Head to Norway? Join the hardy Norwegians in one of their favorite activities: hiking. You can’t visit without bringing along a sturdy pair of walking shoes. Up steep mountains, down into lush valleys, along the edges of fjords and into dense forests, hiking and trekking s one of the optimum ways to really delve deep into this naturally epic destination. Here are our choices for the best hikes in Norway and Svalbard, including the Lofoten archipelago and several Norwegian fjords.
Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
At 1,981 feet above the Lysefjord, this famous mountain hike is one of the most jaw-dropping in Norway. The nearly five-mile hike starts at the Preikestolen Fjellstue mountain lodge and takes about four hours, roundtrip. Guided tours run from April to October. You can also take a boat trip on the Lysefjord and enjoy the view from the boat.
Reinebringen, Lofoten Islands
Reinebringen is 1,469 high – not even that tall by Norrwegian standards – but it rewards the hiker with mesmerizing views of the Lofoten Wall. This collection of rugged, steep mountain peaks makes a dramatic seascape rising out of Arctic waters. It’s easy to reach the trailhead from the charming fishing village of Reine and the hike only take about three hours roundtrip.
Besseggen Ridge, Jotunheimen National Park
This favorite day hike is known for its stunning alpine lakes – Gjende and Bessvatnet. It has been nominated by National Geographic as one of the most thrilling hikes in the world. The regular hiking season is the same time the boats are running on Lake Gjende, from mid-June to mid-October. The hike takes about six to eight hours one way and is best for experienced hikers. Take the morning boat to Memurubu and walk back over the ridge to Gjendesheim.
Jostedalbreen Glacier and National Park
In the Sognefjord region of central Norway, you’ll find Europe’s largest ice sheet, the Jostedalbreen glacier. There are several steep and strenuous hiking trails throughout the area and are a great spot if you’re seeking a hiking trip not that well known outside of Norway. A couple of the local favorites include climbing the Skala, which leads into wild country with great views of the Nordfjord; the Briksdalsbreen, a glacial tongue at the end of the Oldevatnet Valley with scenery reminiscent of Yosemite Valley; and the Storevatnet hike, during which you’ll reach a high valley and see a thunderous waterfall.
Dovrefjell, Central Norway
See musk oxen in the wild in Dovrefjell Natonal Park. Walk on the main trail south of Kongvold Fjeldstue – look for herds near bodies of water. If you do see them, give them distance – they can be cranky and they’re quite quick.
The Beaches of Horseid and Bunes, Lofoten Islands
Easily accessible by day trip from Reine, the beaches of Horseid and Bunes are on the northern coast of Moskenes. This dramatic hike takes you through the granite peaks of the Lofoten Islands, past amazingly blue waters and past white, sandy beaches – all just 62 miles north of the Arctic Circle. You’ll forget you’re so far north. Want to take advantage of the Midnight Sun? Head here!
Keipen, Geirangerfjord
Admire the “S” shape, the waterfalls and the soaring mountains of this idyllic UNESCO World Heritage Site fjord during a short walk to Losta or Vesterasfjellet or this challenging hike to the summit of Keipen.
Norgansdal Valley
For rugged and remote, look no further than the Norgansdal Valley. The road in is a fun drive, winding as it does along a steep gorge. Take the steep trail to the Patchellhytta Hut, then if you care to, venture farther into the Sunnmore Alps, especially Slogen.
Trolltunga, Hardangerfjord
Trolltunga is available for hiking year-round, although between October and May, you should hire a guide. This spectacular cliff hovers 2,296 feet above Lake Ringedalsvatnet in Odda. If you dare, you can step out onto the “tongue” at the top. From the cliff, you’ll have far-reaching views into the fjord landscape and the Folgefonna glacier. The entire Hardangerfjord region includes nearly 30 public huts and endless hiking trails, so it’s easily customizable to your time and ability. The Oslo-Bergen train stops in Finse, where the ice planet Hoth was shot for Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, and several hikes depart from there.
Aurlandsdalen Valley
Within the Sognefjord, the Aurlandsdalen and Naeroyfjord are rugged, beautiful and ripe with culture and history. There are countless walking and hiking opportunities, from one day to several days. The hiking season in the area is from June to September.
Kjeragbolten
Stand atop a massive boulder wedged into a crevasse more than 3,500 feet above Lysefjord. This challenging hike takes about six hours roundtrip and is best suited for experienced hikers. It’s a scene fit for Middle Earth, or one meant for daredevils – and yet, the boulder is accessible without any special equipment.
Varden and Plateau Mountain, Svalbard
This local favorite hike offers great views of Longyearbyen. Start from the Cableway Central at Skjaeringa up to the first cairn, Varden. The views are already remarkable from here – continue up to Plateau Mountain and see colorful flora, Svalbard reindeer and migratory birds.
Hiorthfjellet Mountain, Svalbard
Take this Arctic challenge, rising majestically outside Longyearbyen. You’ll first kayak across the fjord, then attempt the summit – preferably with a guide.
Trollsteinen Mountain, Svalbard
For the best panoramic views of the Arctic wilderness, take on the huge rock tower called the Trollsteinen (Troll Rock). Along the way, you’ll trek over the Larsbreen Glacier, icy landscape and moraine.
Spitsbergen, Svalbard
With its iceberg-studded bays, rugged tundra and snow-covered mountains, Spitsbergen is the very epitome of the Arctic. Up here, you can hike with Arctic foxes, Svalbard reindeer and a multitude of seabirds. It’s polar bear land, so you’ll hike only in the accompaniment of a rifle-wielding expedition guide.