At a Glance
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Hiking Norway
Norway offers some of the world’s most spectacular hiking—from the iconic rock tongue of Trolltunga suspended above a fjord to the flat-topped Preikestolen towering 604 metres over Lysefjord. With dramatic landscapes shaped by glaciers, mountains rising from deep fjords, and the unique “allemannsretten” (right to roam) allowing free access to nature, Norway is a hiker’s paradise.
According to Visit Norway, trails like Trolltunga, Preikestolen, Kjerag, Fosseråsa, and Besseggen have earned National Hiking Trail status, ensuring their preservation for generations of hikers.
Best Hiking Regions
Fjord Norway (Vestlandet)
Home to Norway’s most famous hikes and UNESCO fjords.
Top trails:
- Trolltunga (Hardangerfjord)
- Preikestolen (Lysefjord)
- Kjeragbolten (Lysefjord)
- Romsdalseggen Ridge
Base cities: Stavanger, Bergen, Odda, Åndalsnes
Jotunheimen National Park
Norway’s premier alpine hiking, with 250+ peaks over 2,000 metres.
Top trails:
- Besseggen Ridge
- Galdhøpiggen (Norway’s highest peak, 2,469m)
- Glittertind
- Hurrungane peaks
Base: Gjendesheim, Lom, Bygdin
Lofoten Islands
Arctic hiking with dramatic scenery and midnight sun.
Top trails:
- Reinebringen
- Kvalvika Beach
- Ryten
- Festvagtind
Base: Reine, Svolvær, Henningsvær
Jostedalsbreen National Park
Glacier hiking and stunning valleys.
Top trails:
- Briksdalsbreen approach
- Nigardsbreen glacier hike
- Supphellebreen
Note: Glacier hikes always require certified guides.
Top 10 Norway Hikes
1. Trolltunga (“Troll’s Tongue”)
The most iconic hike in Norway—a rock formation jutting horizontally over Ringedalsvatnet lake, 700 metres above the water.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 27 km round-trip |
| Duration | 8-12 hours |
| Elevation gain | 800 m |
| Difficulty | Very challenging |
| Season | June 15 - September 15 (unguided) |
Essential info:
- Start from Skjeggedal car park (P2)
- Parking costs NOK 500 (~£40)
- Arrive before 6:00 AM for parking
- Guided hikes required outside summer season
- Bring head torch—darkness possible if delayed
2. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
According to Next Level of Travel, Preikestolen should be number one on any list of Norway’s best hikes—a flat cliff 604 metres above Lysefjord.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 8 km round-trip |
| Duration | 4 hours |
| Elevation gain | 500 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Season | Year-round (guided in winter) |
Why it’s perfect:
- Accessible for most fit hikers
- Stunning views with less commitment than Trolltunga
- Near Stavanger (easy access)
- Can be combined with fjord cruise
3. Kjeragbolten
A boulder wedged between cliffs 984 metres above the ground—one of Norway’s most photographed spots.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 11 km round-trip |
| Duration | 6-10 hours |
| Elevation gain | 570 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Season | June - September |
Caution: The boulder has no railing and can be slippery. Not for those afraid of heights.
4. Besseggen Ridge
Norway’s most popular mountain hike—a spectacular ridge walk between two lakes of different colours.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 13.5 km (point-to-point) |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Elevation gain | 500 m (with descent) |
| Difficulty | Moderate-Challenging |
| Season | July - September |
Logistics: Take boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, hike back over the ridge.
5. Romsdalseggen Ridge
Often called Norway’s most beautiful day hike—a dramatic ridge with views of Romsdalen valley and Trollveggen (Europe’s tallest vertical rock face).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 10 km (point-to-point) |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Elevation gain | 850 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Season | July - September |
6. Reinebringen (Lofoten)
The iconic Lofoten viewpoint—stunning views over Reine village and surrounding peaks.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 3.2 km round-trip |
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Elevation gain | 450 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate (steep) |
| Season | May - October |
Note: Newly constructed Sherpa steps make this much safer than before.
