The 18 Best Hikes in Norway

One of the highlights of Norway is certainly the incredible nature that it has to offer. We visited the country for two weeks, and some of our favorite moments were experiencing the different hikes.

With some of the most rewarding views, hiking in Norway is a photographer's dream, and you won't want to forget your camera on these adventures.

Having done about 20 different hikes around the country, we're here to share with you some of the best hikes Norway to add to your bucket list!

Does Norway Have Good Hiking?

Norway doesn't just have good hiking, it has some of the best hikes in the world! 

In the south, you can experience long hikes with dramatic formations at the end, while in the north you'll be able to experience stunning panoramas of archipelagos with short and steep trails.

Whether you like fun and challenging hikes, or long, scenic trails, there is something for everyone in Norway, and we're sure you're going to love the hiking in this country just as much as we have.

Check the map below to see where all of the best hikes in Norway lie:

The Best Hikes in Norway

There are so many incredible hikes in this beautiful country! From north to south and islands in between, we're here to share all of the best hikes in Norway with you.

🥾 The Best Hikes in Norway's South

The south of Norway is home to the country's most popular hikes. These are for the true adventure-lovers out there, that are willing to put in some effort for some truly rewarding views.

1. Trolltunga

Are you looking to experience one of the most iconic spots in Norway? Well, then hiking Trolltunga is definitely something that you have to add to your bucket list. 

This is certainly one of the best hikes in Norway, and while it's no easy feat, it's certainy worth it,

This unique rock jutting out over the surrounding fjords has stirred the internet the past few years with its wildly breathtaking views, and and its incredibly terrifying photo opps.

The end is the most fantastic, but you'll also get to experience gorgeous views of the fjord and a waterfall along the way.

📊 Trolltunga Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 10 miles (6.2 km) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 800 meters (2,600 ft)

Time it took us to hike up: 3 hours and 20 minutes

Time it took us to hike down: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Parking: there are 3 parking lots with different prices and distances, or you can park in Odda

Best time to hike: sunset (start 3 1/2-4 hours before), camp overnight, and leave in the morning

2. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

This giant rock overlooking a cliff tucked away in a fjord looks like something straight out of a movie, and is absolutely one for the bucket list.

Formerly known as Preikestolen, the Norwegian name translates to the "preacher's chair" due to its unique shape.

The cliff sits 604 meters high, with a flat top of 25x25 meters. It was one of our favorite places to photograph in the whole country, and is definitely also one of the best hikes in Norway.

📊 Pulpit Rock Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 5 miles (8 km) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 600 meters (1,969 ft)

Time it took us to hike up: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Time it took us to hike down: 50 minutes

Parking: lot next to Preikestolen Fjellstue, or the Pulpit Rock Tourist Center

Best time to hike: sunset (start 1-1 1/2 hours before)

3. Kjeragbolten

Would you stand on a boulder wedged between two cliffs? Well, the hike to Kjeragbolten in Norway drives people around the world insane for its very controversial photo opportunity.

This Instagrammable spot is certainly not for the faint of heart, but is truly one of the most stunning spots in the country, and one of the best hikes in Norway. Would you dare to take the risk?

📊 Kjeragbolten Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 6.8 miles (11 km) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 800 meters (2,625 ft)

Time it took us to hike up: 2 hours

Time it took us to hike down: 1 hour 45 minutes

Parking: located right in front of the Kjerag Cafe & Restaurant

Best time to hike: sunset (start 2-3 hours before)

4. Nigardsbreen

While most of the best hikes in Norway lead to breathtaking rock formations and iconic viewpoints, another one of our favorites is to a glacier!

Nigardsbreen is a beautiful icy spectacle that you can experience in summer, and is one of the easiest hikes we did in the country, with some truly rewarding views.

Not only can you hike to a viewpoint of the glacier, but for the adventure-lovers out there, you can also trek along top of the glacier!

📊 Nigardsbreen Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 2.4 miles (3.86 km) roundtrip

Elevation gain: 162 meters (532 ft)

Time it took us to hike up: 40 minutes

Time it took us to hike down: 33 minutes

Parking: located right next to the boat launch

Best time to hike: early in the morning

🏝 The Best Hikes in Norway's Lofoten Islands

While the most popular hikes in Norway are located in the south, some of the best hikes in Norway (in our opinion) lie up in the picture-perfect Lofoten Islands.

