Best hikes in Norway

From cityside walks in Oslo and fjord hikes near Bergen to iconic summits in Lofoten and beyond, here’s our guide to the best of Norway’s hikes.

hiking norway HGR 161993 Shutterstock

Hiking in Norway is a national pastime. Ask one of us about our weekend or vacation plans, and chances are, we’re spending time outdoors. Fresh air, exercise and connection with nature: hiking is how we embody the Norwegian concept of friluftsliv – outdoor living – like no other activity.

Luckily, Norway is home to some of the world’s greatest scenery to discover on foot. Verdant fjords and crystal-clear lakes, magnificent glaciers and mountain peaks, and the north’s unique Arctic tundra. Our incredible landscapes are home to a large network of hiking trails, some highly accessible and some remote, all categorized by difficulty. Ranging from Green (easy) and Blue (medium) to Red (demanding) and Black (expert), this grading system makes it simple to find the right hike for you.

From the epic wilderness of Svalbard to the towering peaks of Lofoten, unmatched hiking experiences await along every corner of the coast. Our destination guide showcases some of the best hikes in Norway according to our experts to help you find your Norwegian adventure.

Bergen hikes: City and mountains

Bergen combines vibrant city life with easy access to some of the most rewarding of Norway's hikes. Known as a gateway to the fjords, it's an ideal place to extend your trip before or after a coastal voyage.

View of Bergen from Mount Floyen

Mount Fløyen

This peak rises directly above the city and can be reached either on foot or via the Fløibanen funicular. Gentle forest paths make it a great choice for casual hikers looking to experience Norwegian nature with ease.  

  • Difficulty: Green/Blue 

  • Duration: 1-2hrs

Terrace and view to the mount Ulriken

Mount Ulriken

At approximately 2,000 ft (643 m), Ulriken is the highest of Bergen's Seven Mountains. The route to the summit is steeper and more demanding than Fløyen, but you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views across Bergen.  

  • Difficulty: Red 

  • Duration: 2-3hrs

Aurlandsdalen

Often called Norway's ‘Grand Canyon’, Aurlandsdalen takes hikers through lush valleys on an ancient route between the mountains and the fjords. Choose from day walks or longer hut-to-hut hikes.  

  • Difficulty: Red  

  • Duration: 5hrs

Vidden Trail

The Vidden Trail connects Ulriken and Fløyen across mountain plateaus and open wilderness. Taking around 4 to 6 hours, it offers a taste of Norway's mountain terrain while remaining easily accessible from the city.  

  • Difficulty: Red 

  • Duration: 4-6hrs

Trolltunga

Few of Norway’s hikes are more iconic than Trolltunga, the dramatic rock ledge suspended high above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Located around 3 hours’ drive from Bergen, this demanding full-day adventure requires excellent fitness and careful planning.  

  • Difficulty: Black  

  • Duration: 12hrs 

Two people stood on Trolltunga

Practical information

  • Access to trailheads. You can start hiking directly from Bergen city center. Public transportation makes it easy to reach hiking trails throughout the fjords and Western Norway. You can also rent a car.

  • Clothing. Bergen is known for its wet climate, so waterproof clothing is essential year-round.

  • Excursions. Browse our full range of excursions from Bergen.

  • Things to do. Read our Bergen travel guide for more things to do in the area.

  • Cruises that stop in Bergen. Visit Bergen on: The Coastal Express (terminus), The North Cape Line (6hr stop), The Svalbard Line (terminus)

Åndalsnes hikes: Norway’s hiking capital

Nestled among the dramatic peaks of the Romsdal Alps, Åndalsnes has earned a reputation as Norway's hiking capital. Many of its most famous trails begin within walking distance of the town center.

A woman hiking up to Litlefjellet mountain in Åndalsnes, Norway. Image copyright: Øyvind Heen - fjords.com

Litlefjellet

This shorter trail (approximately 1.2mi or 2km) climbs to a spectacular viewpoint overlooking jagged peaks and deep valleys, making it one of the best hikes in Norway for hikers seeking maximum scenery for comparatively little effort. 