7. Galdhøpiggen
Norway’s highest peak at 2,469 metres—a bucket-list summit.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 10 km round-trip |
| Duration | 5-7 hours |
| Elevation gain | 850 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Season | July - September |
Routes: Via Juvasshytta (shorter, glacier crossing requires guide) or Spiterstulen (longer, no glacier).
8. Skåla
Europe’s longest continuous ascent from sea level, with a distinctive stone tower hut at the summit.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 16 km round-trip |
| Duration | 8-10 hours |
| Elevation gain | 1,848 m |
| Difficulty | Very challenging |
| Season | June - September |
9. Folgefonna Glacier
Hike on Norway’s third-largest glacier with stunning blue ice formations.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5-7 hours (guided) |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Season | May - October |
| Requirements | Always with guide |
10. The Seven Sisters (Syv Søstre)
A challenging traverse of seven peaks on Helgeland coast.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 15 km (varies by route) |
| Duration | 8-12 hours (all peaks) |
| Elevation gain | 1,500 m (cumulative) |
| Difficulty | Very challenging |
| Season | June - September |
Comparison: Norway’s Famous Hikes
| Hike | Distance | Time | Difficulty | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trolltunga | 27 km | 8-12 hrs | Very Hard | Experienced, fit hikers |
| Preikestolen | 8 km | 4 hrs | Moderate | Most visitors |
| Kjeragbolten | 11 km | 6-10 hrs | Hard | Adventurous, no fear of heights |
| Besseggen | 13.5 km | 6-8 hrs | Moderate-Hard | Ridge lovers |
| Reinebringen | 3.2 km | 2-3 hrs | Moderate | Lofoten visitors |
| Romsdalseggen | 10 km | 6-8 hrs | Hard | Serious hikers |
Best Time to Hike
Summer (June - August)
Best for: All major hikes
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 10-25°C at altitude |
| Daylight | 18-24 hours (midnight sun north) |
| Trail conditions | Snow-free (mostly) |
| Crowds | Highest |
| Bookings | Reserve early |
Shoulder Season (May, September)
Best for: Fewer crowds, atmospheric conditions
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 5-15°C |
| Daylight | 14-18 hours |
| Trail conditions | Some snow possible at altitude |
| Crowds | Moderate |
| Caution | Weather more unpredictable |
Winter (October - April)
Best for: Experienced winter hikers
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Conditions | Snow, ice, limited daylight |
| Requirements | Winter gear, often guides required |
| Popular trails | Preikestolen (guided), some lowland routes |
| Note | Trolltunga requires certified guide |
Essential Hiking Gear
Must-Have Items
Footwear:
- Waterproof hiking boots (broken in!)
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks
- Gaiters (for snow/wet conditions)
Clothing (layers):
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece/down)
- Waterproof/windproof outer layer
- Warm hat and gloves (even summer)
- Extra dry clothing in rucksack
Equipment:
- Rucksack (25-40L for day hikes)
- Trekking poles (essential for Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten)
- Head torch with extra batteries
- Map and compass/GPS
- First aid kit
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Water (minimum 2L) and snacks/lunch
- Emergency whistle
- Phone (but don’t rely on signal)
For Challenging Hikes
Add these for Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten, and similar:
- Extra food (energy for 12+ hours)
- Emergency blanket
- Extra warm layers
- Navigation app with offline maps
- Fully charged power bank
Safety Tips
Before You Go
- Check weather: Use Yr.no (Norway’s official service)
- Assess your fitness: Be honest about your abilities
- Tell someone: Share your plans and expected return
- Start early: Allow time for delays
- Check trail conditions: Official sites, recent reports
- Book if required: Trolltunga shuttles, glacier guides
On the Trail
- Turn back if needed: Weather can change fast
- Stay on marked paths: Vegetation is fragile
- Watch your footing: Wet rock is slippery
- Take breaks: Long hikes require rest and food
- Monitor energy: Turn back if exhausted
- Respect wildlife: Keep distance, don’t feed
Emergency Contacts
- Emergency number: 113
- Mountain rescue: 51 51 70 00
- Hjelp 113 app: Free app showing your GPS location
Norwegian Hiking Culture
DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association)
The DNT maintains trails, operates mountain huts, and provides invaluable hiking resources.
