail
Dronningstien hike is one of the most beautiful hikes in Norway. The views from it are so stunning, that even HM Queen Sonja of Norway chose it as one of her favorite trails in the Hardangerfjord region. The hike is located in the high mountains between Kinsarvik and Lofthus and offers spectacular fjord views. Read more about the Dronningstien hike here.
Total distance: 16km from Røte to Lofthus (3km more, if you walk from Kinsarvik to Røte.)
Total time: 6-7 hours
Elevation gain: around 900 m
Difficulty: Demanding
# The best hikes in Jotunheimen, Norway
Bessegen Ridge
This is a Norwegian hiking classic, and a special hike for most Norwegians, no matter the age. It’s worth the effort for the views that you get from the ridge – to the colorful Gjende and Bessvatnet lakes. Gjende is a narrow and long emerald lake, and Bessvatnet is clear and colored deep blue. The hike involves scrambling and exposed sections.
Total distance: 14 km
Total time: 7-9 hours
Elevation gain: 1,080 meters
Difficulty: Demanding
Galdhøpiggen
Galdhøpiggen, the highest mountain in Norway, Scandinavia, and Northern Europe, with a height of 2,469 m allows for wide views of the Jotunheimen National Park. There are three main entry points to Galdhøpiggen, at different levels: easy, difficult, and extreme. One of them involves going through the glacier and can be done with a guide. Click on a blue link for a detailed description of the Galdhøpiggen hike.
Total distance: 11 km
Total time: 6-9 hours
Elevation gain: 1,400 meters
Difficulty: Demanding
Knutshøe
For a fun trip without the crowds, I highly recommend Knutshøe, called Bessegen’s youngest sibling. From the ridge, you get stunning views of delta Øvre Leirungen and the green Gjende river.
Total distance: 12 km (loop)
Total time: 4-6 hours
Elevation gain: 690 meters
Difficulty: Demanding
# The best hiking locations near Ålesund Norway
Mount Skåla
Another one of Norway’s classic hiking trails is another demanding hike, worth it for its views! This Norwegian hike takes you from the ocean level up to 1,848 meters, providing wonderful views of the fjords and the Jostedalsbreen Glacier. Note the elevation gain though ;-).
Total distance: 14.3 km
Total time: 6-8 hours
Elevation gain: 1,800 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
Hikes in Sunnmøre Alps
Sunnmøre Alps and Hjorundfjorden are some of my favorite hiking locations and I wish I lived closer to Ålesund to be there more often. They are just so raw and beautiful. Some of the top peaks in the area are Mt. Saksa and Mt. Slogen.
Sukkertoppen (Sugar Top)
Easy hike in Ålesund that provides for great views over the fjord and the city.
Total distance: 3 km
Total time: 1-2 hours
Elevation gain: 260 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Midsundtrappene (Rørsethornet) – The longest stone stairs in Norway
The stone stairway that contains 2,200 steps, is the longest one of this kind in Norway. You can find it on Otrøya island. The stairs are a fun addition, but the main star is the view from the top of Rørsethornet, 659 meters above sea level. The hikes have a panoramic view of the sea and the archipelago all the way.
Total distance:
Total time: 4 hours
Elevation gain:
Difficulty: Demanding
# The best hikes near Stavanger
Kjeragbolten
Probably the most famous rock in Norway can be found on this hike (and stood up on!). Kjeragbolten hike is a famous hike in Norway and is visited every year by locals and travelers alike for the perfect photo opportunity, as well as for breathtaking views.
Read more details about the Kjerag hike here and learn how to avoid crowds on the trail.
Total distance: 9 km
Total time: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 540 meters
Difficulty: Challenging
Flørli 4444 – the longest wooden stairway
The 4444 steps in Flørli stairs take you above the Lysefjord on one of the longest wooden stairways in the world. From Flørli you hike up the Lake Ternevatnet at 740 meters.
Total distance: 5 km
Total time: 4-5 hours
Elevation gain: 750 meters
Difficulty: Medium/Demanding
Preikestolen – Pulpit Rock
Preikestolen is another one of the top hikes in Norway. It’s a steep cliff rising 604 meters above Lysefjorden. On top of it, there is a flat area of approximately 25 by 25 meters. Many people wonder how difficult is it to hike Preikestolen, but the hike is actually one of the easiest ones of the ones described here – however, you still need to be prepared for changing weather and rough terrain.
Total distance: 8 km
Total time: 2-4 hours
Elevation gain: 440 meters
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Trollpikken
Trollpikken, a weirdly shaped rock formation, is a fun hike for everyone who likes finding quirky locations 😉 Read more about the Trollpikken hike and directions here.
Total distance: 4 km
Total time: 1-1,5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
Brufjellhålene
Brufjellhålene is a set of potholes created during the Ice Age and located in southern Norway. The hike there leads through Brufjell summit and then down to the caves located by the sea. The last part of the hike is classified as black (the hardest) and very steep. It involves climbing and metal steps like via Ferrata. The views are spectacular and it’s a great adventure! Check out more about the Brufjellhålene hike here.
Total distance: 5,5km
Total time: 3-5 hours
Elevation gain: 578 m
Difficulty: Demanding
# The best hiking in northern Norway
The Seven Sisters (De Syv Søstre)
Another one of the classic Norway hikes, this time on the northern side of the country, on the Helgeland coast. The Seven Sisters are a set of seven mountains, located so close, that they can be climbed in one day. Hiking all seven has been a challenge for many Norwegians. I have managed to climb two of them in one go with limited time, and I can certainly recommend hiking at least some of them (if you don’t want to attempt the full range hike). The easiest ones are Skjæringen 1037 m.a.s.l (+ Tvillingene). It was a must on our Helgeland coast itinerary!