  • Difficulty: Blue 

  • Duration: 1hr

Two people hiking Rampestreken in Åndalsnes, Norway by Espen Mills

Rampestreken

This short but steep trail leads to a popular viewing platform sitting high above the Rauma Valley, offering breathtaking views of the town and surrounding peaks. 

  • Difficulty: Blue/Red 

  • Duration: 2-3hrs

Hiking along the walkway on Nesaksla mountain in Åndalsnes, Norway

Nesaksla

Continuing beyond Rampestreken brings hikers to the summit of Nesaksla. The extra effort is rewarded with even grander views across the Romsdal region, and you can always return to the valley via the Romsdal Gondola. 

  • Difficulty: Red 

  • Duration: 3hrs

romsdalseggen-andalsnes-vidar-molokken-visit-norway.png

Romsdalseggen

Romsdalseggen combines ridge hiking with unforgettable views of Trollveggen, Europe's tallest vertical rock face. This is a full-day adventure best suited to experienced hikers. 

  • Difficulty: Red/Black 

  • Duration: 6-8hrs

Practical information

  • Access to trailheads. Plenty of trails start near the port or in the town center, and a gondola also operates during hiking season.

  • Accommodations & dining. Åndalsnes is an ideal base for hiking adventures, with a range of accommodation options plus charming bakeries and cafés.

  • Things to do. Read our Åndalsnes travel guide for more things to do in the area.

  • Cruises that stop in Åndalsnes. Visit Åndalsnes from The Svalbard Line (5h30m stop)

Svolvær and Lofoten hikes: Iconic Norwegian landscapes

Lofoten is famous for its postcard-perfect scenery and some of the best hikes in Norway. Here, sharp granite peaks rise directly from the ocean, traditional fishing villages cling to sheltered bays, and every trail offers panoramic views.

Svolværgeita

Meaning the ‘Svolvær Goat’, this hike features a recognizable rock formation shaped like goat horns. You can just hike the approach, a 1-hour hike to base of the mountain, without any mountain climbing experience.  

  • Difficulty: Blue 

  • Duration: 1-2hrs

Mannen, Haukland

Mannen is an accessible summit hike overlooking Hauklandstranda and the surrounding coastline. 

  • Difficulty: Blue/Red 

  • Duration: 2-3hrs

Fløya and Djevelporten

Just outside Svolvær, this popular hike climbs past the famous Djevelporten boulder before reaching the summit of Fløya. 

  • Difficulty: Red 

  • Duration: 3-4hrs

Svolværgeita seen from deck
Climbers on top of Svolværgeita
The iconic Svolværgeita - two rock formations shaped like goat horns - looms over Svolvær

Tjeldbergtinden

This quieter summit rewards hikers with scenic views over fjords, mountains and scattered islands. 

  • Difficulty: Red 

  • Duration: 2-3hrs

Festvågtind

A favorite of Norway’s hikes among photographers, Festvågtind rises above Henningsvær and looks down over one of Norway's most picturesque fishing villages. 

  • Difficulty: Red 

  • Duration: 2-3hrs

Reinebringen

Perhaps Lofoten's most famous viewpoint, Reinebringen overlooks the dramatic landscape around Reine. A stone staircase built by Nepalese Sherpas has improved access, but the climb remains steep and demanding. 

  • Difficulty: Red  

  • Duration: 2-3hrs

Practical information

Senja hikes: Little Norway

Often described as ‘Norway in miniature’, Senja packs fjords, mountains, beaches and rugged coastline into a single island. The landscape here is spectacular and Senja is generally quieter than the neighboring Lofoten Islands.

Coastal walks from Torsken

For visitors seeking a gentler experience, head to Torsken. Several routes showcase Senja's wild beauty without elevation gain or challenging terrain.

