Hiking in Norway: Top 5 Hikes

Hiking in Norway offers some of the world's most spectacular hiking experiences. From famous hikes like Besseggen and Preikestolen to lesser-known hiking trails, this complete guide covers everything you need to plan your Norwegian hiking adventure.

The terrain varies from well-marked paths with hut-to-hut routes to remote wilderness trails.

Most hiking happens June-September with peak season in July-August.

Accommodation options include: DNT mountain huts (over 550 across Norway), wild camping (legal under Right to Roam laws), and hotels/guesthouses in valley towns. Trail distances: typically 10-20 km per day on multi-day routes.

Where to Hike in Norway

Norway extends over 1,600 kilometers from south to north, offering diverse hiking terrain across multiple regions.

Main hiking areas include: 

• Lofoten Islands (coastal/mountain),

• Jotunheimen (high alpine peaks),

• Rondane (plateau hiking),

• Hardangervidda (vast plateau),

• Trollheimen (central mountains) and

• western fjord regions.

For multi-day routes in mountain terrain: bring proper maps (paper + GPS), understand weather can change rapidly, and check hut availability in advance.

Trail infrastructure varies widely: Some areas have well-marked trails with DNT hut chains spaced 10-20 km apart. Remote areas may have minimal marking (cairns only) and no facilities for days.

Understanding the Trails

Norwegian hiking trails range from gravel roads to steep, boulder-strewn routes with no markings beyond cairns. Most are unpaved and can be wet, rocky, or snow-covered depending on the season.

• Trail Markings: The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) uses red T's painted on rocks or trees to mark summer trails. In winter, routes are marked with birch branches or poles.

• Navigation: Most trails are well-signed, but always bring a paper map and compass or an offline GPS app (Norgeskart or UT.no). Fog and sudden storms can erase the landscape in minutes.

Distances: Daily distances are typically 10–20 km, but don't let the numbers fool you—altitude gain, terrain, and pack weight make every kilometer count.

Best Day Hikes in Norway

These shorter hiking trails in Norway can be completed in a single day, making them perfect for summer hiking in Norway or when you want to experience the country's best hiking without committing to multi-day routes.

1. Besseggen Ridge

• Starting Point: Gjendesheim (ferry from Gjendesheim to Memurubu)

• Recommended Time: 6 to 8 hours round trip

• Distance: 18 km

• Elevation Gain: ~900 m

• Max Elevation: 1,743 m

• Best Time to Hike: July to September

• Nearby Town: Beitostølen, Lom

Besseggen is Norway's most famous day hike—and for good reason. This knife-edge ridge walk offers one of the country's most iconic views: the teal waters of Lake Gjende on one side and the deep blue Bessvatnet on the other, separated by a narrow rocky spine.

The hike requires a ferry from Gjendesheim to Memurubu (book in advance in summer). From Memurubu, the trail climbs steeply through birch forest before reaching the dramatic ridge section. The ridge itself is narrow but not technical—no climbing required, though some exposure.

Expect crowds in July-August, especially on sunny days. Start early (first ferry at 7:30 AM) to avoid bottlenecks on the ridge. The descent back to Gjendesheim is long and can be hard on the knees.

2. Knutshøe Hiking Trail

• Starting Point: Vargebakken parking (near Valdresflye)

• Recommended Time: 3 to 4 hours round trip

• Distance: 13 km

• Elevation Gain: ~600 m

• Max Elevation: 1,517 m

• Best Time to Hike: July to September

• Nearby Town: Beitostølen

Knutshøe is often called the "little sibling" of Besseggen—but that nickname does it no justice. This ridgeline hike in the eastern part of Jotunheimen may be shorter and quieter, but it offers panoramas every bit as breathtaking and far more solitude. Where Besseggen draws crowds, Knutshøe offers space.

Knutshøe is less known than Besseggen—but for many, that's exactly the appeal. No ferry timetable, no bottlenecks—just open mountain, clean air, and the quiet satisfaction of seeing one of Norway's finest day hikes unfold beneath your boots.

3. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

• Starting Point: Preikestolen parking area

• Recommended Time: 4 to 5 hours round trip

• Distance: 8 km

• Elevation Gain: ~500 m

• Max Elevation: 604 m

• Best Time to Hike: May to September

• Nearby Town: Stavanger

Preikestolen is one of Norway's most photographed viewpoints—a flat-topped cliff 604 meters above Lysefjorden. The hike itself is well-marked and accessible, making it suitable for families and first-time hikers (though still requiring decent fitness).

The trail includes: rocky sections, wooden steps, boardwalks over bogs, and some steep climbs. Well-maintained and heavily trafficked—expect crowds in summer. Parking fees apply and fill up by mid-morning in peak season.

Best times to visit: Early morning (before 8 AM) or evening (after 6 PM) to avoid crowds. The edge has no railings—exercise caution, especially with children.

4. Romsdalseggen Ridge

• Starting Point: Vengedalen (bus from Åndalsnes)

• Recommended Time: 8 to 10 hours one-way

• Distance: 10 km

• Elevation Gain: ~970 m

• Max Elevation: 1,222 m

• Best Time to Hike: June to September

• Nearby Town: Åndalsnes

Romsdalseggen is considered one of Norway's most spectacular ridge walks. The route traverses a high, exposed mountain ridge with 360-degree views of Romsdalsfjorden, sharp peaks, and deep valleys.

Logistics: One-way hike requiring bus shuttle from Åndalsnes to Vengedalen trailhead (book in advance). The trail descends to Åndalsnes town. Long day with sustained elevation—requires good fitness and stable weather.

The ridge section is exposed with steep drops on both sides. Not recommended in poor visibility or high winds. Bring warm layers—ridge can be cold and windy even in summer.

5. Trolltunga

• Starting Point: P2 Skjeggedal parking

• Recommended Time: 10 to 12 hours round trip

• Distance: 28 km

• Elevation Gain: ~900 m

• Max Elevation: 1,100 m

• Best Time to Hike: June to September

• Nearby Town: Odda

Trolltunga (Troll's Tongue) is a dramatic rock formation jutting horizontally out from a mountain cliff 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. This is Norway's longest and most demanding day hike.

Critical information: 28 km round trip means 10-12 hours minimum. Start before 6 AM to ensure you finish before dark. No services or facilities on route—bring all food, water, and gear. Toilet facilities at P2 parking only.

The trail is long and relentless with rocky, uneven terrain throughout. Weather can change rapidly—bring full rain gear and warm layers. Early season (June) and late season (September) may have snow on trail.

Not suitable for beginners or those without strong fitness. Considerguided tours if inexperienced with long mountain days.

Best Multi-Day Hikes in Norway

For those seeking the best treks in Norway, these multi-day hikes take you deep into the wilderness. These are the best hiking places in Norway for experiencing the country's full majesty—from hut to hut through some of the best places to hike in Norway.

1. Jotunheimen Hut-to-Hut Trek

• Starting Point: Gjendesheim, Leirvassbu, or Spiterstulen

• Recommended Number of Days: 4 to 7 days

• Distance: 70 to 120 km

• Elevation Gain: Varies—often 4,000–7,000 m

• Max Elevation: ~2,469 m (Galdhøpiggen summit detour)

• Best Time to Hike: Late June to mid-September

• Nearby Towns: Lom, Vågå, Beitostølen

Jotunheimen—"Home of the Giants"—lives up to its name with every step. This is Norway's alpine heart: a world of jagged ridges, snow-fed lakes, and towering peaks, many of them the highest in Scandinavia. The region is crisscrossed by an exceptional network of trails and DNT cabins, making it the most accessible high-mountain experience in the country.

The trail from Gjendesheim over the famous Besseggen ridge offers a dramatic start: a knife-edge climb between the teal-colored Lake Gjende and the deep blue Bessvatnet.

From there, you descend to Memurubu and can either follow the shoreline to Gjendebu or swing northward toward Glitterheim or Leirvassbu, where the terrain opens into stark alpine bowls. The hut at Spiterstulen provides access to Galdhøpiggen (2,469 m), Norway's tallest peak—reachable with or without glacier travel depending on your route.

