The Best Hiking Trails in Norway
Introduction
“Into the wild, never sour” is a well-known motto among Norwegians. With countless hiking trails amidst stunning natural landscapes, it’s no wonder Norway is a paradise for hikers. Whether you prefer lush forests, deep fjords, or towering mountains, nature is never more than a stone’s throw away in this picturesque country.
Why Norway is a Hiker’s Paradise
Norway is an absolute paradise for hikers, thanks to its vast and diverse terrain that offers endless challenges and adventures. The Norwegian mountain wilderness has gained popularity far beyond its borders, boasting numerous mountains in Norway that provide unforgettable outdoor experiences. Outdoor life is synonymous with Norwegian culture, which is why hiking in Norway is so well-marked and accessible. Thanks to the “allemannsretten” or “right to roam,” anyone can bring a tent or hammock to the mountains in Norway and set up camp in free-use areas to get up close with nature. With countless trails bearing both beautiful and unique names, every hiking enthusiast can get lost in this extraordinary scenery.
Beautiful and Unique Trail Names in Norway
With an extensive network of hiking trails in Norway, it’s important to give them names to make navigation easier. Just as street names help you find your way in cities, trail names simplify hiking in the mountains. Norway boasts many beautiful and uniquely named hiking trails across the country, making hiking even more enjoyable. While the list of trails with beautiful and unique names is long, some stand out, offering spectacular viewpoints.
- Sukkertoppen (Sugar Top): This name might ring a bell, as it’s the namesake of the iconic “Pão de Açúcar” (Sugarloaf Mountain) in Rio de Janeiro. However, Norway has its own Sukkertoppen just outside Ålesund, a city mountain frequently used by locals. The hike is only 3.66 km long but provides fantastic views of mountains, the city, and the fjord.
- Djevelporten (Devil’s Gate): Located in the Lofoten Islands, this trail features a unique name and a challenging ascent. To reach Djevelporten, a large rock wedged into a ravine, you must ascend the Djeveltrappa, a Sherpa-built stairway with 1,240 steps, making the iconic Devil’s Gate accessible to tourists of all ages.
- Laushornet (Loose Hornet) – 1,431 m: Situated in the renowned Geirangerfjord, Laushornet offers panoramic views of the Geirangerfjord. Despite its somewhat humorous name, this short hike delivers breathtaking scenery.
- Kattanakken: This trail is an offshoot on the way to the popular tourist destination, Briksdalsbreen. Halfway to the glacier, you can hike up to Kattanakken for a stunning view of Jostedalsbreen and Briksdalsbreen without the crowds.
- Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue): A well-known tourist magnet for good reason, Trolltunga lets you step out onto the tongue of one of Norway’s trolls, offering a fantastic view of the Hardangerfjord.
The Highest Mountains in Norway
Norway is famous for its beautiful mountains, drawing tourists to its peaks during the hiking season. Fortunately, it’s easy to escape the crowds, as Norway boasts 377 mountains over 2,000 meters high. Twenty-three of these lofty peaks are located in Jotunheimen National Park. For Norwegians, the height of Galdhøpiggen is synonymous with learning even numbers, as it stands at 2,469 meters. The sequence “2468 + 1” is a memory aid for the country. Let’s take a look at the five highest mountains in Norway:
- Galdhøpiggen – 2,469 meters
- Glittertinden – 2,452 meters
- Store Skagastøltind – 2,405 meters
- Store Styggedalstind – 2,387 meters
- Skardstind – 2,373 meters
As mentioned above, the highest mountains in Norway are found in Jotunheimen National Park. The 24th highest mountain in Norway is Snøhetta, located in Dovrefjell.
Best Hikes Near Oslo
One of the best aspects of Norway is that you don’t have to travel far from major cities to enjoy the best of nature. Oslo, the capital of Norway and home to about 20% of the population, offers numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, accessible by both public transport and private vehicles.
Nordmarka and Østmarka: Favorites among Oslo residents, both Nordmarka and Østmarka offer well-maintained trails through beautiful forests. These areas feature several lakes for water activities, and the trails are suitable for hiking, biking, or simply strolling.
Vikerfjell: Surprisingly close to Oslo, just over a two-hour drive, Vikerfjell is Oslo’s nearest high mountain area. It offers excellent hiking opportunities in summer and 120 kilometers of cross-country ski trails in winter.
Mørkgonga: For those seeking the best of nature and mountains, a hike to Mørkgonga near Oslo is ideal. This picturesque gorge has gained attention on social media in recent years. Located about an hour’s drive from Oslo, Mørkgonga offers lush nature, mushroom and berry picking, and a refreshing dip in Steinsfjorden.
Other Beautiful Places for Hiking in Norway
Norway is filled with stunning places, each offering rich outdoor experiences against a backdrop of breathtaking mountain landscapes.
Rondane National Park: A four-and-a-half-hour drive from Oslo, Rondane National Park offers excellent starting points for hiking in Norway. It’s surrounded by mountains over 2,000 meters high and hosts the annual Rondane 2K marathon, a challenge to climb ten peaks over 2,000 meters in under nine hours.
Lysefjorden: A long-standing tourist magnet, Lysefjorden offers what Norway is best known for: dramatic mountain landscapes and deep fjords. In addition to well-known attractions like Preikestolen and Kjerag, Lysefjorden has a lesser-known gem. Flørli, an abandoned village, boasts the world’s longest wooden staircase with 4,444 steps, providing a unique hiking experience.
De Syv Søstre (The Seven Sisters): Located just south of Sandnessjøen in Helgeland, this iconic mountain range features seven distinct peaks. Hiking across all seven (or just one, if you prefer!) offers a rewarding adventure. If you’re up for a 26-kilometer hike, you can conquer Botnkrona (1,072 m), Grytfoten (1,019 m), Skjæringen (1,037 m), Tvillingan (945 m and 980 m), Kvasstinden (1,010 m), and Breitinden (910 m). Don’t let the count of names confuse you; Tvillingan refers to two peaks.
Popular Tourist Attractions in Mountain Regions
While the focus for visitors in the Norwegian mountains is on nature, there are also popular tourist attractions near well-known peaks. Fløibanen is one of Norway’s most visited tourist attractions, taking you to the top of Bergen. Another famous activity is the Ulriken Cable Car, which offers panoramic views and a delightful restaurant at the summit.
For the more adventurous, ice climbing in Rjukan is a thrilling option. Rjukan is renowned for having the best ice climbing in Northern Europe, with frozen waterfalls suitable for both beginners and experts. If ice climbing isn’t your cup of tea, Rjukan Klatrepark (Rjukan Climbing Park) offers adventures for visitors of all ages. Rjukan is also conveniently located near the popular peak, Gaustatoppen, and the town itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Conclusion
With 377 mountains over 2,000 meters, deep fjords, and boundless nature, Norway offers a wealth of outdoor adventures for the adventurous hiking enthusiast. What makes exploring nature in Norway even better is the excellent trail marking, ensuring that everyone can navigate from point A to B. However, always be prepared for unpredictable weather, so a windproof jacket in your backpack and sturdy hiking boots are essential!