Norway doesn't have hiking trails. It has arguments for why you should quit your office job and move to Scandinavia. Every ridge leads to a fjord. Every summit reveals another chain of peaks you didn't know existed. And the country's allemannsretten — the ancient right to roam freely across uncultivated land — means the entire Norwegian wilderness is essentially your backyard.
The problem isn't finding a hike in Norway. It's choosing one. The country has thousands of marked trails maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT), plus countless unmarked routes that locals have been walking for generations. From gentle coastal paths to technical alpine scrambles, from tourist-packed bucket list summits to ridgelines where you won't see another person all day, Norway covers the full spectrum.
What makes Norwegian hiking different from the Alps, the Rockies, or the Scottish Highlands is the water. Every hike here exists in relationship to the ocean, a fjord, a glacial lake, or a river. You're never just walking uphill — you're walking above something liquid, deep, and usually an impossible shade of blue or green. That vertical relationship between summit and sea is what gives Norwegian hikes their particular drama, and it's why a 500-meter peak in Lofoten can feel more impressive than a 3,000-meter peak in the Dolomites.
This list covers the 50 best — organized by region, ranked by experience, and written for people who actually want to do them, not just look at photos.
Northern Norway and the Arctic
The land of the midnight sun and polar night. Trails here are shorter in season (June through September for most) but the light is unlike anything further south. When the sun never sets, a 2 AM summit push becomes a perfectly reasonable plan.
1. Reinebringen, Lofoten (448m) The most famous hike in northern Norway. 1,978 Sherpa-built stone steps lead to the iconic overlook of Reine, Hamnøy, and the surrounding fjords. Steep, crowded in summer, and absolutely worth it. Go late evening during midnight sun for solitude. 3 km round trip, 2-3 hours. Strenuous.
2. Ryten and Kvalvika Beach, Lofoten (543m) Summit views directly over the turquoise crescent of Kvalvika Beach, one of the most beautiful in Norway. A rock outcropping near the top creates a mini-Trolltunga photo opportunity. The trail passes through varied terrain — heather, bogs, rock — and can be extended to include the beach itself. 7.8 km round trip, 4-6 hours. Moderate.
3. Munken via Munkebu Hut, Lofoten (798m) The local alternative to Reinebringen with better views and fewer people. A full mountain day that passes the Munkebu DNT hut and delivers panoramic views over three fjords. 12 km round trip, 5-7 hours. Hard.
4. Segla, Senja (639m) Senja is Lofoten's less-visited neighbor, and Segla is its crown jewel. The sharp, blade-like peak rises directly from the ocean, and the summit view — fjords, islands, open sea — is among the most dramatic in all of Norway. The final approach involves scrambling along an exposed ridge. Not for those uncomfortable with heights. 7 km round trip, 4-5 hours. Hard.
5. Husfjellet, Senja (632m) If Segla is too exposed for your comfort, Husfjellet delivers comparable views with a more forgiving trail. The summit panorama takes in the entire west coast of Senja, including Segla itself in profile. 6 km round trip, 3-4 hours. Moderate-Hard.
6. Kvaløya Summit Trail, Tromsø Tromsø bills itself as the gateway to the Arctic, and the peaks surrounding the city deliver on that promise. The Kvaløya ridgeline on the island west of the city gives you sweeping views over the Arctic coastline, and during winter months the northern lights can appear while you're still on the trail. 8 km round trip, 4-5 hours. Moderate.
7. Svolvær Fløya and Djevelporten, Lofoten (590m) The Svolvær city hike. The trail climbs behind town to Djevelporten (Devil's Gate), a natural rock arch framing the view below, before continuing to the Fløya summit. The upper sections involve steep, exposed scrambling. 3.5 km round trip, 2-3 hours. Moderate-Hard.
8. Festvagtind, Lofoten (541m) Directly above the fishing village of Henningsvær, with 360-degree views that include the village spread across its islands, mainland Norway on clear days, and the Lofoten peaks in every direction. Steep and rocky. 3.2 km round trip, 2-3 hours. Moderate-Hard.
