10 Best Hikes in Norway – Epic Trails & Mountain Views
Chris Toft
Cover photo by: Wessel Albers / Unsplash
Norway offers some of the world's most spectacular hiking trails, from dramatic fjord cliffs to towering mountain peaks and breathtaking Arctic landscapes.
Here are ten of the best hikes to experience in Norway.
1. Preikestolen – Lysefjord
Photo: Jordi Vich Navarro / Unsplash
Preikestolen, also known as Pulpit Rock, is one of Norway's most famous natural landmarks. The spectacular mountain plateau rises 604 metres above Lysefjord, offering breathtaking fjord views after a scenic hike through rocky terrain.
Distance: Approx. 8 km round trip
Duration: 2-3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Area: Lysefjord / Ryfylke
Read the full Preikestolen hiking guide
2. Trolltunga – Hardanger
Photo: Chris Toft
Trolltunga is one of Norway's most iconic hikes, featuring a spectacular rock formation extending above Ringedalsvatnet. The demanding full-day hike crosses rugged mountain terrain and rewards hikers with extraordinary panoramic views.
Distance: Approx. 28 km round trip from P2
Duration: 8–12 hours
Difficulty: Very demanding
Area: Hardanger
Read the full Trolltunga hiking guide
3. Besseggen – Jotunheimen
Photo: Lukas Seitz / Unsplash
Besseggen is one of Norway's most famous ridge hikes, known for its dramatic mountain scenery and the striking contrast between the turquoise waters of Gjende and the deep blue Bessvatnet.
Distance: Approx. 14 km one way
Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Very demanding
Area: Jotunheimen
Read the full Besseggen hiking guide
4. Reinebringen – Lofoten
Photo: Wessel Albers / Unsplash
Reinebringen offers one of Norway's most breathtaking mountain views, overlooking the fishing village of Reine and the dramatic fjords of Lofoten. The short but steep hike follows stone steps to an unforgettable viewpoint.
Distance: Approx. 2 km round trip on the mountain trail, plus access from parking
Duration: 2–3 hours, excluding longer approaches
Difficulty: Demanding
Area: Lofoten
Read the full Reinebringen hiking guide
5. Hornelen – Bremanger
Photo: Chris A.
Hornelen is one of Europe's highest sea cliffs, rising 860 metres above the ocean. This demanding mountain hike offers spectacular views across the rugged coastline, fjords and islands of Western Norway.
Distance: Approx. 14.7 km round trip
Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Demanding
Area: Bremanger / Fjord Coast
Read the full Hornelen hiking guide
6. Kjeragbolten – Lysefjord
Photo: Liam Hans / Unsplash
Kjeragbolten is a remarkable boulder wedged between two mountain walls, approximately 990 metres above Lysefjord. The demanding trail from Øygardstøl features steep climbs and spectacular views of the surrounding fjord landscape.
Distance: Approx. 9 km round trip
Duration: 5–6 hours
Difficulty: Demanding
Area: Lysefjord / Ryfylke
Read the full Kjeragbolten hiking guide
7. Galdhøpiggen – Jotunheimen
Photo: Chris A.
Galdhøpiggen is Norway's highest mountain at 2,469 metres. The demanding route from Spiterstulen climbs through rugged alpine terrain, rewarding hikers with spectacular views across Jotunheimen.
Distance: Approx. 12–13 km round trip
Duration: 7–9 hours
Difficulty: Demanding
Area: Jotunheimen
Read the full Galdhøpiggen hiking guide
8. Skåla and Skålatårnet – Loen
Photo: Chris A.
Skåla rises dramatically above Loen in Nordfjord. The steep mountain trail climbs from near sea level to Skålatårnet at 1,843 metres, offering spectacular views of fjords, glaciers and surrounding peaks.
Distance: Approx. 15 km round trip
Duration: 6–8 hours
Difficulty: Very demanding
Area: Loen & Stryn / Nordfjord
Read the full Skåla hiking guide
9. Gaustatoppen – Telemark
Photo: Chris A.
Gaustatoppen is one of Southern Norway's most recognizable mountain peaks. Rising 1,883 metres above sea level, the summit offers extraordinary panoramic views across the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Distance: Approx. 8–10 km round trip
Duration: 4–6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to demanding
Area: Rjukan & Gaustatoppen / Telemark
Read the full Gaustatoppen hiking guide
10. Dronningstien – Hardanger
Photo: Jeanette E.
Dronningstien, also known as Queen Sonja's Panoramic Hiking Trail, offers spectacular views over Sørfjorden in Hardanger. The scenic mountain route runs between Røte and Lofthus, combining impressive fjord scenery with historic stone steps.
Distance: Approx. 16 km one way
Duration: 6–9 hours
Difficulty: Demanding
Area: Hardanger
Read the full Dronningstien hiking guide
Hiking in Norway
Mountain weather in Norway can change quickly, even during summer. Check the forecast, bring suitable clothing, food and water, and choose hikes that match your experience.
For demanding routes such as Trolltunga, Besseggen and Hornelen, start early and allow plenty of time.
Written by
Chris Toft
Founder of Across Norway, sharing handpicked travel tips and outdoor experiences from across Norway.