Did you know that the most popular hiking spot in Norway, Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), gets over 300,000 tourists every year? In summer 2022, there were 348,000 hikers and these hikers had an expenditure of over 1 billion Norwegian Kroner (85 million Euros) in three months. Preikestolen is part of the best hikes in Norway list and there are dozens others that is on the same list. There are excellent Norway hiking trails – some are much better than Preikestolen. Many tourists visit Norway only to go hiking and explore the Must-do Norway hiking routes. Norway is one of your best bet if you love outdoor adventures and want to take a hiking trip. You can take scenic Norwegian hikes that are actually chosen, protected, and maintained by the Norwegian government. There are only five of them right now. Now, that’s a world-class hiking!
Check this article out, too: Whale Watching in Norway – Winter Safari
Kjeragbolten and Galdhøppigen are two of the best hikes in Norway that come with their own challenges. Since Norway is mountainous, the best hikes are generally in fjords, where you must be fit. Norway also has 47 national parks, most of which come with its own scenic Norwegian hiking trails. Those are not in the fjords and may not have as good views as the Norway fjord hikes but they are still extremely beautiful. What’s better is that you can take your family to these hiking trails because they are beginner-friendly. For thrill-seekers, Besseggen is among National Geographic’s top hikes. What I mean to say here is that you get every possible level of hiking if you take a hiking tour in Norway. It’s endless and each has it’s own beauty and challenges. Let’s see the best hikes in Norway and where you can or should hike.
Why Norway is a Premier Hiking Destination
Do you like hiking, and would you like to use part of your holiday to hike through stunning landscapes? You can’t compare Norway’s natural beauty with its long coastline, deep fjords, and towering mountains to anywhere else; it’s a scenery! With all this beauty and mountains, you always get the best hiking destinations. These hiking routes are a good fit for both experienced and new hikers. There are trails through forests, tundras, and more. Each trail provides breathtaking views and unique experiences.
So, why do hikers love Norway? It’s not just the scenery. The variety of Norway hiking trails suits all levels. Norway’s “allemannsretten” – the law that allows you to camp wherever you wish if you are 150 meters away from a habituated place – lets you explore freely, from dense forests to high mountains (check out my guide on camping in Norway). You can also enjoy serene lakes and diverse wildlife while taking the best hikes in Norway.
The summer months, from June to August, are the best for hiking in Norway. The weather is mild, ideal for famous trails like Preikestolen. But each season has its charm. Spring brings greenery, fall offers golden views, and winter is perfect for a peaceful hike, but it’s really hard conditions. Norway values sustainability. It uses mostly hydropower and has many electric cars. This helps protect its beautiful environment, making hikes even better and beautiful. The Norwegian Trekking Association also supports hikers with well-maintained trails and over 460 huts.
Best Hikes in Norway: Top Tips
Knowing a few key things can make your trip better, whether you’re an experienced hiker or just starting out. Especially if you are taking your turn at the best hikes in Norway and doing those fjord hiking – which are harder than most other hiking routes. Here’s what you need to know for your Norwegian trails adventure.
Choosing a Trail
Norway has over 1,700 fjords and countless trails. You can find easy hiking paths and challenging routes for all levels. For example, Preikestolen is great for families, while Romsdalseggen Ridge is for the more experienced. Before you choose, think about your fitness and experience. Trails like Trolltunga need a lot of stamina and can take 10-12 hours to finish.
Seasonal Considerations for Hikers
Choosing the right season for hiking in Norway is important. The shoulder seasons, May to June and September to October, have better weather and fewer people. You can enjoy nature with more comfort, but the weather may be tricky. You must dress accordingly and always carry backup clothes just in case. If you prefer year-round hiking, winter has its own beauty. But you’ll need to prepare for snow and ice. Especially in the Norway fjord hikes, it can get brutally cold.
Wildlife Encounters on Norwegian Trails
Norway is a big country with a lot of inhabited and untouched landscapes. That’s why there is a good amount of wildlife. Depending on where you are, you will want to be prepared. Some trails go through areas with reindeer, arctic foxes, and many birds. In areas like Bergen, you will not see much dangerous wildlife, but the Northern you go, like Tromso, Trondheim, Lofoten Islands, or others, you may be more in danger. For example, Svalbard has more pole bears than habitants. It’s an extreme example since Svalbard is not on the mainland, but you get the point.
5 Best Top Hiking Regions in Norway
Norway has a lot of hiking spots and trails, yes. However, some regions in Norway are famous for their amazing Norwegian hikes. You can get the best of both worlds here, hiking and exploring the city and region. If you go to the right region, you can find the best Norway fjord hikes and Norway hiking trails in one place. There are several scenic Norwegian hikes in one region generally. I believe these are the best hikes in Norway – a mix of city adventure and hiking.
Ryfylke
Ryfylke has some of Norway’s most famous hikes and for a reason. This region offers amazing hikes through Norway’s natural beauty. Located in southwestern Norway, it’s known for its mountains and fjords. Perhaps the most famous one is where you climb the mountain plateau to Preikstolen – also known as the Pulpit Rock – 640 meters above Lysefjord and Kjerag fjords. The trails here are great for all hikers. They mix tough terrain with beautiful fjords. It’s perfect for both beginners and experts.
Stavanger Region
The Stavanger area is great for hiking. It’s this great network of hiking trails in South Norway. Hiking trails are well-marked and rather easier. You can go on family hikes here, or if you are a beginner hiker, it’s also a great spot. It’s close to the Pulpit Rock and many other trails. Since this is a region, and a rather larger one, you may even take Stavanger region as your base and take hiking tours every day to different areas and location. You can easily take the Pulpit Rock hike if you are staing in Stavanger region. In this sense, this region is the perfect hiking region in Norway. Especially if you are a beginner and looking to do easier hikes and rest in between.