9. Mannen, Lofoten (400m) Short, accessible, and overlooking Haukland Beach. The most family-friendly of the popular Lofoten hikes and one of the best sunset positions in the archipelago. 2 km round trip, 1.5-2 hours. Moderate.
10. Haen, Værøy Island (400m) Off-the-map Lofoten. The hike to an abandoned radar station on Værøy passes puffin colonies and ends at cliff-edge views over open Atlantic. Getting to Værøy requires a ferry from Moskenes, which filters out almost everyone. 6.4 km round trip, 3-4 hours. Moderate.
Western Fjords
The postcard Norway. Geirangerfjord, Sognefjorden, Hardangerfjord — the western fjords are where the mountains meet the water most dramatically, and the hiking reflects that. Many trails here climb straight from fjord level to summit ridges, delivering massive elevation gain in short distances.
11. Trolltunga, Hardanger (1,180m) The rock formation that broke the Norwegian tourism internet. Trolltunga — the Troll's Tongue — juts horizontally over Lake Ringedalsvatnet, 700 meters above the water. The hike is long (28 km round trip, 10-12 hours) and demands fitness and planning. It's not technically difficult, but the distance and elevation (800m gain) humble people who underestimate it. The trail crosses alpine terrain with stream crossings, boulder fields, and sections that are snow-covered well into June. Seasonal: June through September. Requires early start. A guided winter option with snowshoes is available for the truly committed. Parking at Skjeggedal fills early — arrive before 7 AM in peak season or take the shuttle.
12. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock), Rogaland (604m) A flat-topped cliff 604 meters above Lysefjorden. The hike is moderate — 8 km round trip, 4-5 hours — and the final arrival at the cliff edge, with the fjord impossibly far below, is one of Europe's great wow moments. Norway's most-visited natural attraction, drawing over 300,000 hikers annually. The trail is well-maintained with boardwalks and stone steps in the lower sections, becoming more rugged higher up. Go early or late to dodge crowds. The parking lot at Preikestolen Fjellstue is the standard starting point, and expect to pay for parking.
13. Kjerag and Kjeragbolten, Rogaland (1,084m) The boulder wedged between two cliff faces above Lysefjorden, 984 meters up. Standing on Kjeragbolten is a pure adrenaline experience — the drop on either side is real and fatal. The hike itself (11 km round trip, 5-7 hours) involves three steep ascents with chains for assistance, plus exposed sections that require steady feet. The views over Lysefjorden rival Preikestolen but with a fraction of the crowds. Kjerag is also Norway's most popular BASE jumping site — don't be surprised to see parachutes overhead.
14. Romsdalseggen Ridge, Romsdal Consistently rated among Norway's best day hikes. The ridge walk delivers non-stop panoramic views over Romsdalen valley, Rauma river, and the surrounding peaks including Trollveggen (the Troll Wall, Europe's tallest vertical rock face at 1,100 meters). The trail is exposed in sections with chains for assistance, and the ridge narrows to a few meters in places. The descent into Åndalsnes at the end of the ridge is steep and hard on the knees. 10 km point-to-point, 6-8 hours. Hard. Shuttle bus required from Åndalsnes to the starting point at Vengedalen.
15. Besseggen Ridge, Jotunheimen (1,743m) Norway's most popular mountain hike, walked by over 30,000 people annually. The knife-edge ridge between Lake Gjende (green) and Bessvatnet (blue) is one of the most photographed views in Scandinavia — two lakes of entirely different colors separated by a razor-thin ridge that you walk across. The hike involves some scrambling along the narrow ridge section, and vertigo-prone hikers should consider carefully. The color contrast between the two lakes is caused by different glacial sediment content. 14 km point-to-point, 6-8 hours. Hard. Boat across Gjende to the start at Memurubu.
16. Skåla, Nordfjord (1,843m) The longest continuous ascent in Norway — 1,843 meters of elevation gain from fjord level to the summit, where a stone tower (Skålatårnet) has stood since 1891. This is a test piece for fitness, not technical difficulty. The trail is well-marked but relentless. 16 km round trip, 8-12 hours. Very Hard.