Benefits of membership:
- Discounted hut stays
- Keys to self-service huts
- Trail maps
- Organised hiking trips
Marked Trails
Norway uses a red “T” (painted on rocks) to mark official mountain trails. Follow these markers carefully in poor visibility.
Mountain Huts
DNT operates over 550 huts ranging from:
- Staffed huts: Full service, meals, bedding
- Self-service huts: Basic supplies, leave payment
- Unstaffed huts: Emergency shelter only
Getting to Trailheads
Transport Options
Popular trailhead access:
| Trail | Nearest City | Transport |
|---|---|---|
| Trolltunga | Odda | Bus from Bergen/Oslo, car |
| Preikestolen | Stavanger | Express bus, car |
| Kjeragbolten | Stavanger | Bus, car |
| Besseggen | Gjendesheim | Bus from Oslo, car |
| Reinebringen | Reine | Car, local bus |
Trolltunga-Preikestolen Express Bus: Connects both trailheads during summer, allowing you to hike both on one trip.
Car Parks
Most trailheads have paid parking:
- Trolltunga (P2): NOK 500 (~£40)
- Preikestolen: NOK 250-300 (~£20-25)
- Kjeragbolten: NOK 200-300 (~£15-25)
Tip: Arrive early in summer—car parks fill by 7-8 AM at popular trails.
Multi-Day Hiking
Hut-to-Hut Trekking
Norway excels at multi-day hut-to-hut routes:
Popular routes:
- Jotunheimen Traverse: 4-7 days through Norway’s highest peaks
- Hardangervidda Crossing: 5-7 days across Europe’s largest plateau
- Lyngen Alps: 4-6 days in Arctic Norway
Wild Camping
Under allemannsretten, you can camp wild for free:
- Keep 150m from buildings
- Maximum 2 nights in one spot
- Leave no trace
- Respect private land
Guided vs. Independent Hiking
When to Hire a Guide
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Trolltunga (winter) | Required |
| Glacier hiking | Required |
| First major hike | Recommended |
| Challenging weather | Recommended |
| Solo on remote trails | Consider it |
Benefits of Guides
- Local knowledge and safety
- Logistics handled
- Photography tips
- Cultural insights
- Group camaraderie
Practical Tips
Food and Water
- Bring all food—no services on most trails
- Stream water is generally safe to drink
- Energy foods: nuts, chocolate, dried fruit
- Real lunch: sandwich, flask of hot drink
Phone Signal
Expect patchy or no signal on most mountain trails. Download offline maps and don’t rely on phone for navigation.
Photography
- Sunrise/sunset at famous spots = fewer crowds
- Tripod useful for long exposures
- Protect camera from rain
- Extra batteries (cold drains them)
Hiking with Children
Family-friendly hikes:
- Stegastein viewpoint (easy walk)
- Preikestolen (from age 6-8)
- Briksdalsbreen approach (glacier view, easy)
- Lofoten beach hikes
Tips:
- Start with shorter hikes
- Bring plenty of snacks
- Make it fun—games, exploration
- Turn back if needed
- Extra warm clothes
Responsible Hiking
Leave No Trace
- Pack out all rubbish
- Stay on marked trails
- Don’t pick flowers (protected species)
- Respect wildlife
- Use designated camping spots
- Bury human waste properly
Sustainability
- Use public transport when possible
- Support local businesses
- Stay in locally-owned accommodation
- Respect fragile Arctic vegetation
For official hiking information, visit Visit Norway Hiking and the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT).