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Hiking Norway
Hiking Norway offers some of the world’s most spectacular trails—from Trolltunga suspended above a fjord to Preikestolen towering 604 meters over Lysefjord. This guide covers the best trails, essential gear, safety tips, and planning advice.
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 meters 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.
Book Preikestolen Hike
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Guided Hike
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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 meters.
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 meters 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 parking (P2)
- Parking costs NOK 500 (~$50)
- Arrive before 6:00 AM for parking
- Guided hikes required outside summer season
- Bring headlamp—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 meters 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 meters 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 colors.
| 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 at 1,100 meters).
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Distance | ~10 km (point-to-point) |
| Highest point | 1,200 m |
| Duration | 6-8 hours |
| Elevation gain | 850 m |
| Difficulty | Challenging |
| Season | Late June - September |
Key views from the ridge:
- Trollveggen (Europe’s tallest vertical rock face)
- Romsdalen valley 1,000 meters below
- Romsdalshorn (1,550m)
- Store Vengetind (1,852m)
Logistics:
- Point-to-point hike requiring shuttle bus to Vengedalen
- Hike from Vengedalen back to Andalsnes
- Book shuttle through visitandalsnes.com
- Some exposed sections with chains—confidence with heights required
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. Galdhopiggen
Norway’s highest peak at 2,469 meters—a bucket-list summit and the roof of Scandinavia. Standing atop Galdhopiggen, you command views over more than 200 peaks in Jotunheimen National Park.
Route Comparison:
| Route | Distance | Duration | Elevation Gain | Guide Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spiterstulen | 13 km round-trip | 6-8 hours | 1,300-1,520 m | No |
| Juvasshytta | 11 km round-trip | 5-7 hours | 628-650 m | Yes (glacier) |
Juvasshytta guided tour (2026):
- Adult: 400 NOK
- Child: 380 NOK
- Road toll: 150 NOK (car), 200 NOK (motorhome)
Why two routes exist:
- Spiterstulen: Classic independent route, avoids glacier, more elevation gain, no guide fees
- Juvasshytta: Shorter, crosses Styggebreen glacier, requires certified guide with ropes and crampons
Essential information:
- Both routes reach the same spectacular summit
- Juvasshytta is Norway’s highest mountain lodge (1,841m)
- Glacier crossing equipment provided by guides
- Season: Late June to early September
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 backpack
Equipment:
- Backpack (25-40L for day hikes)
- Trekking poles (essential for Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten)
- Headlamp 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. Founded in 1868, it is Norway’s largest outdoor recreation organization with over 300,000 members.
DNT Membership (2026 Pricing):
| Membership Type | Annual Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 835 NOK (~$80) | Full member rates, hut keys |
| Youth (13-26) | 430 NOK (~$40) | Same benefits, reduced rate |
| Family | 1,170 NOK (~$115) | Coverage for household |
Accommodation savings:
| Hut Type | Member Price | Non-Member Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Staffed cabin | 330 NOK | 500 NOK | 170 NOK/night |
| Self-service | 250 NOK | 400 NOK | 150 NOK/night |
| Unstaffed | 150 NOK | 300 NOK | 150 NOK/night |
Why join DNT:
- Access to 500+ cabins across Norway
- Keys to unstaffed and self-service huts
- Discounted accommodation saves money quickly
- Trail maps and guidebooks at reduced prices
- Organized hikes and courses
- Support trail maintenance and conservation
Marked Trails
Norway uses a red “T” (painted on rocks) to mark official summer mountain trails. The system is standardized across the country:
| Marker | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red T | Summer hiking trail |
| Blue T | Winter ski route |
| Cairns | Trail markers above treeline |
| Wooden posts | Route markers in open terrain |
Follow these markers carefully in poor visibility. In fog, walk from cairn to cairn without losing sight of the last one.
Mountain Huts
DNT operates over 500 huts ranging from:
- Staffed huts (betjent): Full service, meals, bedding provided
- Self-service huts (selvbetjent): Kitchen, supplies, pay on honor system
- Unstaffed huts (ubetjent): Emergency shelter, bring everything, DNT key required
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.
Parking
Most trailheads have paid parking:
- Trolltunga (P2): NOK 500 (~$50)
- Preikestolen: NOK 250-300 (~$25-30)
- Kjeragbolten: NOK 200-300 (~$20-30)
Tip: Arrive early in summer—parking fills 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, thermos 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 trash
- 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
Understanding Norwegian Hiking Culture
Friluftsliv: The Norwegian Philosophy
“Friluftsliv” literally translates to “open-air life” and represents the Norwegian approach to outdoor activities. This cultural tradition values spending time in nature as essential to mental and physical well-being. Understanding this philosophy helps explain why Norway has invested so heavily in hiking infrastructure and why the right to roam is so deeply protected.
The Nine Mountain Rules (Fjellvettreglene)
The Norwegian mountain code consists of nine rules that every hiker should follow:
| Rule | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Plan your trip and inform others of your route |
| 2 | Adapt your planned route according to ability and conditions |
| 3 | Pay attention to weather and avalanche forecasts |
| 4 | Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips |
| 5 | Bring necessary equipment to help yourself and others |
| 6 | Choose safe routes and recognize avalanche terrain |
| 7 | Use a map and compass; always know where you are |
| 8 | Do not be ashamed to turn back |
| 9 | Conserve energy and seek shelter if necessary |
Weather Resources
Always check Norwegian weather forecasts before hiking:
| Resource | Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yr.no | yr.no | Norwegian Met Institute, most accurate |
| Storm.no | storm.no | Alternative forecasting |
| Varsom.no | varsom.no | Avalanche warnings (winter) |
Final Thoughts: Why Norway for Hiking
Norway’s combination of dramatic landscapes, excellent infrastructure, and the freedom to roam creates one of the world’s great hiking destinations. Whether you are tackling Trolltunga’s demanding 27-kilometer journey, standing atop Scandinavia’s highest peak at Galdhopiggen, or simply enjoying a coastal walk in Lofoten under the midnight sun, Norwegian hiking delivers experiences that stay with you forever.
The key to successful Norwegian hiking is preparation and respect—preparation for rapidly changing weather and demanding terrain, and respect for the mountains and for the hiking culture that has made these experiences accessible to all. Follow the fjellvettreglene, check the weather, pack properly, and the Norwegian mountains will reward you with some of the finest hiking on Earth.
God tur! (Have a good trip!)
For official hiking information, visit Visit Norway Hiking and the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). DNT pricing confirmed for 2026 season.