17. Briksdal Glacier Hike, Nordfjord A gentler option in the fjord region. The trail leads to the face of Briksdalsbreen, an arm of the massive Jostedalsbreen glacier. The walk is moderate and the glacier is impressive, though it has retreated significantly in recent decades. 6 km round trip, 2-3 hours. Easy-Moderate.
18. Aurlandsdalen, Aurland Called "Norway's Grand Canyon," this valley hike descends through a dramatic, narrowing gorge from the mountain plateau to the Aurlandsfjord. The trail follows an old postal route with bridges, stone steps, and historic farm ruins along the way. 20 km point-to-point, 7-9 hours. Moderate. One of the best multi-day options when combined with the Flåm Railway.
19. Dronningstien (Queen's Trail), Hardanger A ridgeline walk between Kinsarvik and Lofthus high above Hardangerfjord. The trail offers panoramic views over the fjord, the Folgefonna glacier, and the orchard-covered hillsides below. Named because Queen Sonja of Norway has hiked it. 16 km point-to-point, 7-9 hours. Moderate-Hard.
20. Nigardsbreen Glacier Walk, Jostedal A guided walk onto the blue ice of Nigardsbreen, another arm of Jostedalsbreen. Guided tours with crampons and ice axes are available for all levels. The ice formations, crevasses, and blue color are stunning. Half-day guided experience. Easy-Moderate (with guide).
21. Slogen, Sunnmøre Alps (1,564m) One of the finest summit views in western Norway. Slogen rises sharply above the village of Urke on Norangsfjorden, and the trail climbs steeply through forest and rock to a summit panorama that takes in the Sunnmøre peaks, the fjord system, and the open sea. The descent on tired legs is the crux. 10 km round trip, 6-8 hours. Hard.
22. Hornelen, Bremanger (860m) Europe's tallest sea cliff. The trail climbs from near sea level to the clifftop, where the drop to the ocean below is sheer and stomach-churning. The summit views along the coast are immense. 7 km round trip, 4-5 hours. Moderate-Hard.
Central Norway: Jotunheimen and Rondane
The mountain heartland. Jotunheimen ("Home of the Giants") contains Norway's highest peaks, while neighboring Rondane is the country's oldest national park. The DNT hut system here is extensive, making multi-day traverses accessible.
23. Galdhøpiggen (2,469m) The highest peak in Norway and all of Scandinavia. Standing on the roof of northern Europe is a hiking achievement that doesn't require mountaineering skills, though it demands respect. The standard route from Spiterstulen is non-technical — a steep, long walk with some boulder fields and snow patches even in July. The guided glacier route from Juvasshytta crosses the Styggebreen glacier and requires crampons and rope (provided by the guide). On clear summit days, the 360-degree panorama encompasses hundreds of peaks stretching to the horizon in every direction. The descent is long and the altitude can affect those unaccustomed to it, so pace yourself. 10 km round trip, 5-7 hours. Hard. Both starting huts offer accommodation and meals.
24. Glittertind (2,452m) Norway's second-highest peak and an alternative to the crowds on Galdhøpiggen. The approach from Glitterheim is longer but the summit views are equally expansive. The glacier cap on the summit has been shrinking. 12 km round trip, 6-8 hours. Hard.
25. Hurrungane Traverse, Jotunheimen For experienced mountaineers only. The Hurrungane massif contains some of the most technical terrain in Norway, including Store Skagastølstind (2,405m), the country's third-highest peak. Guided multi-day traverses are available for those with climbing experience. Technical alpine. Very Hard.
26. Rondane Peaks Circuit A 3-5 day hut-to-hut traverse through Rondane National Park, hitting multiple peaks above 2,000m in Norway's oldest national park. The terrain is gentler than Jotunheimen — rolling alpine plateaus rather than sharp ridges — but the above-treeline landscapes feel vast and timeless. Wild reindeer herds are frequently spotted. Moderate-Hard over multiple days.
27. Jotunheimen Hut-to-Hut Traverse The classic DNT route connecting Gjendebu, Memurubu, and Glitterheim huts over 4-6 days. Passes over high mountain passes, along glacial lakes, and through some of the most remote wilderness in southern Norway. The hut system provides meals and bunks. Moderate-Hard.
