Hiking in Norway: Hit the Trail Well Prepared

Hiking in Norway: Hit the Trail Well Prepared

Norway has everything a hiker could wish for: endless fjords, rugged mountain peaks, green valleys and pearl-white beaches. With rapidly changing weather conditions and challenging routes, it is important to set off well prepared. In this guide, you will find everything you need to know about hiking in Norway: from the best season and the right gear to our favourite walks.

When Is the Best Time to Go Hiking in Norway?

The best period for hiking in Norway is roughly from late May to September. Mountain trails are often snow-free by then, and the weather is more stable and warmer. Bear in mind that it can get very busy from mid-June to the end of August, particularly on popular routes such as Preikestolen. Travelling in the shoulder seasons helps you avoid the crowds. Are you visiting in summer nonetheless? Set off before 9 in the morning or later in the evening. In the far north, the midnight sun gives you the freedom to hike well into the late evening.

Which Routes Are Right for You?

Many hikes in Norway are long and challenging. It is therefore important to choose a route that suits your fitness level and experience. Many routes are marked with a colour code indicating the level of difficulty:

• Green: easy, suitable for beginners.
• Blue: moderate, often with more elevation gain and rough terrain.
• Red: difficult, suitable for experienced hikers only.

Please note: these colour codes are only a guideline. Even a green route can be demanding, especially in bad weather.

What to Pack for Hiking in Norway?

Always set off well prepared. In the mountains in particular, the weather can change quickly, so dress in layers: a wool base layer, a fleece and a wind- and waterproof jacket. Sturdy hiking boots are a must, leave your sneakers at home. Also pack a good daypack, a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder, snacks for along the way, sunglasses, sunscreen and a powerbank if needed. Check our packing list for Norway in summer and make sure you have everything you need.

Allemannsretten: Hiking in the Great Outdoors

In Norway, you can hike almost anywhere. This is thanks to the allemannsretten, the Norwegian right of public access to nature. You are free to walk through forests, across mountains and along the coast. Wild camping is also permitted, as long as you stay at least 150 metres from inhabited areas. There are, however, a few rules to respect when hiking in the open countryside: respect private land and property, leave no trace and keep a safe distance from wildlife.

Useful Tips for Your Next Hiking Adventure

Always check the weather forecast on Yr.no before you set off, so you are not caught off guard. Also take a look at the website of Den Norske Turistforening (DNT) or ut.no for hiking tips, routes and mountain huts for multi-day treks. A guided hike with an experienced guide can be a great addition, especially on more challenging routes or unfamiliar terrain. And finally: do not be afraid to turn back if you do not feel safe.

Travelling during peak season? Make sure to book your accommodation well in advance, as popular destinations such as the Lofoten Islands and Bergen fill up quickly. That way, you can enjoy everything Norway has to offer without any worries.

Our Favourite Hikes in Norway

Hiking in Southern Norway

Popular hikes in Southern Norway include Preikestolen at the Lysefjord and Trolltunga near Odda. There are, however, so many other routes where it tends to be far less busy. The Hardangerfjord region, with its fruit orchards and spectacular waterfalls, is a fantastic area for hiking. One walk that will stay with us for a long time is the route from Ulvik to the viewpoint over the Osafjord.

Even in the city, nature is never far away. Bergen, Norway's second largest city, is surrounded by the sea and seven mountains. From the city centre, you can head straight into the forests. In under an hour, you reach the top of Fløyen, where you are rewarded with a stunning view over the city. The funicular Fløibanen takes you from the city centre to the viewpoint in just a few minutes. Fancy exploring further? Skomakerdiket, a idyllic little lake in the middle of the forest, is just a ten-minute walk away.

Hiking in Northern Norway

Northern Norway offers endless opportunities to hike through rugged landscapes, with the Lofoten Islands standing out as a hiker’s paradise for many travellers. If you are staying in Svolvær the climb to the top of Tjeldbergtinden comes highly recommended. The ascent of Mannen, however, is our personal favourite. The route starts at the car park near the new visitor centre at Haukland Beach, and at the top you are rewarded with a spectacular view over the exotic-looking sandy beaches of both Haukland Beach and Uttakleiv Beach.

Also Vesterålen and the island of Senja are perfect for hiking and nature lovers, with the hike to Hesten being one of our personal highlights. This demanding climb starts from the small village of Fjordgard and involves 500 metres of elevation gain. At the top, you are treated to a breathtaking view of the iconic peak Segla. Beyond the islands, other regions above the Arctic Circle have plenty to offer as well. The stunning nature around Narvik has left a lasting impression on us.

Wherever you go, hiking in Norway always promises an unforgettable adventure.

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