2. Rondane National Park Hiking

• Starting Point: Mysusæter, Hjerkinn, or Straumbu

• Recommended Number of Days: 4 to 6 days

• Distance: 60 to 100 km depending on route

• Elevation Gain: ~3,000 to 4,500 m

• Max Elevation: 2,178 m (Rondslottet)

• Best Time to Hike: Mid-July to early October

• Nearby Towns: Otta, Dombås, Folldal

Rondane doesn't shout—it whispers. As Norway's first national park, it's a place of gentle austerity: weathered peaks that rise like ancient sentinels, broad valleys shaped by long-forgotten ice, and a sense of openness that stretches far beyond the trail beneath your boots.

Most hikers begin their journey near Rondvassbu, a beloved DNT lodge tucked at the south end of Rondvatnet lake. From here, multiple routes fan outward in a network of highland traverses and airy ridges. You might head north to Dørålseter through the stony grandeur of Langglupdalen, or curve east to Bjørnhollia, where birch forests and open moors soften the descent.

The peaks here aren't Norway's tallest, but they feel immense in their own way. Rondslottet (2,178 m) is the crown, with a sweeping summit that offers views into Jotunheimen, Dovrefjell, and far across the central uplands.

What sets Rondane apart is its spaciousness. You'll cross wide-open valleys where herds of wild reindeer sometimes drift through the haze, hike along cairn-marked ridges that feel suspended between sky and stone, and rest by tarns so still they reflect the weather before it arrives.

3. Aurlandsdalen Hut-to-Hut Hike

• Starting Point: Finse, Geiterygghytta, or Østerbø

• Recommended Number of Days: 2 to 3 days

• Distance: ~40 km

• Elevation Gain: ~1,200 m (mostly descent if walked westbound)

• Max Elevation: ~1,400 m

• Best Time to Hike: Late June to late September

• Nearby Towns: Aurland, Flåm, Hol

The journey begins high—either at Finse (reachable by train), or more commonly at Geiterygghytta, a DNT lodge perched beside a lake on the edge of the Hardangervidda plateau. From here, the trail leads gently past alpine moors and tarns, where snow patches linger well into July and the air carries the chill of height.

By the time you reach Østerbø—a traditional mountain inn still run with the same hospitality it offered to packhorses and pilgrims long ago—the scenery has grown wilder and more enclosed. The next day is the heart of the hike: a sustained descent through the lower Aurlandsdalen, where waterfalls pour from cliffs, abandoned stone farms cling impossibly to the hillsides, and the river below grows louder with every turn.

There's Vetlahelvete, a narrow gorge where the trail squeezes between mossy rock walls, and the ghostly remains of Nesbø farm, a place so remote and isolated it was once called "the last stop before God." Eventually, the valley opens again—and you arrive in the hamlet of Vassbygdi, where the sound of rushing water gives way to the slow lap of fjord waves. A short bus ride or scenic detour takes you to Aurland or Flåm, where steep mountains plunge into Aurlandsfjord and ferries drift silently across the water.

4. Trollheimen Triangle Route

• Starting Point: Gjevilvasshytta

• Recommended Number of Days: 3 days

• Distance: ~45 km

• Elevation Gain: ~2,300 m

• Max Elevation: ~1,661 m (Trollhetta summit detour)

• Best Time to Hike: July to mid-September

• Nearby Towns: Oppdal, Rindal, Surnadal

The Triangle Route—Trekanten—is the most beloved way to experience it. A three-day hut-to-hut circuit linking Gjevilvasshytta, Jøldalshytta, and Trollheimshytta, it loops through the best of Trollheimen's varied scenery.

Most hikers begin at Gjevilvasshytta, a historic DNT lodge sitting just above the crystalline waters of Lake Gjevilvatnet. From there, the trail climbs steadily toward the pass at Kringlehøa before dropping into the broad, green Jøldalen valley, where Jøldalshytta waits with its red walls and creaking porch steps. The next leg rises again—this time toward the base of Trollhetta, the route's iconic massif.

The final day leads eastward toward Trollheimshytta, passing waterfalls, meadows, and the long spine of the Snota massif—a stark granite peak reflected in mirror-still lakes below. From there, the loop closes, either returning to Gjevilvasshytta directly or via a longer descent through Vindøldalen.