Haugesund and Haugalandet
Many people say the Haugesund and Haugalandet landscape resembles the Vikings series. Come to think of it, it’s not strange. After all, the original Vikings lived here for centuries. That’s why this place mixes history with nature exceptionally well. It’s known for Norway’s historical trails. Here, you can walk through Viking history and enjoy the wild. You also have the chance to walk around the sea after or before your hike.
Sunnhordland
Sunnhordland is perfect for island hopping and hiking. It offers Norway’s archipelago hikes with sea and cliffs. Sunnhordland treks take you across islands with different views and challenges. It’s great for those who love different terrains. You’ll see rocky shores and forests. There are over 200 marked hikes in Sunnhordland. There are Norway hiking trails for families, beginners, and also for adventure seekers. You can hike to 1400-meter summits – not recommended for families or beginners!
National Hiking Trails Norway: National Scenic Hike
As I mentioned in the beginning, hundreds of thousands of people visit Norway’s most popular hiking spots every year – local and international. However, this popularity brought problems, as well. Most of these routes started to have a lot of litter and tear. Because of this, the Norwegian government decided to certify a selection of popular Norwegian hiking trails as “National Scenic Hike” routes. As it says on the introduction, so far there are only five national scenic hikes in Norway.
These are some of the most breathtaking and challenging hiking trails in Norway. With this certification, they are maintained with extra care and have higher security to ensure they stay in top condition. These hikes have been improved for safer and more sustainable hiking. With recent maintenance funded by the National Tourist Trails subsidy, they’re extra safe and aim to reduce accidents and injuries. Consider these iconic trails for an unforgettable exploration of Norway’s must-do hiking spots.
Trolltunga: The Troll’s Tongue
The Trolltunga hike is at Hardangerfjord, which is 1800 meters above sea level. This route is known as the Troll’s Tongue because it hosts a rock shape similar to a troll’s tongue. This hike is challenging; it’s 27 kilometers long and lasts 10-12 hours, but the views are worth it. Thousands visit each year, and it’s a top choice for experienced hikers.
Besseggen
Besseggen is in Vaga, Eastern Norway. Annually, this place gets about 60,000 visitors. The mountain overlooks the stunning turquoise waters of Gjende Lake, and it’s surrounded by many other mountains in every direction. The hike itself is 13 kilometers long and takes about 8 hours to finish. This one is also a challenging hike; it is way shorter than Trolltunga, but it is still challenging.
Kjerag: World-Famous Boulder
The Kjerag hike offers a mix of high-altitude trekking and boulder hopping. It’s famous for the Kjeragbolten, a giant boulder between cliffs. This trail provides thrilling boulder hikes and a chance to stand atop the rock. Great Instagram spot! This spot is 1084 meters above sea level, and it’s the highest peak in the Lysefjord area. The Kjerag hike is 11 kilometers long and could take about 8 to 10 hours.
Fosseråsa: Trail of Waterfalls
The Fosseråsa hike is known for its waterfalls, especially waterfalls that you can walk behind. You see the view from a different angle on this Norwegian hiking trail. It’s a refreshing trail for those who love serene hikes. Fosseråsa offers a picturesque route that captures Norway’s water scenery. Depending on where you start, the hike is about 4 kilometers, and you can finish in four hours or so easily. This is the easiest hike among the other National Scenic Hikes.
Conclusion
That was a lot of hiking trails to cover. But it’s always fun for me to write these because the more I write, the more excited I get to share them with everyone. It raises my urge to explore the best hikes in Norway and take those must-do Norway Hiking routes. From the calm coastal paths in Stavanger to the stunning Trolltunga summit, Norway’s hiking trails are just endlessly beautiful. You can also take Norway fjord hikes or many scenic Norwegian hikes, whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker.
If you are too afraid, there are also guided hiking tours in Norway – which are lovely. You just need to pick the right hiking guide. Overall, hiking in Norway combines simplicity with grandeur, which is why it’s famous worldwide. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) helps with its network of trails and cabins. Imagine standing on Preikestolen, seeing the Lysefjord, or walking through Rondane National Park. These experiences leave a lasting mark on your heart.
FAQ
What makes Norway a premier destination for hiking?
Norway is a top spot for hiking because of its stunning nature. It has a wide range of landscapes, from rugged mountains to beautiful fjords. You can find a trail hike in Norway for beginners and experienced hikers.
How do I choose the right trail in Norway?
Choosing the right trail in Norway depends on your experience and fitness. There are trails for all levels, from easy to challenging. For families, trails like Pulpit Rock are great. For more experienced hikers, trails like Besseggen Ridge offer a bigger challenge.
What is the best season for hiking in Norway?
The best times for hiking in Norway are spring (May-June) and fall (September-October). These seasons have milder weather and fewer crowds. Summer is busier but shows off Norway’s beauty.
Can I encounter wildlife on my hike in Norway?
You might see wildlife like reindeer, arctic foxes, and birds. It’s essential to keep a safe distance.
What are some of the top hiking regions in Norway?
Top hiking spots in Norway include Ryfylke for its fjords and mountains. The Stavanger region is famous for Pulpit Rock. Haugesund and Haugalandet offer historical trails. Sunnhordland is excellent for island treks, and the Fosseråsa trail is known for its waterfalls.
What are some famous national scenic hikes in Norway?
Norway’s famous hikes are the Trolltunga trek, the Preikestolen hike, the Kjerag hike, and the Fosseråsa trail, which is known for its stunning waterfalls.