The Lofoten Islands are a hiking lover's dream, as the trails are often shorter, allowing to squeeze more into a short peiod of time. We averaged 2 a day, and in 5 days still didn't even get to scratch the surface! 

We're here to narrow it down to some of the most stunning views in the Lofoten Islands, so you can choose a few of the best hikes in Norway's gorgeous archipelago to add to your itinerary.

5. Reinebringen

When we first started seeing pictures of the Lofoten Islands, we saw photographers over and over again posting photos of this incredible spot. But oddly enough, they were not revealing the location!

You know what's crazy though? It's actually not a hidden gem by any means, and is one of the most popular hikes in the Lofoten Islands.

We felt totally played by all of the creators out there trying to "gatekeep" the location. Well, don't worry- we're here to share these beautiful places with you, and not leave you in the dark.

Reinebringen was actually our first hike of our trip, and it surely did not disappoint! With 1,600 steps to the top, it's actually to date one of the best hikes in Norway we've done, and one you won't want to miss out on it.

📊 Reinebringen Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 1,600 steps up/ 3.6 miles roundtrip

Elevation gain: 1,712 ft

Time it took us to hike up: 44 minutes

Time it took us to hike down: 33 minutes

Parking: located above Reine, right after the tunnel, which is a 5-7 minute walk from the trail

Best time to hike: sunrise

6. Ryten & Kvalvika Beach

Another one of the best hikes in Norway lies in the Lofoten Islands, which is the hike to Ryten & Kvalvika Beach. This hike is actually a two-in-one adventure! You can decide to hike to Kvalvika Beach, climb up to Ryten, or combine the two.

The hike up to Ryten overlooks Kvalvika Beach and has panoramic views of the mountains surrounding it. Its main star though is its epic ledge that people like to sit on for the perfect Instagrammable photo. It looks super risky, but it actually isn't as scary as it looks in the photos.

📊 Ryten & Kvalvika Beach Hiking Stats:

Length of trail (Ryten): 4.5 miles 

Elevation gain (to Ryten): 1,958 ft

Time it took us to hike up: 1 hour and 20 minutes 

Time it took us to hike from Ryten to Kvalvika: 45 minutes

Time it took us to hike down: 1 hour 45 minutes

Parking: There are three lots. The most popular one is Fredvang, which is 100 NOK.

Best time to hike: between sunset and sunrise

Want to learn more about hiking here? We have a full Ryten & Kvalvika Beach hiking guide that you can check out!

7. Nonstinden

We are so happy we spoke to a lot of locals while in the Lofoten Islands, because some of the best hikes in Norway were discovered this way!

We honestly had no idea what to expect when someone told us to do to Nonstinden, and we also didn't see any photos that wowed us. However, at 3 AM we decided to go for it, and it was definitely one of the our favorite hikes in the Lofoten Islands!

If you're looking for something really short and rewarding, then this is a hike you won't want to miss out on.

Nonstinden took us just 20 minutes to get up to before being greeted with some of the most stunning views ever.

It's extremely easy, short, and stunning. Additionally, you can combine it with the hike to Ballstadheia by just continuing the full loop, which shouldn't take more than an hour round trip.

We had already been doing so many hikes in the Lofoten Islands and were exhausted, so we opted to stop at the Nonstinden viewpoint, and just turn around after. However, we would suggest if you have the time and energy to try out the full circuit.

📊 Nonstinden Hiking Stats:

Length of trail (for the full circuit): 2.5 miles

Elevation gain: 1,463 ft

Time it took us to hike up: 20 minutes (the full circuit probably would have taken around an hour.)

Time it took us to hike down: 20 minutes

Parking: There is a small free lot right across from the trailhead.

Best time to hike: Sunrise

8. Offersoykammen

After a lot of hikes in the Lofoten Islands, we were collapsing while doing this hike, and actually fell asleep at the top! Despite being exhausted and waking up dazed and cofused with bad lighting, we absolutely loved this hike, and highly recommend it to anyone! 

The reason Offersoykammen is so special is because it offers 360 degree views, and one angle is more stunning than the next.

Just make sure to watch the trail carefully on your way back, as we ended up going too far right and walking through deep mud and puddles. We're not sure if it was from being a bit out of it, or if the trail wasn't marked great, but just keep an eye out so you don't do the same!

