At a Glance
Quick OverviewNorway offers some of the world’s most spectacular hiking—dramatic mountain trails overlooking fjords, Arctic tundra walks under the midnight sun, and iconic rock formations that have become bucket-list destinations. From the famous Trolltunga and Preikestolen to lesser-known gems throughout the Norwegian wilderness, hiking here delivers landscapes that seem almost impossible. But Norway’s mountains demand respect: changeable weather, exposed terrain, and remote locations require proper preparation and knowledge.
According to Visit Norway, the country features an extensive network of marked trails with a standardised grading system to help hikers choose routes suited to their abilities and experience.
Norway’s Iconic Hikes
Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue)
Norway’s most famous viewpoint:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,180 m above sea level |
| From Skjeggedal (P2) | 27 km round trip, 10-12 hours |
| From Mågelitopp (P3) | 20 km round trip, 7-10 hours |
| Elevation gain | 320-800 m depending on start |
| Difficulty | Demanding |
| Season | 15 June - 15 September |
The experience:
- Iconic rock formation jutting over void
- Spectacular Ringedalsvatnet lake views
- Long but rewarding hike
- Requires excellent fitness
- Winter requires guide
Practical tips:
- Start before 10 AM
- P3 parking limited (30 spaces, NOK 600)
- Book parking in advance for P3
- Bring 2-3 litres of water
- Pack food for full day
See our detailed Trolltunga Guide for complete information.
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
The classic Norwegian hike:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Height above fjord | 604 m |
| Round trip | 8 km |
| Duration | 4-5 hours |
| Elevation gain | 350 m |
| Difficulty | Moderate-Challenging |
| Season | Year-round (winter requires experience) |
The experience:
- Flat cliff platform over Lysefjord
- Norway’s most visited natural attraction
- Moderate difficulty but rocky terrain
- Spectacular in all weather
- No barriers at edge
Practical tips:
- Start by 7 AM in summer to avoid crowds
- Car park fills early (arrive before 9 AM)
- Proper hiking boots essential
- Stay back from cliff edge
See our detailed Preikestolen Guide for complete information.
Besseggen Ridge
Norway’s most popular mountain hike:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | 13 km (one way) |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Elevation | Up to 1,743 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Annual hikers | ~60,000 |
| Season | Late June - September |
The experience:
- Dramatic ridge between two lakes
- Different coloured lakes on each side
- Exposed sections requiring care
- Jotunheimen National Park setting
- Norway’s highest peaks nearby
Logistics:
- Start from Gjendesheim
- Take morning ferry to Memurubu
- Hike back to Gjendesheim
- Book ferry tickets in advance (sells out!)
- One-way hike, not loop
Regional Hiking Highlights
Lofoten Islands
Arctic hiking paradise:
- Reinebringen (448 m) - 2-3 hours, stunning Reine views
- Ryten with Kvalvika Beach - 4-5 hours
- Offersøykammen - 2-3 hours, panoramic views
- Year-round potential (summer best)
- Dramatic peaks rising from sea
Special considerations:
- Weather changes rapidly
- Winter hiking dangerous without experience
- Midnight sun hiking in summer
- Limited daylight in winter
Jotunheimen National Park
Home of the giants:
- Norway’s highest mountains
- Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m) - highest in Northern Europe
- Glittertind - second highest
- Multiple DNT (hiking association) huts
- Technical and easy routes available
Hardangervidda
Europe’s largest mountain plateau:
- Gentle terrain suitable for beginners
- Wild reindeer herds
- Historic trails and huts
- Multi-day trekking options
- Gateway to Trolltunga
Romsdalen
Dramatic alpine scenery:
- Romsdalseggen ridge - 10 km, 6-8 hours
- Trollstigen area hikes
- Vertical cliff walls
- Base jumping destination
- Technical climbing options
Trail Grading System
Understanding Norwegian Trail Markers
Norway uses a standardised colour-coded system:
| Colour | Difficulty | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Green | Easy | Well-maintained, suitable for families |
| Blue | Moderate | Some challenging sections |
| Red | Demanding | Steep, rough terrain, experience needed |
| Black | Expert | Technical, exposed, expert only |
What the Grades Mean
Green trails:
- Well-defined paths
- Minimal steep sections
- Suitable for beginners
- Good for families with children
Blue trails:
- Some rough or steep terrain
- Basic hiking experience helpful
- Good fitness required
Red trails:
- Challenging terrain
- May include scrambling
- Previous hiking experience essential
- Trolltunga, Preikestolen level
Black trails:
- Expert level only
- May require ropes/equipment
- Significant exposure
- Mountain experience mandatory
Hiking Season
Best Months by Region
Southern Norway (Fjord region):
- May - October
- Peak: June - September
- Trolltunga: 15 June - 15 September
Central Norway (Jotunheimen):
- Late June - September
- Snow possible into July at altitude
Northern Norway (Lofoten, Tromsø):
