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The best mountain and glacier hikes in Norway

Home to some of the most beautiful mountains in the world and more than 1,500 glaciers, Norway’s national parks are a paradise for hiking.

The vistas along the country’s hiking trails, the forest bathing opportunities, the fresh air, the exhilaration – it all comes together in the Norwegian mountains, valleys and fjords. It’s safe to say that Norway’s mountains are an integral element of the national identity. It might be time you were better acquainted.

Where to go mountain hiking in Norway

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Lofotveggen

If you are sailing through Vestfjorden, a firth in the North Sea, you will invariably pass what is well-known as Lofotveggen (the Lofoten Wall) a series of granite and volcanic mountain peaks rising straight up from the sea.

Treks here range from easy hikes for beginners along the beach for a couple of hours to more challenging exploration of the back country spanning a full day.

The iconic Svolværgeita - two rock formations shaped like goat horns - looms over Svolvær

Svolværgeita (The Svolvær Goat)

Shaped like the horns of a goat, you can’t mistake the two famous rock formations of Svolværgeita, standing at almost 2,000 feet above sea level. Those adventurous enough to tackle the climb – a challenging experience that begins with a steep hike to the base – are treated to an incredible view of Svolvær and the sea beyond.

It’s possible to combine this with a trek to Svolvær Fløya on the same day – a particularly enjoyable experience in summer, when the sun never sets.

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The Sunnmøre Alps

If you’re traveling with us on a Hurtigruten voyage, you’ll be treated to a great view of the snow-covered peaks of the jagged Sunnmøre Alps as we sail between Torvik and Ålesund. The pyramid-shaped Slogen Mountain is a favorite with hikers, rising more than 5,000 feet above the Hjørundfjord. Hikers can combine several peaks over a few days and stay in tourist cabins in the valleys, taking in the stunning scenery, along with rivers and streams, flora, and fauna.

The dramatic peaks and valleys create an ideal landscape for numerous, impressive waterfalls, especially after rainfall. The forecast in this region is usually subject to abrupt changes due to the alpine terrain and proximity to the fjords. However, these sudden shifts can make the landscape even more striking.

Torghatten mountain in Brønnøysund

Torghatten

The trailhead for this unique hike leads to a unique geological formation – a massive hole that cuts right through the 850-foot-tall granite mountain. Though a naturally formed tunnel due to sea erosion millennia ago, there is, of course, a story. The legend of Torghatten involves trolls, a horse chase, and an arrow piercing a king's hat.

Hikers can reach the hole via a path up the east side of the mountain in about 30 minutes, and the view and the photo opportunity making it more than worthwhile.

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Seven Sisters

The North Norwegian coast of Helgeland is often cited as one of the most beautiful stretches of a Hurtigruten voyage, thanks in part to the legend of the Seven Sisters – Botnkrona, Grytfoten, Skjæringen, Tvillingene (the twins), Kvasstinden, and Stortinden.

Experienced hikers can traverse them all as a day hike, but it is no easy task – covering 16 miles in about a dozen hours. Or simply choose Stortinden, the easiest, and immerse yourself in the thrill of the myth.

A small boat in a body of water with a mountain in the background

Hestmannen

A landmark for seafarers near the island of Hestmona, Hestmannen rises 1,873 feet above sea level. This iconic rock formation resembles the shadow of a petrified knight on his horse – a disobedient one, if you believe the legends.

Though this mythical mountain presents a true hiking challenge, the trails are well-marked (though you will need a rope to reach the top). Once conquered, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful scenery and incredible views stretching out in all directions.

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Mount Fløyen

Rising 1,300 feet above the cosmopolitan city of Bergen, the park trails in the forested Mount Fløyen are accessible by funicular from the city center. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, it offers multiple hiking trails – both up or down – and gorgeous views of the city below.

You can choose a short, easy stroll or follow the longer routes across Vidden to nearby Mount Ulriken.

Where to go glacier hiking in Norway

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Svartisen Glacier

Ships enter Holandsfjord for a view of Engabreen, a low fjord glacier near the Svartisen Glacier. From there, our excursion to Svartisen Glacier offers you the chance to get even closer to Norway’s frozen beauty – all 230 square miles of it.

It’s possible to take advantage of the marked trails to the famous caves in the limestone mountains here, too. The region is also home to a glaciological research lab.

Jostedalsbreen glacier is Europe's largest glacier

Jostedalsbreen Glacier

In southern Norway, not far from Bergen, lies the Jostedalsbreen Glacier – the largest in Europe and home to a number of short and long glacier-hiking routes. The surrounding national park is great base for a ski trip, where skiers carry on the traditions of those who used the glacier as a transport route between fjord settlements.

The park also has three visitor centers, where you can learn more about the community and the climate. The area around Jostedalsbreen offers well-documented trail maps, essential for navigating the glacier’s extensive and varied terrain.

Hiking excursions with Hurtigruten

Our shore excursions offer plenty of hiking opportunities for various skill levels among Norway’s breathtaking mountains, glaciers, and valleys.

Fossil hunting at Deltaneset HGR 163067 Emilie Gerber Meier

Hike and Fossil Hunt in Longyearbyen

A Level 4 hike through stony wilderness across a large moraine and on to the region’s two glaciers, discovering plant and animal fossils that are millions of years old.

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Mountain Hike in Hammerfest

A Level 4 hike through old-growth forest up winding mountain paths to the top of Mount Salen.

A pair of female hikers taking a photo in the Hjørundfjord

Mountain Hike in Hjørundfjord

A Level 4 hike through the scenic Sunnmøre Alps, taking in incredible views and visiting a storied bear cave.

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Hjørundfjord Hike with a Visit to a Shieling

A Level 3 hike from the fjord through bucolic meadows to a summer dwelling on a seasonal pasture high in the hills.

Vesterålen in winter

Mountain Hike in Vesterålen 

A Level 4 winter hike that ascends the 1,000-foot peak of Tuva, delivering spectacular views and many local fairy tales.

Explore more highlights on the Norwegian coast

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The North Cape

Once you’ve experienced this dramatic plateau, you will understand why it is one of the absolute highlights of a trip to Norway.

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The Helgeland Coast

Stretching across the Arctic Circle from Rørvik up to Ørnes, the Helgeland Coast is often singled out as one of the most enjoyable parts of a Norwegian cruise.

A group of red rorbuer (fishing houses) on stilts in Svinøya in the Lofoten Islands in Norway

Lofoten and Vesterålen

Jagged mountains, small fishing towns and sandy beaches - Lofoten and Vesterålen are must-visits when searching for the authentic Norway.

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