Hiking in Norway
Including Aurlandsdalen Valley Trek, Besseggen Ridge, and Longyearbyen Tundra and Ridge Trails. On the map.
The vibe
Out here you are walking through ancient valleys where the scale humbles you and the paths demand sturdy boots rather than casual sneakers. Late summer brings the crispest air and open terrain, making it the prime window before the first high-altitude snows return. You mostly move in quiet solitude across vast plateaus, bumping into fellow walkers only near the most famous ridges.
Aurlandsdalen Valley Trek
Vestland
User:BIL / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Often called Norway's Grand Canyon, this historic valley trail winds past thundering waterfalls, rushing rivers, and abandoned mountain farms. The classic one-day route descends from high mountain terrain down into lush gorges and fjord-side settlements. It provides a rich mix of wilderness scenery and cultural heritage.
Access. Most hikers take a bus to the high trailhead at Østerbø and hike down to Vassbygdi.
Notes. Some sections feature narrow paths along steep drops, requiring steady footing.
Besseggen Ridge, Jotunheimen National Park
Innlandet
Noxstar8 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
A legendary alpine ridge traverse set between the contrasting deep blue waters of Lake Bessvatnet and the emerald green Lake Gjende. The scramble across the rocky ridge offers heart-pounding exposure and unmatched vistas of the Jotunheimen mountains. It is a quintessential Norwegian full-day trekking experience.
Access. Most hikers take the Gjende boat to Memurubu and hike back to Gjendesheim, or vice versa.
Notes. Requires good head for heights and favorable weather conditions; operates seasonally from June to September.
Longyearbyen Tundra and Ridge Trails
Svalbard
josef knecht / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Arctic wilderness hiking on Svalbard, taking trekkers across fossil-rich mountain slopes, vast permafrost tundra, and glacial valleys. The scenery is completely wild, dominated by jagged peaks and distant calving glaciers under the midnight sun or crisp autumn light. Wildlife encounters, including Svalbard reindeer and Arctic foxes, are common.
Access. Starts directly from Longyearbyen; short hikes can be done independently, while outer valley routes require polar bear protection.
Notes. Mandatory firearm or certified polar bear guard required for travel outside settlement zones due to wildlife hazards.
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Rogaland
Aconcagua / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A classic Norwegian cliff walk and hike leading to a steep plateau towering over the Lysefjord. The well-maintained trail climbs across granite slabs and wooden boardwalks, offering panoramic fjord vistas from the summit. It is one of the country's most popular and accessible scenic hikes.
Access. Start at the Preikestolen Fjellstue trailhead, easily reached by bus or car from Stavanger.
Notes. Can be crowded during peak summer months; footwear with good grip is essential due to wet granite steps.
Reinebringen Trail, Lofoten Islands
Nordland
Siegfried Rabanser from Italy / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
A steep, grueling stone-step ascent climbing straight up from the coastal fishing village of Reine to a breathtaking mountain ridge. The reward is a dizzying, postcard-perfect panorama overlooking jagged peaks rising directly out of turquoise ocean fjords. Though short in distance, the vertical elevation gain demands strong legs.
Access. Located near Reine on Moskenesøya island, accessible via the E10 road with parking at the foot of the trail.
Notes. Sherpa-built stone stairs prevent erosion, but avoid the trail in heavy rain or icy conditions.
Rondane National Park Trail Network
Innlandet
Johan Simon Seland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Norway's oldest national park features rolling high-plateaus, lichen-covered tundra, and ten distinct peaks over 2,000 meters. The trail network connects cozy DNT mountain cabins, allowing for customized multi-day treks or scenic day walks. The terrain is less rocky than Jotunheimen, offering sweeping, open vistas of wild reindeer country.
Access. Easily accessed from Mysuseter or Otta via regional roads and parking hubs.
Notes. Excellent trail marking and hut infrastructure make it ideal for independent multi-day trekking.
Stetind Base and Ridge Trails
Nordland
A dramatic granite obelisk rising steeply from the shores of the Tysfjorden, recognized as Norway's national mountain. While the summit climb requires technical mountaineering equipment and a guide, the surrounding lower ridge and valley trails offer incredible alpine hiking. The stark, soaring granite walls create an unforgettable backdrop.
Access. Located in Narvik municipality along the E6, accessible by car.
Notes. Full summit ascent is strictly for experienced climbers; base walks are accessible to fit hikers.
Trolltunga Cliff Trail
Vestland
kallerna / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A challenging yet iconic 28-kilometer round-trip day hike scaling rocky plateaus above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. The trail rewards trekkers with breathtaking views from the famous horizontal rock ledge suspended hundreds of meters in the air. Weather changes rapidly, requiring proper preparation and physical endurance.
Access. Accessible via trailheads at Skjeggedal near Odda, reached by car or seasonal shuttle from Odda.
Notes. Recommended only between June and September when snowmelt makes the trail passable. Guided winter treks are available.