Planning Your Norwegian Hiking Trip

A great hiking trip in Norway starts long before you lace up your boots. With weather that can shift in minutes, trails that vary from groomed and family-friendly to remote and wild, and distances that demand respect, good planning is the difference between a beautiful challenge and an unnecessary struggle.

This section will guide you through the most important pieces: when to go, how to get there, what to expect from the trails, and how to prepare for the kind of hiking that stays with you.

When to Go

Norway's hiking season is shaped entirely by altitude and latitude. For summer hiking in Norway, the best time is late June through mid-September, but the specifics vary depending on where you go.

• Early Summer (Late June to Early July)

This is when the high country starts to open. Snowfields linger on passes above 1,200 meters, but most DNT huts begin operation. Rivers run high, waterfalls roar, and trails are quiet in the early weeks.

Pros: Wildflowers, fewer people, dramatic light
Cons: Snow on high routes, muddy lower trails, early bugs

• Peak Season (Mid-July to Late August)

This is the sweet spot. Everything is open, the trails are mostly dry, and huts are fully staffed. The daylight lasts late into the evening—especially north of the Arctic Circle, where you can hike under the midnight sun.

Pros: Full access, long days, cultural events in villages
Cons: More hikers on famous routes, hut reservations needed in advance

• Autumn (September to Mid-October)

A secret season. The air turns crisp, the crowds fade, and the mountains glow gold and red. Higher huts begin to close by early October, but many valleys remain accessible well into autumn.

Pros: Stunning colors, cool temperatures, peaceful trails
Cons: Shorter daylight, unpredictable weather, limited hut staffing

• Winter and Shoulder Months (October to May)

This is skiing season—not hiking season. Most trails are snowbound, many huts are closed or unstaffed, and mountain weather becomes serious business. Some valley walks and marked snow routes are still possible, but you'll need proper skills and gear.

Best for: Snowshoeing, Nordic touring, cabin stays
Avoid for: Traditional trekking unless experienced in winter travel

Weather in Norway

Norwegian mountain weather changes rapidly—even in summer. Always check forecasts before hiking and bring full weather gear.

Key facts:

• Temperature: 10-20°C

• Rain: Common in western Norway; eastern mountains drier

• Snow: Possible on high passes (1,400m+) even in July-August

• Wind: Exposed ridges significantly colder than forecast temperature

Essential weather sites:

• Yr.no - Official Norwegian weather service: https://www.yr.no

• Varsom.no - Mountain warnings and conditions: https://www.varsom.no

• Storm.no - Real-time mountain weather stations: https://storm.no

Check forecasts daily during multi-day hikes. Most huts have weather updates.

Accommodation in Norway

In Norway, how you sleep is just as much a part of the hiking experience as where you walk. After a long day on the trail—shoulders tired, boots muddy, sun low over the ridgeline—where you land matters. It can lift your mood, give you warmth, or simply offer a moment to take in where you are, with no noise but the wind and the creak of your backpack being unbuckled.

The beauty of hiking in Norway is that you don't have to choose between wild and comfortable. The country has built a system that supports freedom—hut-to-hut, tent-to-town, high to low—without getting in the way of what makes the outdoors feel truly wild.

Mountain Huts (DNT Cabins)

If you're hiking anywhere near Norway's national parks or long-distance routes, chances are you'll stay in a DNT cabin—part of the Norwegian Trekking Association's legendary network of more than 550 huts across the country. These aren't fancy, but they are reliable, deeply rooted in culture, and designed to let you stay in the mountains without hauling a tent and stove on your back.

Huts come in three types:

• Staffed lodges (betjente): Open in summer (and some in winter), serving full meals and offering hot showers and bunk beds

• Self-service cabins (selvbetjente): Unstaffed but stocked with firewood, gas, basic food supplies, and beds

• No-service huts (ubetjente): Minimalist shelters, unlocked (or accessible with DNT key), bring your own food

All huts require a sleeping bag liner. Blankets and pillows are provided. Many huts have communal dorms, shared meals, and handwritten logbooks where each guest leaves their name and route for the next to read.

Booking is recommended in summer for popular huts like Gjendebu or Trollheimshytta, but many cabins also work on a "first in, first served" basis.