28. Glittertind from Glitterheim An alternative approach to Norway's second-highest peak starting from the DNT's Glitterheim hut. The route crosses glacial moraines and boulder fields before the final snow-covered summit approach. Longer but more scenic than the standard route. 14 km round trip, 7-9 hours. Hard.
29. Falketind (2,067m) A less-visited Jotunheimen peak with a glaciated approach. Requires crampons, ice axe, and rope skills for the final summit ridge. The views across the Jotunheimen massif from the top are extraordinary. Guided ascents available from Tyinholmen. 14 km round trip, 8-10 hours. Very Hard (technical).
Eastern Norway and the Highlands
The vast highland plateaus — Hardangervidda, Dovrefjell, Rondane — define eastern and central Norway's hiking character. Less dramatic than the western fjords but with a spacious, tundra-like beauty and world-class wildlife viewing.
30. Hardangervidda Plateau Crossing Europe's largest mountain plateau, a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and home to Norway's largest wild reindeer herd. The classic 5-7 day crossing from Haukeliseter to Finse follows DNT-marked routes across a treeless, wind-scoured landscape that feels like walking on the moon. Huts are spaced a day's walk apart, each one a welcome refuge of warmth, hot food, and dry clothes. The terrain is deceptively challenging — river crossings, boggy sections, and weather that can shift from sunshine to whiteout in minutes. But the solitude is the draw. You can walk for hours and see nothing but rock, sky, and the occasional reindeer herd moving across the plateau like a memory of the Ice Age. Navigation skills are essential. Moderate over multiple days.
31. Snøhetta, Dovrefjell (2,286m) The highest peak outside Jotunheimen and the centerpiece of Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park. The standard route from Snøheim cabin is a long but non-technical walk to the summit, crossing glacial terrain and boulder fields in the upper sections. Dovrefjell is also home to Norway's only population of musk oxen — ancient, shaggy, and surprisingly fast when startled. Keep a minimum distance of 200 meters. The summit views are immense, taking in the Jotunheimen and Rondane massifs on clear days. 20 km round trip, 8-10 hours. Hard.
32. Musk Ox Safari, Dovrefjell Not technically a hike, but guided walking safaris to observe wild musk oxen in Dovrefjell are among the most unique wildlife experiences in Europe. These Ice Age survivors — the only wild population in Scandinavia — roam the plateau year-round, their long guard hairs sweeping the ground as they graze. Calves appear in late April and May. Guides maintain safe distances, as the animals can charge at speeds up to 60 km/h if threatened. Half-day experience, easy walking, extraordinary encounter.
33. Gaustatoppen (1,883m) The most-climbed mountain in Norway, and for good reason — on a clear day the summit delivers views across one-sixth of the Norwegian mainland, encompassing both the Skagerrak coast and the Jotunheimen peaks. The standard trail from Stavsro is well-maintained with stone steps and boardwalks and popular with families, though the 800-meter elevation gain is not trivial. An industrial cable car (Gaustabanen), bored through the mountain's interior during the Cold War for NATO purposes, offers an alternative ascent — it's a steep funicular through solid rock that emerges at the summit station. One of Norway's best hikes for bang-for-effort. 8 km round trip, 4-5 hours. Moderate.
34. Folgefonna Glacier, Hardanger Guided glacier hikes on Norway's third-largest glacier, accessible from the Fonna Glacier Ski Resort. Blue ice, crevasse exploration, and views over Hardangerfjord. Equipment provided. Half to full day. Moderate (guided).
Southern Coast and Stavanger Region
Warmer, drier, and more accessible than the north. The southern coast offers coastal walking, lighthouse trails, and the famous Lysefjorden hikes.
35. Flørli 4444, Lysefjorden The world's longest wooden staircase: 4,444 steps climbing from the fjord to the mountain plateau above. Originally built to service a hydroelectric penstock, it's now a bucket-list challenge hike. The staircase is relentless and exposed, but the views over Lysefjorden from the top are reward enough. Access by ferry from Stavanger. 6 km round trip, 3-5 hours. Hard.
