Discover the 5 Most Spectacular Hiking Trails in Norway

Discover the 5 Most Spectacular Hiking Trails in Norway

Norway is ideally discovered on foot, largely due to the hiking paths that enable you to traverse stunning natural scenery.

Norway, featuring stunning vistas of grandiose fiords, craggy peaks, and expansive tablelands, serves as an idyllic destination for trekking aficionados. Regardless of whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a novice seeking wild adventures, this nation provides numerous distinct trails guaranteed to create enduring recollections. Below are five of the most picturesque treks to discover Norway’s natural beauty.

Interested in visiting Norway? Below are several articles to assist you in planning your journey. :

  • Norway's picturesque hamlets, nestled among rugged mountains and chilly seas
  • The 5 Most Stunning Fjords in Norway
  • The loveliest city in Norway, where the fjords converge with the ocean

The Top 5 Most Scenic Hiking Trails in Norway

Trolltunga, an iconic landscape

Trolltunga, translating directly as "The Troll’s Tongue," stands out among Norway's scenic trails. Situated high above the Ringedalsvatnet lake at nearly 700 meters elevation, this striking cliff juts dramatically over the water below. Hiking the full circuit covers about 28 kilometers and typically requires between 10 to 12 hours due to its challenging terrain. However, the reward for your efforts includes unparalleled vistas of majestic mountain ranges and deep valleys stretching into the distance. For both avid outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking adventure, this journey offers an extraordinary memory-making opportunity.

Key features:

  • Spectacular panoramic views from Lake Ringedalsvatnet and offers a complete 360-degree view of the encompassing mountain ranges.
  • A physical challenge For a 28-kilometer circular trek, this hike serves as a true test of stamina, ideal for seasoned hikers seeking an arduous experience.
  • Trolltunga is One of the most frequently captured locations in Norway , featuring a "stone tongue" protruding into the abyss.

Preikestolen, one of the most recognizable

Preikestolen, also known as "The Pulpit Rock," is one of Norway's most famous treks. Standing tall at 604 meters over Lysefjord, this flat cliff provides breathtaking vistas of the fjord beneath. This fairly easy-to-reach path spans about 8 kilometers return and typically takes between 4 to 5 hours to finish. Despite some sections being quite steep, the hike remains manageable for many hikers, even those traveling with kids. For visitors exploring the Stavanger area, ascending to Preikestolen is essential.

Key features:

  • An accessible 8 km hike , appropriate for many types of hikers, including families.
  • A stunning vista of the Lysefjord from the plateau.
  • Conveniently reachable from the town of Stavanger , it's a great option for a day trip.

Besseggen: From Lakes to Mountains

Situated within Jotunheimen National Park, the Besseggen trail stands out due to its stunning vistas. Spanning approximately 14 kilometers, this trek leads you across a ridgeline separating two bodies of water: the vivid green waters of Lake Gjende and the rich blue depths of Lake Bessvatnet. The dramatic interplay between these lakes and the encompassing mountainous landscape provides an extraordinary sight. Completing the journey can take about 6-8 hours, with several steep parts included; however, thanks to its accessibility, it remains manageable for those who aren’t seasoned climbers.

Key features:

  • The path runs along a divide between two lake bodies. spectacularly contrasting hues .
  • This trail leads you across a vast area diversity of landscapes ranging from towering peaks to extensive tablelands.
  • Situated within Jotunheimen National Park, this hiking route provides more relaxed experience , away from the crowds and perfect for nature lovers.

Romsdalseggen, the giants’ ridge

The Romsdalseggen trek stands out as one of the most breathtaking hikes in Norway. This ridgeline path provides stunning vistas of the Romsdalsfjord, the town of Åndalsnes, and the adjacent peaks, notably the renowned Trollveggen—the tallest vertical cliff face in continental Europe. Stretching over 10 kilometers, this route typically takes between six to seven hours to complete. Despite featuring several exposed rocky areas, it remains manageable for seasoned trekkers. The remarkable variety in landscapes combined with the thrilling sensation of hiking along a narrow ridge makes this excursion truly exceptional.

Key features:

  • The trail offers incredible views of Romsdalsfjord , the town of Åndalsnes and the imposing cliff face of Trollveggen.
  • Strolling atop the ridge offers an extraordinary feeling of being perched "atop the world," where vistas stretch out endlessly before your gaze.
  • The majestic surroundings of the mountains and the profound depths of the valleys generate a immersive experience of the Norwegian natur al environment .

Kjeragbolten, the renowned "suspended boulder"

Kjeragbolten is a trail leading to one of Norway’s most awe-inspiring and dramatic locations: a boulder lodged between two precipices overlooking the Lysefjord from a height of 984 meters. This round-trip trek spans approximately 10 kilometers and typically requires about 5 to 6 hours, featuring several steep portions; however, it remains manageable for those who are physically fit. Upon reaching Kjeragbolten, adventurers with nerve enough may position themselves atop this rocky outcrop over the void for a striking photograph framed against the vast expanse of the fjord below.

Key features:

  • Kjeragbolten is One of Norway's most renowned rock structures , a massive rock lodged between two cliffs, hovering nearly 1,000 meters above the fjord’s surface.
  • Stepping onto Kjeragbolten for a snapshot requires courage, yet it yields an impressive result. one-of-a-kind photo souvenir.