Hotels and Guesthouses Near the Trail

Not every hiker wants to end their day with bunk beds and a communal washroom. For those who prefer a little more comfort—without giving up proximity to nature—Norway has no shortage of small mountain hotels, inns, and guesthouses in the valleys and villages near its most iconic trails.

Places like Åndalsnes, Beitostølen, Lom, and Aurland offer cozy hotels with private rooms, homemade meals, and access to local guides or shuttle services. Some specialize in working with hikers: they'll store luggage, help with route planning, and even arrange baggage transfers on multi-day hut routes.

Spend a few days hiking from a base, then return to a hot shower, a warm bed, and a fjordside dinner. In towns like Flåm or Geiranger, you can combine short day hikes with cultural visits and boat trips—ideal for families or first-time hikers.

Camping and Wild Camping

If you want total freedom—and don't mind carrying your home on your back—then camping in Norway is about as close to true wilderness living as you can get. Thanks to the Right to Roam, wild camping is not just legal—it's celebrated.

The rules are simple:

• You can pitch a tent on uncultivated land (mountains, forests, coastlines) as long as you're 150 meters away from the nearest house or cabin

• You may stay for up to two nights in the same place, longer in remote areas

• Campfires are allowed in many areas, but prohibited from April 15 to September 15 in forest zones due to fire risk

• Leave no trace: pack out all rubbish, bury waste properly, and never wash dishes directly in streams or lakes

Wild camping is especially rewarding in places like Hardangervidda, Rondane, Senja, and Finnmark, where solitude is part of the landscape. Pitch beside a lake, wake to silence, and watch the mist lift from the valley as you brew your morning coffee.

For those who prefer a bit more structure, there are also many designated campgrounds—some basic, some with showers, cooking shelters, and even saunas. They're often family-run, inexpensive, and located near trailheads or public transit.

How to Get There

Despite its wild image, Norway is surprisingly accessible. But distances are long, and logistics matter.

By Air

• Oslo: Best for accessing Jotunheimen, Rondane, Hardangervidda

• Bergen: Ideal for west coast and fjord hiking (Aurlandsdalen, Lysefjorden)

• Trondheim: Gateway to Trollheimen and central ranges

• Tromsø / Bodø: Best for Lofoten, Senja, and Arctic hiking

By Train and Bus

The rail network (Vy) and regional buses can get you to most trailheads, especially for well-known routes like Besseggen, Rondane, or Finse. For more remote access—like Innerdalen or Øvre Dividal—you may need to combine public transit with a taxi or arrange pickup from huts.

By Car

Renting a car offers flexibility—especially for hut-to-hut treks that don't start and end in the same place. Roads are excellent, though mountain drives can be slow and winding. Many trailheads have small car parks; some are paid or require a local permit.

Essential Gear and Preparation

Hiking in Norway isn't about flashy gear or ultralight setups—it's about reliability, layering, and respect for the conditions. The landscape is unforgiving if you're unprepared, but incredibly rewarding if you are. A trail that starts under a sunny sky can end in sleet or fog, and even in July, you might cross snowfields or get soaked by a sudden fjord wind.

That doesn't mean you need to carry everything. With Norway's hut system and plentiful water, you can travel light—but you do need to travel smart.

Clothing: Layers Are Everything

The weather in Norway shifts like a mood. One moment you're sweating under a high sun, the next you're pulling on all your layers in a cold drizzle. The key is to layer up and adjust often.

Must-haves:

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking wool or synthetic shirt and leggings (merino wool is ideal)

• Mid layer: Insulating fleece or down/synthetic jacket

• Shell layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket and pants (Gore-Tex or equivalent)

• Extra warmth: A lightweight insulated jacket or vest for evenings at huts or during breaks

• Gloves and hat: Always—even in midsummer

Avoid cotton. Once it's wet, it stays that way.

Footwear: Trust Your Boots

Trails in Norway are often rocky, wet, and uneven—and even short hikes can feel technical. Your shoes matter more than almost any other gear choice.

• Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots or shoes with ankle support are recommended for most multi-day routes

• Trail runners work on drier, lower-elevation routes, but expect wet feet

• Camp shoes (light sandals or Crocs) are great for huts and river crossings

Break in your boots beforehand. Blisters in a remote valley are more than a nuisance.