  • Difficulty: Various 

  • Duration: Various

Segla

This hike is famed for its narrow summit path and spectacular drop to the fjord below. The route is challenging and steep but well worth the effort. 

  • Difficulty: Red 

  • Duration: 3-4hrs

Hesten

Located opposite Segla, Hesten provides arguably the best vantage point of the recognizable peak. Again, this is a demanding hike with a steep gradient. 

  • Difficulty: Red 

  • Duration: 2-3hrs

Senja Norway copyright Steina Thorstad

Practical information

  • Getting to Senja. Senja is best reached by ship from either Torsken or Finnsnes. Torsken is located on the island of Senja, while Finnsnes is located on the mainland and connected by a bridge.

  • Getting around Senja. Renting a car is the best way to explore Senja, and Finnsnes is the most convenient place to arrange one.

  • Finnsnes as a base. Finnsnes makes an excellent base for exploring northern Norway. It also lies along the National Tourist Route, one of the country's most scenic road trips.

  • Things to do. Read our Torsken travel guide or our Finnsnes travel guide for more things to do in each area.

  • Cruises that stop in Senja. Visit Torsken on The Svalbard Line Southbound (6hr stop). Visit Finnsnes on The Coastal Express (20-30 min stop) or book directly to Finnsnes for a longer stay

Vilde Abrahamsen, Content Production Coordinator at Hurtigruten. Copyright: Steinar Thorstad
The Hesten hike in Senja has been on my to-do-list for a long time, and it delivered beyond my expectations. At the top, surrounded by towering peaks on one side and a vertical drop down to the ocean on the other, I felt simultaneously proud, tiny and alive.

Vilde Abrahamsen

Content Production Coordinator at Hurtigruten

Oslo hikes: City gateway

Norway's capital offers some of the best hikes in Norway. Vast forest areas, scenic viewpoints and accessible trails make Oslo an ideal place to go hiking before (or after) a Hurtigruten voyage.

Nordmarka Forest

Stretching across Oslo's northern outskirts, Nordmarka contains hundreds of miles of marked trails. Hikers can tailor routes to suit any fitness level. 

  • Difficulty: Various 

  • Duration: Various

Ekebergsletta

This easy and accessible hike is close to central Oslo, and its shorter distance (around 2 mi) makes it an ideal choice for visitors with limited time. 

  • Difficulty: Green  

  • Duration: 1-2hrs

Holmenkollen Ridge

Starting near the famous ski jump, this forested ridge walk combines nature with impressive views of Oslo, the Oslofjord and surrounding countryside. 

  • Difficulty: Blue 

  • Duration: 1-2hrs

Panoramic summer view over Oslo and the Oslofjord from the wooded hillside of Holmenkollen, with the city and its islands stretching toward the horizon

Practical information

  • Access to trailheads. All recommended hikes are accessible by public transport and can easily be completed before or after your voyage.

  • Things to do. Read our Oslo travel guide for more things to do in Norway’s capital.

  • Experiences that stop in Oslo. Visit Oslo on: The North Cape Line (terminus), Cruise & Tour (Terminus)

Photo: Malte Florian Klein / Shutterstock

Tromsø hikes: Arctic hiking

Tromsø delights with its cosmopolitan city atmosphere and easy access to the surrounding mountains. During summer, the Midnight Sun creates unique opportunities for evening and overnight hikes beneath golden Arctic skies.

Fjellheisen and Storsteinen

A cable car carries visitors towards Storsteinen mountain ledge, where a network of trails and viewpoints overlooks Tromsø, surrounding islands and distant peaks. 

  • Difficulty: Various 

  • Duration: Various

Sherpa Steps

As an alternative to the cable car, hikers can climb the famous Sherpa Steps, a stone staircase that ascends steeply through the hillside to the same panoramic viewpoints.

  • Difficulty: Blue/Red 

  • Duration: 1-2hrs

Tromsdalstinden

Towering above Tromsø, Tromsdalstinden is a demanding full-day hike that rewards experienced hikers with extraordinary views across fjords, mountains and Arctic wilderness. 