36. Månafossen Waterfall Trail, Gjesdal A short, accessible hike to one of southern Norway's most powerful waterfalls. Månafossen drops 92 meters and is most impressive during spring snowmelt. The trail is well-marked and suitable for families. 3 km round trip, 1-1.5 hours. Easy.
37. Lindesnes Coastal Trail, Southern Tip A gentle trail along Norway's southernmost point, past the Lindesnes Lighthouse (the country's oldest). Coastal heath, rocky shoreline, and ocean views. The contrast with the Arctic hikes is striking — this is a different Norway entirely. Various lengths, 2-4 hours. Easy.
38. Dyrskard Ridge, Setesdal A lesser-known ridgeline in the Setesdal Alps with views over the Bykle valley and surrounding peaks. Quiet, uncrowded, and deeply rewarding for those willing to travel inland. 12 km round trip, 5-7 hours. Moderate-Hard.
Bergen and Surrounds
Bergen is one of Europe's great hiking cities — mountains rise directly from the city center, and world-class trails are accessible by public transport.
39. Mount Ulriken (643m) Bergen's highest mountain, accessible by cable car or trail. The hike from the city center climbs through forest to open summit views over Bergen, the surrounding fjords, and the ocean. The Vidden trail connects Ulriken to Fløyen for a full-day traverse. 6 km to summit, 2-3 hours. Moderate.
40. Fløyen to Ulriken Traverse (Vidden) The classic Bergen day hike. Take the Fløibanen funicular up Fløyen, then walk the Vidden plateau to Ulriken, descending by cable car or trail. Rocky alpine terrain, lake crossings, and sweeping views the entire way. 16 km point-to-point, 5-7 hours. Moderate-Hard.
41. Rosendal and Baroniet A gentle hike through the historic Rosendal estate on the Hardangerfjord. Orchards, gardens, and a Renaissance barony set against a mountain backdrop. Less demanding than most entries on this list, but the combination of culture and landscape is uniquely Norwegian. Various trails, 1-3 hours. Easy.
The Far North: Finnmark and Troms
Beyond Lofoten and Tromsø, into the true Arctic. The hiking here is remote, wild, and unlike anything in southern Europe.
42. Nordkapp Coastal Trail, Finnmark A trail near the North Cape — the northernmost point of mainland Europe. The landscape is treeless, windswept tundra stretching to the Arctic Ocean. The midnight sun in June and July is visible from here without any mountain obstruction. Various lengths, 2-6 hours. Easy-Moderate.
43. Alta Canyon Trail, Finnmark Northern Europe's largest canyon, carved through the landscape by the Alta River. The trail follows the canyon rim with views down to the river hundreds of meters below. Autumn colors here — gold, orange, red against grey rock — are extraordinary. 8 km round trip, 3-4 hours. Easy-Moderate.
44. Dividalen, Troms One of Norway's most remote valleys, bordering Sweden and Finland. The hiking here is true wilderness — no marked trails in many areas, no cell service, and a chance of encountering brown bears, wolverines, and lynx. For experienced backcountry hikers only. Multi-day. Hard.
45. Stetind (1,392m) Norway's national mountain, a dramatic granite obelisk rising from the fjord near Ballangen. The standard route involves exposed scrambling and rope-assisted sections on the final approach. The views from the distinctive flat summit are immense. Guided ascents recommended for most hikers. 10 km round trip, 8-12 hours. Very Hard (technical).
The Islands
Norway's islands offer a different hiking character — coastal, wind-exposed, and often more accessible than the mainland peaks.
46. Vaeroy Island Circuit, Lofoten A full-day walk around the small island south of Moskenesøya, passing fishing villages, puffin cliffs, mountain lakes, and the dramatic western coastline. Few tourists make it to Værøy, which is precisely the point. 15-20 km, 6-8 hours. Moderate.
47. Andøya Coastal Trail, Vesterålen The northern neighbor of Lofoten, Vesterålen is less touristed but equally dramatic. The Andøya coastal trail passes beaches, peat bogs, and mountain views with a fraction of Lofoten's crowds. Whale watching boats depart from Andenes at the island's tip. Various lengths, 3-6 hours. Easy-Moderate.
