7 Amazing Hikes in Norway

Norway's extraordinary combination of majestic scenery and challenging terrain makes it perfect for hiking. From its picturesque southern fjords to the remote landscapes of the north, there is no shortage of hikes to choose from. 

This selection of hikes is by no means exhaustive, but will hopefully give you a better idea of some the country’s best routes. The distance and difficulty of these trails vary, whilst some take you a little off-piste for a more genuine taste of Norway’s wilderness.

Here are seven hikes to consider...

1. Reinebringen,Lofoten Islands

At 448 meters high, Reinebringen is modest by Norwegian standards, but what it lacks in stature is more than made up for in the incredible views of the Lofoten Wall you get from the summit; a remarkable collection of sheer, stone contortions emerging from the blue waters of the Arctic.

The hike isn't too time-consuming and should only take around three hours for both the climb and descent. Spectacular views, along with how easily it can be reached from the quaint fishing village of Reine, make Reinebringen the most sought after hike in Lofoten. 

Good to know about Reinebringen

• Starting point: Reine
• Duration: 1.5-2.5 hours
• Trail Length: ~1 kilometers 
• Elevation: 448 meters
• Although short, the track upwards can be quite challenging

2. Besseggen Ridge, Jotunheimen National Park

Besseggen is Norway’s most popular 1-day hike, with over 30,000 people completing it each year. The trail is characterised by the stunning alpine lakes it intersects, along with the jagged, snow topped vistas that surround the route.

The lakes of Gjende and Bessvatnet are your only true point of reference, aside from the daunting expanse of Norway’s highest mountains on all sides. The hike was nominated by National Geographic as one of the most thrilling hikes in the world in 2017.

Good to know about Besseggen

• Starting point: Gjendesheim
• Duration: 6-9 hours
• Trail Length: 14 kilometers 
• Elevation: 900 meters
• Possible with kids down to 8 years old

3. Keipane, Geirangerfjord

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Geirangerfjord offers wonderful views from whichever track you wish to take around it, but by far the most spectacular, as well as the most challenging, is the hike up to the summit of Keipane.

Really only for those ambitious souls who want to view a breathtaking panorama over the fjord, Keipane takes around five hours each way from Homlong.

The views all along the trail are magnificent, so there’s no shame in walking until you feel like you've seen enough!

4. Preikestolen, Lysefjord

Leaning impossibly over the crystal blue waters of the Lysefjord, Pulpit Rock is one of the world’s most famous viewing points, and without doubt Norway’s most popular natural perspective.

At over 600 meters high, the 25m² platform offers staggering, unforgettable views of one of Norway’s most picturesque fjords, and at only one to two hours hike each way, is well worth the clamber up for from the car park at Preikestolhytta.

Good to know about Preikestolen

• Starting point: Preikestolen Mountain Lodge 
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Trail Length: 8 kilometers 
• Elevation: 350 meters

• Find Preikestolen tours

5. The beaches of Horseid and Bunes, Lofoten Islands

Situated on the northern coast of Moskenes, the stunning beaches of Horseid and Bunes are both within a day’s journey from Reine. A hike along both is highly recommended, guiding you through some of the most unique terrain on the planet, especially considering that the white, sandy beaches and cerulean blue waters are over 100 kilometres north of the Article Circle.

Both beaches are flanked by the astounding, granite peaks of the Lofoten Islands and the area is a perfect location for those wishing to experience the famous Midnight Sun.

All in all, it’s best to visit between the end of May and the middle of July, when you can witness the area’s incredible natural beauty alongside the magical spectacle of Norway’s sun that doesn’t set.

6. Galdhøpiggen, Jotunheimen National Park

At just under 2,500 meters tall, Galdhøpiggen is the highest peak in Northern Europe, dominating Norway’s Jotunheimen National Park and offering fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

The summit is easily accessible for any experienced hiker, and you can set off from one of two mountain lodges, Spiterstulen and Juvasshytta, which both have road connections. Starting from Juvasshytta is perhaps a little simpler, and certainly a shorter route to the summit.

• Find hiking tours in Norway
• Tips for hiking in Norway

However you choose to arrive there, rest assured knowing that an incredibly located lodge awaits you at the summit! 

7. Trolltunga, Hordaland County 

Troll's Tongue, as this 10,000-year-old rock formation is called in Old Norse, is one of the most iconic places in Norway. You've undoubtedly come across stunning pictures of people sitting on the tip of the tongue.  

The hike is quite demanding. A round trip is 22 km from the parking lot and for most people will be a +10 hour hike. The total elevation is roughly 900 meters. The Trolltunga hike is therefore not recommended unless you are in good shape. 

Good to know about Trolltunga

Other Great Hikes in Norway?

These are just seven of the countless hiking possibilities in Norway. Our locals also have some great hiking suggestions:

• Climbing Stetind - The Norwegian National Mountain by local Espen Haagensen 
• The Skageflå hike in Geirangerfjord is recommended by local Hanne-Marthe Hellevik 
• Summiting the tallest mountain on Senja island by local Madeleine Hanssen
• The hike up to Trollveggen in Romsdalen is recommended by local Vidar Moløkken
• Kyrkja, Geite, and Galdhøpiggen are some of the great hiking options in Jotunheimen National Park. 

Do you know of any other hikes that we should add to the list? Tell us about which hikes we are missing in the comment section below.