  • Difficulty: Black  

  • Duration: 6-8hrs

Our voyage ends in Tromsø, where you may decide to stay around an explore the sights (Image Credit: VisitNorway.com)
hiking-storsteinen-tromso-norway-hgr-54335_1920-photo_orjan_bertelsen
A group of tourists on a snowshoeing excursion in Vesterålen, Norway

Practical information

Hammerfest hikes: The world’s northernmost town

Hammerfest is an excellent destination for travellers who want to experience Arctic hiking without venturing far from port.

Guests looking for local expertise can join our guided Mountain Hike in Hammerfest excursion. Setting out from the quay, you’ll enjoy a short tour of Hammerfest’s landmarks, including the Napoleonic Wars monument and Ole Olsen Place, before heading up Mount Salen.

The zigzag climb requires a good level of fitness, but rewards you with spectacular views of Melkøya, Sørøya and Seiland on a clear day. After taking in the scenery, you’ll return to the town center via the Arctic Culture Center before heading back to the ship.  

  • Difficulty: Blue/Red 

  • Duration: 1hr 30min

Visit Hammerfest on The Coastal Express Southbound (1hr 45min stop)

Hammerfest Norway

Svalbard hikes: Remote Arctic wilderness

Hiking in Svalbard is unlike anywhere else in Norway. Vast tundra, glaciers, polar deserts and dramatic mountain scenery create a true wilderness experience, where nature remains largely untouched and human presence is minimal.

jakt-person-standing-on-glacier-svalbard-looking-onto-blue-water-hgs-08785-linda-drake

Longyearbreen Glacier

Our guided excursion leads through Svalbard's stark Arctic landscape to Longyearbreen glacier. Along the way, visitors can search for fossils hidden within ancient rock formations dating back millions of years. 

  • Difficulty: Blue/Red 

  • Duration: 3hrs

Practical information

  • Due to polar bear risk, hikes in Svalbard must be undertaken with qualified guides.

  • Guests on The Svalbard Line can add guided hiking experiences to their itinerary.

  • Read our Longyearbyen travel guide for more things to do in in the area.

  • Visit Longyearbyen on The Svalbard Line (terminus)

Kirkenes hikes: Norway’s border town

Near the Russian border, Kirkenes offers very different hiking experiences from the country's famous mountain regions. Here, hikers will find Arctic forests, tundra landscapes and remote coastal scenery that feel truly off the beaten path.

Pasvik Valley

Around 1.5 hours' drive from Kirkenes, Pasvik is known for its forests, wetlands and rich wildlife, and is home to one of Europe’s largest primeval pine forests. 

  • Difficulty: Various 

  • Duration: Various

Bøkfjorden

Easily accessible from the town center, gentle coastal walks around Bøkfjorden provide a relaxing way to experience the area's Arctic landscape.  

  • Difficulty: Various 

  • Duration: Various

Prestfjellet Viewpoint

Around a 5-10 minute drive from port, this short hike takes you to a scenic viewpoint overlooking Kirkenes and the surrounding wilderness. It's an excellent option for visitors wanting rewarding views within easy reach of the ship terminal. 

  • Difficulty: Green/Blue 

  • Duration: 1-2hrs

Practical information

  • Getting around. A rental car is recommended for exploring beyond Kirkenes itself.

  • Trail types. The terrain is generally less alpine than destinations such as Lofoten or Senja, so expect flatter trails.

  • Things to do. Read our Kirkenes travel guide for more things to do in in the area.

  • Visit Kirkenes on The Coastal Express (terminus)

Snow-covered rocks and a frozen lake surrounded by bare Arctic tundra and snow-dusted hills near Kirkenes, Finnmark, Northern Norway

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Read our guide to the different types of hiking in Norway, with recommended hikes, practical hiking tips and a comprehensive packing list.

Hiking in Norway: your complete guide