48. Haldde Summit, Alta (904m) The site of the world's first Northern Lights observatory, built in 1899. The hike climbs from the valley to the observatory ruins on the summit, which now serves as a spectacular aurora viewing platform in winter. Historical significance meets natural beauty. 12 km round trip, 5-6 hours. Moderate.
49. Dronningruta, Vesterålen "The Queen's Route" — a coastal ridgeline trail on the island of Langøya in Vesterålen. The trail traverses exposed ridges with views over the Norwegian Sea on one side and fjords on the other. Sections are steep and chains assist in the most exposed parts. One of northern Norway's best ridge walks outside Lofoten. 15 km point-to-point, 7-9 hours. Hard.
50. Svalbard Plateau Walk Technically Norway, practically another planet. Svalbard, at 78 degrees north, offers guided summer hiking across glacial moraines, Arctic tundra, and terrain where polar bears are a genuine concern (guides carry rifles). No trees. No trails. Just ice, rock, sky, and silence. Guided expeditions only. Moderate (guided). Unlike anything else on this list or any other.
Planning Your Norwegian Hiking Trip
The DNT Hut System
The Norwegian Trekking Association (Den Norske Turistforening) operates over 550 cabins across the Norwegian mountains, from staffed lodges serving dinner to unstaffed huts with basic supplies. Membership (around $75/year for adults) gives you keys to unstaffed huts and discounted rates at staffed ones. For multi-day hikes, the DNT system is one of the great hiking infrastructures in the world — you can walk for weeks carrying minimal gear.
Best Time to Hike
The hiking season varies dramatically by region. Southern Norway trails open as early as May. Mountain passes in Jotunheimen may hold snow until late June. Northern Norway and Lofoten are best from mid-June through September. Svalbard has a narrow July-August window. Always check conditions before setting out — yr.no is the definitive Norwegian weather source, and the Norgeskart app shows trail status.
Safety
Norwegian mountains deserve respect. Weather changes rapidly, fog can reduce visibility to meters, and exposed ridges become dangerous in wind. Hypothermia is possible in any season. Always carry a map, compass, extra layers, food, and water. Tell someone your route and expected return time. In an emergency, call 113 (medical) or 110 (fire/rescue). Cell coverage is unreliable in mountain areas — consider carrying a GPS emergency beacon for remote hikes.
Getting Around
Norway's roads are excellent but distances are deceptive — 200 km can take four hours on fjord-side roads with tunnels and ferry crossings. A rental car is essential for reaching most trailheads. Some hikes (Trolltunga, Besseggen, Romsdalseggen) require shuttle buses or boat transfers to the trailhead. Norway's extensive ferry system connects coastal communities and islands.
What to Pack
The layering system is non-negotiable in Norway. Waterproof shell, fleece mid-layer, merino base layer, waterproof hiking boots, and trekking poles should be in every hiker's kit. Conditions at the trailhead often bear no resemblance to conditions on the summit. Pack for all four seasons regardless of the calendar date.
Norway has more hiking trails than most countries have roads, and the ones on this list barely scratch the surface. But they're a start — 50 reasons to book a flight, lace up your boots, and discover why Norwegians consider access to mountains a fundamental right, not a luxury.
A few things you'll notice after hiking in Norway for a while. First, the trail markings — red "T" painted on rocks — are a language you'll learn to read instinctively. Second, the coffee breaks. Norwegians hike with thermoses of black coffee and chocolate, and summit coffee is treated with a seriousness that borders on spiritual. Third, the silence. Norway is one of the quietest countries on earth once you leave the roads, and the mountains amplify that silence into something physical. You feel it in your chest.
The trails on this list range from gentle coastal strolls to multi-day alpine traverses, from bucket-list Instagram hikes to routes where you won't see another person all week. The common thread is that every single one delivers a view that makes you stop, exhale, and wonder how a landscape this dramatic exists in the real world.
If you want to carry a piece of Norway's outdoor spirit home, Airways Apparel designs destination-inspired travel apparel — premium tees, hoodies, and accessories built for travelers who actually go places. Shop Norway.
Airways Apparel designs premium travel-inspired apparel for destinations around the world. We plant a tree with every purchase through our partnership with One Tree Planted. Shop All Destinations.