- July - August best
- Midnight sun hiking possible
- Shorter optimal window
Shoulder Season Considerations
Early season (May-June):
- Snow on higher trails
- Rivers may be swollen
- Fewer crowds
- Check specific trail conditions
Late season (September-October):
- Autumn colours
- Cooler temperatures
- Shorter days
- Some services closing
Winter Hiking (October-May)
Requirements:
- Winter hiking experience
- Proper equipment (crampons, ice axes)
- Guided tours strongly recommended
- Many trails closed or dangerous
- Avalanche awareness essential
Essential Gear
Clothing (Layering System)
Base layer:
- Moisture-wicking material
- Wool or synthetic
- Avoid cotton
Mid layer:
- Insulating fleece or down
- Packable for changing conditions
Outer layer:
- Waterproof jacket (essential)
- Waterproof trousers
- Wind resistant
Footwear
Requirements:
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Ankle support
- Good grip for rocky terrain
- Waterproof recommended
- Break in before hiking
Equipment Checklist
Navigation:
- Map of area
- GPS device or phone app
- Compass
- Downloaded offline maps
Safety:
- Headtorch with spare batteries
- First aid kit
- Emergency shelter/bivvy
- Whistle
- Fully charged phone
Sustenance:
- 2-3 litres water minimum
- High-energy snacks
- Full lunch for day hikes
- Water purification option
Protection:
- Sunscreen (high altitude UV)
- Sunglasses
- Hat (sun and warmth)
- Gloves (even in summer at altitude)
Safety Guidelines
Before You Go
Planning:
- Check weather forecast (yr.no)
- Research trail conditions
- Inform someone of your plans
- Know your fitness limits
- Start early
Weather awareness:
- Conditions change rapidly
- Fog can cause disorientation
- Strong winds dangerous on ridges
- Turn back if conditions worsen
On the Trail
Best practices:
- Stay on marked trails
- Don’t underestimate distances
- Pace yourself
- Take regular breaks
- Keep group together
Emergency Contacts
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Emergency | 112 (Police) |
| Ambulance | 113 |
| Fire | 110 |
| JRCC Southern Norway | +47 51 51 70 00 |
| JRCC Northern Norway | +47 75 55 90 00 |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Underestimating trail difficulty
- Starting too late in day
- Inadequate clothing/gear
- Ignoring weather forecasts
- Not informing others of plans
- Overestimating fitness
- Wearing inappropriate footwear
Guided vs. Independent Hiking
When to Consider Guides
Recommended for:
- Winter hiking (October-May)
- Glacier crossings
- Remote multi-day treks
- First-time challenging hikes
- Bad weather possibilities
Benefits:
- Local knowledge
- Safety expertise
- Equipment provided
- Weather assessment
- Emergency training
Independent Hiking
Suitable when:
- Good weather forecast
- Popular trails with other hikers
- Previous hiking experience
- Proper equipment
- Good fitness level
Accommodation Options
DNT Huts
Norwegian Trekking Association:
- Network of mountain huts
- Staffed and self-service options
- Members get discounts
- Book popular huts in advance
- Provide beds, kitchen, sometimes meals
Wild Camping
Under Allemannsretten:
- Free camping on uncultivated land
- 150 m minimum from buildings
- Maximum 2 nights same spot
- Leave no trace
- No fires in summer (dry conditions)
Mountain Hotels
For comfort:
- Full service accommodation
- Hot showers and meals
- Often at trailheads
- Book ahead in season
Sample Hiking Itineraries
Long Weekend: Fjord Hikes
| Day | Hike | Base |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Travel to Stavanger | Stavanger |
| 2 | Preikestolen | Stavanger |
| 3 | Kjeragbolten or recovery | Stavanger/Home |
One Week: Classic Norway Hikes
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| 1 | Arrive Bergen |
| 2 | Transfer to Odda |
| 3 | Trolltunga hike |
| 4 | Recovery, travel to Stavanger |
| 5 | Preikestolen hike |
| 6 | Lysefjord cruise |
| 7 | Departure |
Two Weeks: Complete Hiking Adventure
| Days | Region/Hikes |
|---|---|
| 1-3 | Bergen, Hardangerfjord hikes |
| 4-5 | Trolltunga |
| 6-7 | Stavanger, Preikestolen |
| 8-10 | Jotunheimen, Besseggen |
| 11-14 | Lofoten Islands hiking |
Final Advice
Norway’s mountains offer experiences that range from gentle plateau walks to challenging ridge scrambles, all set against some of Earth’s most dramatic scenery. The key to enjoying Norwegian hiking is honest assessment of your abilities, thorough preparation, and healthy respect for the weather.
Start with trails matching your experience level, build up gradually, and don’t let social media pressure push you beyond your capabilities. The mountains will be there—it’s better to return for a hike another day than to push through in dangerous conditions.
Whether you’re standing on Trolltunga’s famous rock tongue, gazing over Lysefjord from Preikestolen, or crossing Besseggen’s dramatic ridge, Norwegian hiking delivers moments that stay with you forever. Prepare properly, respect the mountains, and enjoy one of the world’s great outdoor destinations.
Information in this guide is sourced from Visit Norway, Fjord Tours, and Norwegian outdoor authorities. Trail conditions vary—always check current information before hiking. Last updated January 2026.