📊 Offersoykammen Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 1.4 miles there and back

Elevation gain: 1,345 ft

Time it took us to hike up: 1 hour

Time it took us to hike down: 45 minutes

Parking: the lot is across the highway near the community of red cabins

Best time to hike: sunrise or sunset (we went 5-6 am and the lighting was awful). We suggest going either at 2-3 am or 8-9 pm.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

9. Mannen

Mannen is a hike that brings you at a vantage point looking over two beaches separated by a mountain. 

It starts from the Haukland beach side, from a connecting road. It is a pretty direct hike, starting off steep, flattening out for a bit, and then steeply going up rocks to get to the top.

The peaks offer 360-degree views of the area, and if you're lucky like us, you may get to see some sheep or goats along the way!

📊 Mannen Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 2.6 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 1206 ft

Time it took us to hike up: 45 minutes

Time it took us to hike down: 35 minutes

Parking: The lot is located next to Haukland beach, which is a 10 minute walk to the start of the trailhead, and costs 50 NOK.

Best time to hike: sunrise to see the sun rising over Haukland beach, or golden hour before the sun is setting for great lighting

10. Festvagtinden

Located just outside the stunning town of Hennisavaer, Festvagtinden is known for its amazing views of the archipelago down below.

The hike starts by scrambling up a steep area of rocks. At the top of the rocks, you can then fork to the left or the right. If you go to the right, there is a nearby viewpoint, and if you go left, you will head towards the peak of Festvagtind. Part of the trail is flat, and then it gets a little steeper at the end.

As soon as you get to the top, there is actually another trail continuing down and back up again to another peak, which gets an unobstructed view of the islands down below.

📊 Festvagtind Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 1.5 miles out and back

Elevation gain: 1,640 ft

Time it took us to hike up: 1 hour and a half + 5-10 minutes each way for the next viewpoint

Time it took us to hike down: 1 hour

Parking: There is a lot across the highway from the start of the trail.

Best time to hike: Sunrise

11. Lofoten's "Secret Hike"

This one is actually a true hidden gem, and it is part of the same trail as another one our favorite hikes in the Lofoten Islands!

Honestly, it barely looks like there is a trail here, and it is probably because it is not a highly recommended hike to do, unless you are with a guide or have professional equipment. We of course weren't aware this, and learned the hard way.

In order to get to this stunning rock sticking out over the gorgous landscapes around it, you'll have to climb up and down steep cliffs, going around the mountain. There are no signs, and chances are you won't find anyone else around, so this is definitely a risky one!

Please do not attempt this alone, or if you are not very well prepared, as parts of it are truly terrifying and difficult to complete.

📊 The "Secret Hike" Stats:

Length of trail: (there is no online info we have found but we think 1.5 miles out and back)

Elevation gain: (there is no online info we have found, but probably 1,500-1,700 ft)

Time it took us to hike up: 1 hour and a half

Time it took us to hike down: 1 hour

Parking: There is a lot across the highway from the start of the trail.

Best time to hike: golden hour for the sunbeam shining on the rock, sunset for the most magical lighting, or blue hour for the clearest shot of the landscape without any shadows

Want to know the exact location of this hidden hiking trail? Buy us a coffee and we'll spill the tea!

12. Svarttinden

Svarttinden is one of the hikes in Norway that we unfortunately didn't have time to do, but we decided to add it on our list as one of our local friends had told us about it right before we were leaving, and his pictures looked pretty incredible.

Apparently it's not too difficult of a hike (although locals think everything is easy), and it has some of the most stunning views in the Lofoten Islands. It's on our list for the next time, but if you do decide to do it, let us know down in the comments!

📊 Svarttinden Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 6.75 km

Elevation gain: 2,415 ft

Time it takes the average person to hike up: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Time it takes the average person to hike down: 1 hour and 20 minutes

Parking: There is a small gravel lot behind a grocery store,

Best time to hike: sunrise or sunset

13. Svolvaergeita

If you're looking for one of the most unique hikes in Norway, then you won't want to miss out on Svolvaergeita! 

We had the biggest FOMO not being able to do this one, and it is actually because you can only visit the top if you go with a tour guide. It also needs to be booked in advance, due to limited spots available. We tried getting a tour upon arrival, and everything was sold out for the entire week. So if it's one thing we can suggest, it's to book this as early as possible!