Backpack and Essentials

Your pack should match the trip. For hut-to-hut hiking, 30–45 liters is usually enough. If camping, you'll need 55–70 liters depending on how much gear you carry.

In your pack:

• Navigation tools: Map, compass, GPS device or app with offline maps (UT.no, Gaia, Norgeskart)

• Water bottle or bladder: Streams are common and often safe above farmland—but a filter is wise

• Snacks: Nuts, chocolate, energy bars, dried fruit—food between huts isn't always available

• Headlamp or flashlight: Even in summer, fog or tunnels can turn noon into night

• First aid kit: Include blister care, painkillers, bandages, and any personal meds

• Sun protection: Sunglasses, SPF lip balm, and sunscreen—even on cloudy days

• Knife or multitool, duct tape, and repair patches

• If camping: stove, fuel, pot, sleeping pad, sleeping bag (3-season), and tent suitable for wind and rain

Extras That Go a Long Way

• Trekking poles: Help on steep descents and boggy ground

• Earplugs: For hut dormitories

• Sleeping bag liner: Required in all DNT huts (blankets are provided)

• Small towel and toiletries: For hut showers (some have hot water, some don't)

• Cash or Vipps app: Some huts don't accept cards

Training and Fitness

Norwegian trails aren't about speed—they're about stamina, sure-footedness, and stability. You'll be climbing, descending, rock-hopping, and occasionally wading streams.

To prepare:

• Hike regularly before your trip, focusing on elevation gain

• Add weight gradually to your pack during training walks

• Do balance and strength work—think lunges, squats, and core exercises

• Practice with poles if you plan to use them

Even moderate hikes in Norway can feel long. But you don't need to be an athlete—you just need to be ready.

Permits and Trail Access

For most hiking routes in Norway, no permits are required. Whether you're doing a hut-to-hut trek through Jotunheimen, a fjord circuit near Lysefjorden, or a long-distance wilderness route in Finnmark, the trails are open and free to access.

The few exceptions include:

• Guided glacier crossings (e.g. Galdhøpiggen from Juvasshytta via Styggebreen) require joining an authorized tour for safety reasons

• National Parks with vehicle access (like some roads in Hardangervidda) may have tolls or restrictions for parking

• Private cabins or locked DNT huts require booking in advance and a DNT key or membership

• Camping in protected areas (rare) may have zone-specific rules—but these are clearly marked on signage and maps

In general, the lack of bureaucracy is refreshing—but it puts more responsibility on you to plan well and act respectfully.

Why Hiking in Norway Stays With You

Norway offers world-class hiking infrastructure combined with genuine wilderness.

Key advantages:

• extensive hut networks (over 550 DNT cabins),

• well-maintained trails, 

• liberal camping laws (Right to Roam), and

• spectacular scenery ranging from fjords to alpine peaks.

What makes Norway hiking unique: Long daylight hours in summer (midnight sun above Arctic Circle), varied terrain in compact areas, excellent trail marking systems (red T markers), and reliable weather windows July-August.

• Typical hiking day: 10-20 km distances, 500-1000m elevation gain, 6-8 hours walking time. Trails range from easy valley walks to technical ridge scrambles. Most routes have good cell coverage near huts and valleys.

• End-of-day options: DNT huts (hot meals, bunks, showers at staffed huts), wild camping (free, legal 150m+ from buildings), or valley hotels/guesthouses (private rooms, full services).

• Weather considerations: Can change rapidly - bring all-weather gear. Even in July, snow patches on high passes. August-September: autumn colors, fewer crowds, some huts closing. Always check weather forecasts before starting multi-day routes.

• Access and logistics: Good public transport to major trailheads, rental cars available from airports, ferry connections for coastal routes, luggage transfer services available on popular hut-to-hut routes.

And if you're ready to experience it, we can help arrange everything. Our self-guided Norway hiking tours handle the details—hut bookings, route planning, luggage transfers, maps and GPS tracks—so you can focus on the trail.

You walk at your own pace, stop when you want, and experience Norway's mountains without the stress of planning.

Ready to start planning your Norway hiking adventure? Let us handle the logistics while you enjoy the trails.