Total distance: 24.7 km
Total time: 12-20 hours
Elevation gain: 2,890 meters
Difficulty: Demanding
Segla or Hesten, Senja
Both hikes have one thing in common – Segla, the most famous mountain on Senja, the island archipelago in northern Norway. Hiking is one of the top things to do on Senja, and there is a wide choice of trails. Climb Segla itself, or for the famous shot of it, choose the Hesten hike instead.
Hesten hike
Total distance: 4 km
Total time: 2-3 hours
Elevation gain: 500 meters
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Reinebringen, Lofoten
You can easily understand why Reinebringen is Lofoten’s most popular hike when you see the views from the top. Due to the high volume of hikers, I recommend you get there very early in the morning or later in the evening. Make sure you put Reine and Reinebringen on your Nordland travel itinerary.
Total distance: 1.4 km
Total time: 2-3 hours
Elevation gain: 420 meters
Difficulty: Medium/Demanding
Ryten and Kvalvika beach, Lofoten
A classic in Lofoten, Ryten and Kvalvika beach are both worth visiting. From Ryten, you can see down to Kvalvika, but I recommend you to step on the beach and look for the hidden surfers’ hut when you are there.
Kvalvika Beach
Total distance: 7 km
Total time: 2-4 hours
Elevation gain: 280 meters
Difficulty: Easy/Medium
Bunes and Horseid Beach, Lofoten
I found these beaches less visited than Kvalvika but equally beautiful. They are also perfect for wild camping. To get to the starting point, you need to take a ferry to the other side of the fjord from Reine. Be there early!
Bunes Beach
Total distance: 5 km
Total time: 2-3 hours
Elevation gain: 80 meters
Difficulty: Easy
Helvetestind (Hell’s Peak), Lofoten
Take a peek into the hell (or heaven) from Hell’s Peak in Lofoten. The views are for sure heavenly. From the top, you can admire views of Bunes Beach and a large part of Lofoten peaks. Highly recommended!
Total distance: 8 km
Total time: 3-4 hours
Elevation gain: 650 meters
Difficulty: Demanding
# The best hikes in Norway near Oslo
Oslo area also has a lot of opportunities for hikes. Some examples of hikes in Norway near Oslo include Vettakollen hike, Grefsenkollen, Kolsåstoppen, Kongens Utsikt, and Mørkgonga. I’ve written the full article about the best Oslo hiking trails, so head there for more information.
Gaustatoppen
The tallest peak of southern Norway, which offers views of 1/6 of the country is worth hiking. And if you are lazy, you can take a funicular up. Check out other things to do in Rjukan, which lies just below Gaustatoppen.
Total distance: 8 km
Total time: 4-5 hours
Elevation gain: 660 meters
Difficulty: Medium
Best time to hike in Norway
Hiking in Norway is the best in the summer, but that’s when there are also most people on the trails. Therefore, as an alternative, I highly recommend spring (when the snow melts) and autumn (before the snow comes). Winter in Norway is also a beautiful time for hiking, but only for those more experienced and willing to take in cold temperatures. But, as they say in Norway, there is no bad weather, only bad clothes, so with proper Norway winter clothing (and winter hiking skills!) you should be fine.
What to take hiking in Norway
What equipment and food should one bring when hiking in Norway?
Some essentials include:
- A water filter, like a LifeStraw. Water in Norway is generally clean, but on the more popular Norway hikes, I would be careful with drinking it without a filter.
- food, and snacks. I always take natural and vegan Nakd bars.
- waterproof shoes with a sturdy sole, I recommend hiking shoes from Merrell, Salomon, or La Sportiva.
- waterproof/windproof jacket (even in the summer) – the weather changes quickly. I use my Marmot Goretex jacket anywhere I go.
- warm clothes – I love and always recommend merino wool base layers, like this merino wool top and this merino wool bottoms (the bottom might not be needed for the summer months hiking, but can be good for camping).
- for Norway winter clothing and what to pack for winter in Norway head here
- for camping gear head here
- remember to take the map, compass, and GPS (and know how to use them). For checking the routes beforehand I recommend ut.no (it’s only in Norwegian, but you can use an online translator for help).
Tips for hiking in Norway
- Always take clothes for wind, rain, and cold. Even if it’s warm at the bottom, the weather can quickly change. Even in the middle of the summer, it can snow in the mountains.
- Wear good hiking boots
- Always take a water bottle with you. Sometimes you can fill it up on the trail, but check that in advance.
- Always take snacks and food with you, depending on the length of the trail.
- Rememeber Norway Emergency Telephone numbers: #110 Fire; #112 Police; #113 Ambulance
- Choose hikes that are suitable for your level of fitness and experience
- If hiking alone, inform someone on your route and return time
- Carry a fully charged phone with you.
- Use map. For offline maps use ut.no or maps.me
- Check the weather forecast on yr.no or mountain-forecast.com.
Trail difficulty for hikes in Norway
There are four levels of trail difficulty in Norway:
- Easy (Green) — for beginner hikers, no experience is needed
- Medium (Blue) — Intermediate with some experience and average fitness
- Demanding (red) — Experienced hikers, higher fitness level (for example Romsdalseggen)
- Expert (Black) — experienced hikers, high fitness level, longer hikes with more technical routes (for example Brufjellhalene)
Norway hiking map – Best Hikes in Norway on a map
Click on the map for an interactive version.
Can you add any other suggestions to the above? What are the best hikes in Norway fjords according to you? Or any best multi-day hikes in Norway? Let me know in the comments!
Read more about Norway:
Tips on how to travel Norway on a budget
Kjerag hike without the crowds – Kjeragbolten
Best Norwegian gifts and souvenirs to bring back from your trip
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