So what makes Svolvaergeita so special? We actually were blown away by an Instagram video that we saw here, and it's due to it two very steep twin peaks resembling goat's horns that people jump between.

While it does look extremely dangerous, the guides actually have you strapped in and secure the entire time. It's because of the professional equipment needed that going to the top of Svolvaergeita requires a guide (unless you are a professional climber yourself with your own proper gear).

📊 Svolvaergeita Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 1 km

Elevation gain: 580 meters

Time it takes to hike: 45 minutes to the base, then 150 meters rock climbing (about an hour up and down), and another 45 minutes back

Parking: there is a lot right next to the trailhead

Best time to hike: there are only 2 slots each day, and both are similar lighting-wise

14. Måstadfjellet, Vaeroy

This was another one of the hikes in the Lofoten Islands that we unfortunately didn't have time to see, but it is high on our bucket list for the next visit. 

This place is super post-card worthy, as the view overlooks a large green peninsula jutting out over bright turquoise waters. We also heard that the views the entire way are pretty stunning, giving you panoramas of the entire island of Vaeroy.

Located on an island outside the main area of the Lofoten Islands, this is a full day activity. You'll have to take the ferry from Moskenes, and we'd suggest getting the first ferry out, and the last one back. Alternatively, if you are coming from the south of Norway, you could come get there from Bodo, which is a seaside town on the west coast of the country.

📊 Mastadfjellet Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 2.7 miles round trip

Elevation gain: 1,469 ft

Time it takes the average person to hike up: 1 hour and 20 minutes 

Time it takes the average person to hike down: 1 hour

Parking: We suggest leaving your car on the mainland

Best time to hike: early morning

🥾 The Best Hikes in Norway's North

While The Lofoten Islands are home to most of the best hikes in Norway, if you head further north you'll be wowed by some of the most impressive peaks in the country!

These hikes are a bit lesser known, and we originally had them on our itinerary until we ran out of time, but are certainly on our bucket list for the future!

15. Segla

Segla is the most popular trail in Senja, and has dramatic views of 2 fjords surrounding it. The scenic route is the perfect intro to one of Norway's most underrated destinations, and can also be paired with another incredible hike from the same lot.

📊 Segla Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 2.6 miles (4.2 km) round trip

Elevation gain: 1,407 ft (429 meters)

Time it takes the average person to hike: 3-4 hours roundtrip

Parking: Fjordgard school parking lot

Best time to hike: early morning or the middle of the day

16. Hesten

Segla may be the most popular hike, but if you want the best views, then you'll want to actually see the incredible peak of Segla from a distance. 

This can be accomplished by hiking the trail to Hesten, which leaves from the same parking lot, and gives breathtaking views of Segla's peak.

📊 Hesten Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 3.1 miles (5 km) round trip

Elevation gain: 1,774 ft (540 meters)

Time it takes the average person to hike: 3 hours

Parking: Fjordgard school parking lot

Best time to hike: sunset (start 2-3 hours before) or early in the day if you want to do Inste Kongen

17. Inste Kongen

If there's one incredibly unique hike to add to your bucket list in Norway, then let is be Inste Kongen.

Located in Senja, this is one of the hardest hikes in the area, but is the most exciting for photographer's with its pictureqque arch you can stand on.

It is an incredible addition to Hesten, as the trail there continues from that peak.

📊 Inste Kongen Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 8.7 miles (14 km) round trip

Elevation gain: 4,593 ft (1,400 meters) 

Time it takes the average person to hike: 8-10 hours

Parking: Fjordgard school parking lot

Best time to hike: sunset (start 5-6 hours before)

18. Stetinden

Now let's head over to a bit of a different area. It's not Senja, and it's not the Lofoten Islands, but it's still located in the north of Norway.

Known as "the national mountain", the iconic granite mountain is in the heart of Stetfjord, near Bodo. It's one of the best hikes in Norway, but is also one of the more challenging to conquer!

📊 Stetinden Hiking Stats:

Length of trail: 5.7 miles (9.2 km) round trip

Elevation gain: 4,383 feet (1,336 meters)

Time it takes the average person to hike: 10-14 hours

Parking: free Stetind parking lot

Best time to hike: early morning

Safety Hiking in Norway

When it comes to hiking around Norway, it's a bit different than a lot of other areas of the world. The hikes in the Lofoten Islands are steep, and have impressive views over cliffs, and the best hikes in Norway's south are longer, but with dramatic cliffs as well.

