If you’re starting your year with an adventure in Europe, the hikes in Norway will leave you breathless and amazed. On top of its abundant nature, it’s one of the few places to see rugged mountains, fjords and green valleys all in one frame. Here are some of the top Norwegian day hikes that’ll make you visit this beautiful country again and again.
Best Time to Go Hiking in Norway
Hiking season in Norway starts from May to September. However, if you’re going somewhere up north, this hiking period becomes shorter due to heavy snow. The country has four seasons, and even during summer months, it’s likely to encounter all four in one hike. Weather conditions can change in an instant, so it’s always best to come prepared. Aside from the usual hiking essentials, make sure to reserve a space in your daypack for extra clothing.
Best Hikes in Norway
When it comes to hiking, Norway is an absolute paradise. And with a wide range of options available, deciding where to go can be tricky. This list should help you choose and probably make you want to see more.
1. Trolltunga Hike
You can’t be searching for the best hikes in Norway and not read about the Instagram-worthy Trolltunga or Troll’s Tongue. No outdoor enthusiast should miss the chance to have a snapshot while posing at its tip either! If you’re after beautiful mountain ranges with matching deep blue fjords, then you’re in for a treat here. At 1100m above sea level, this trail promises fantastic views from start to finish.
Hiking in Trolltunga, Norway, can be a hard, though. Aside from the strenuous hike, the conditions can switch from good to bad weather in a snap. Ample food, water and clothing (plus camera!) are a must. If you plan to come here during late winter or autumn (May to October), make sure to go with a guide. Also, start your hike early so you can complete it before dark. People flock the site, and there are emergency cabins nearby, so it’s a challenging but safe adventure.
- Distance: 28km
- Time: 10 to 12 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Best time: June to September
2. Reinebringen
One of the best places to visit in Norway is the Lofoten Islands. It’s famous mainly for its sandy beaches and epic hiking trails. One of which is Reinebringen. It’s a short hike, but don’t let the distance fool you. The hiking trail entails lots of stone steps and rocky, steep sections near the end.
This part can also be muddy and slippery that it will have you hiking on all fours. Make sure to take your time and warn others below in case you knock a rock loose. However, hikers who can overcome this challenging hike get spectacular views of the mountains and Lofoten Wall as a reward. The summit is also the perfect location to have a picture with all three fishing villages Reine, Sakrisøy and Hamnøy as your backdrop!
- Distance: 2km
- Time: 1 to 2 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best time: May to September
3. Preikestolen Hike
If you want a more beginner-friendly version of the Trolltunga, go for the equally beautiful Preikestolen or Pulpit Rock. Besides being a shorter walk, it has a similar massive rock formation to get an unobstructed fjord view. It’s a relatively easy hike with fewer steep trails. Hiking is free, but car parking is not, so keep that in mind if you’re coming with a vehicle. There’s also access to bathrooms, a water station and a restaurant.
CNN and Lonely Planet voted the Pulpit Rock as one of the top viewpoints in Norway. So, naturally, expect lots of people as eager as you to be here! After getting your fill of panoramic views, remember to hike back down for a close-up view of its blue fjord on a boat or car ferry.
- Distance: 8km
- Time: 5 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Best time: April to October
4. Kjeragbolten
For bucket-list-worthy hikes in Norway, standing on the wedged Kjeragbolten boulder at 1084m above sea level should be at the top of your list. This spot is a favourite among hiking daredevils as well as base jumpers and mountain climbers. Make sure to check the weather first and pick a sunny day for your visit. Even experienced hikers will find Kjerag extremely dangerous in the rain, and its roads are closed through May due to snow.
Before reaching this magnificent viewpoint, however, you’ll need to go through rocky terrains and pull yourself up with the help of chains. But along the way, you get to see beautiful green meadows, waterfalls and even grazing sheep. And don’t worry, despite the challenging Kjerag trail, you can always take a break and refill your water bottle from the streams.
- Distance: 10km
- Time: 6 to 10 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Best time: June to September
5. Romsdalseggen Ridge
Romsdalseggen is one of Norway’s most beautiful hikes. Here, you get to see the Romsdal Mountains, the Norwegian Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. At the summit, you can even enjoy a relaxing lunch with a great view of the valley below. Other highlights of this hiking experience include the Romsdalsfjord, the Rauma river, Trollveggen cliff and the Rampestreken viewpoint.
However, do not underestimate this breathtaking trail as your journey will involve long climbs and uneven terrains. Majority of your adventure will be walking along the edge of a cliff above the town of Åndalsnes. It is not for the faint-hearted, that’s for sure. The unpredictable weather can make the trail foggy and scary, too. Make sure to stay on guard and wear your most reliable hiking boots! Still, it is one of the least populated hikes in Norway. Hikers in search for tranquillity and lots of adventure will surely give Romsdalseggen two thumbs-up.
- Distance: 11km
- Time: 8 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
- Best time: June to September
If you’re looking for more scenic hikes to add to your itinerary, check out these trails from New Zealand!
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