Unlike many other places around the world with dangerous cliffs, all of the hikes in Norway are left exactly as they are. This means that they look much more natural and breathtaking, but it definitely makes them a bit more risky, since you won't find the sheer drops blocked off.

🦺 How to Stay Safe Hiking in Norway

The tops don't have any barriers or fences stopping you from falling, so it's important to always keep a safe distance from the ledges. While the hiking trails are well kept and not extremely dangerous, they certainly can be if you are not paying attention, or are being careless. 

Remember that nature is unpredictable, so you don't want to test the boundaries and risk your life for a photo. All of the photos that we took we made sure to stay within safe boundaries (even the ones that may look a bit riskier in the frame).

🚶🏻‍♀️ Is it Safe to Hike Alone in Norway?

It is totally safe to hike alone in Norway! Norway is one of the safest countries in the world, and there is little to worry about in terms of safety.

That being said, some of the best hikes in Norway can be pretty long and challenging, so if you go alone it would be advised to go during the day, when you'll have other people around just in case you get hurt or lost.

How to Prepare for the Best Hikes in Norway

Now that you know all of the best hikes in Norway, let's get you prepared for conquering them!

🎒 What to Bring on Hikes in Norway

You know the best hikes in Norway to do, but it's important to prepare properly for your adventures. Here are some things you may want to pack and keep with you during your hikes:

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Light Jacket or Sweater (most hikes are very windy and chilly at the top)
• Reusable Water Bottle (we use this water bottle from Cafago because it holds the temperature)
• Steripen (as an extra step to sterilize water from the waterfalls or streams)
• Sneakers or a pair of hiking boots
• Snacks such as protein bars, trail mix, or a sandwich
• Zippered Bag or Backpack - take a look at these backpacks for travelers!
• Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are super long lasting and sturdy)
• Drone (We use the Mavic Mini 4 Pro because it's super light and can also shoot vertical for social media)
• Action Camera (we use the Insta 360 X3 because it's small & shoots 360 degree videos)
• Camera (we use the Sony A7Riii)
• Standard Lens (we use the Sony GM 24-70)
• Wide Lens to capture great panoramas on top and astrophotography (we use the Sony GM 14 F1.8)
• Telephoto Lens to capture the views up closer (we use the Sony GM 70-200)
• Tripod to get pictures while no one is around (we use the Rangepod Tripod)

📆 What are the Best Months for Hiking in Norway?

Due to the location of Norway, it is significantly colder than many other areas of the world. This is true especially for the north, and the closer you get to the Arctic Circle.

We visited Norway in June and still found some areas to have snow! Because of the severe cold temperatures and snowfall throughout the country, most of the hikes are only doable in the summer months, which are June, July, and August.

Not only are the best hikes in Norway much more accessible in the summer months, but you'll also be able to experience the Midnight Sun, which makes reaching the summit at night truly magical!

🌅 Experiencing the Best Hikes in Norway With the Midnight Sun

The amazing part of doing hiking in Norway during summer, is that you can actually hike at any time of the day! During this time there is a phenomenon called the Midnight Sun, which is when there are 24 hours of sunlight. 

Because of this, we actually did almost all of the hikes in the Lofoten Islands between midnight and 3 in the morning! This is when we got a stunning glow, as well as no crowds.

The south of the country does have some hours of darkness, but you can find the sun setting around 10 or 11 PM and rising around 4 or 5 AM. With long days and more sunshine, the summer really is the best time for hiking in Norway, no matter what part of the country you find yourself in.

Just keep in mind that if there aren't people around, you will have to be extra careful on the trails, since you don't want to get lost, or have no one to help in case something bad happens. Make sure to take your time, drink plenty of water, and bring proper footwear for all of your hiking adventures.

So are you ready to some of the best hikes in Norway? Many of these were the most stunning hikes we've ever done in our lives, and we highly recommend you to check out as many of them as you can!

Want to see what other fun things there are to do in Norway? Check out our other Norway travel guides, and make sure to subscribe to our newsletter, so you can get updates about the new ones we have each week.

Ready to start planning the most epic trip of your life? Well, it doesn't have to cost you a ton of time or money. Scratch Your Mapa now offers custom travel planning services, guaranteeing to find you the best flights, and making you the best itinerary possible. Want to learn more? Shoot us an email to set up your free consultation!

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