Hiking in Norway: The 6 Most Beautiful Mountain Hikes

Norway is known for its dramatic mountains, and Norwegians are known for hiking through them. It's no coincidence. The country has everything from short family-friendly walks to demanding summit hikes with views across several national parks. Here we've gathered six of Norway's most beautiful hikes, along with the perfect place to stay for the trip.

What could be better than coming inside after a wonderful mountain hike and unwinding with some cosy cabin time, maybe with a warm cup of hot chocolate by the fire? Turn the trip into more than a day excursion and spend the whole day close to nature, completely free from everyday stress. That way you also avoid a long drive to the trailhead and can instead focus the whole day on the hike. That's why we've found an accommodation option for each mountain hike below.

Trolltunga is a spectacular rock formation jutting horizontally out from the mountainside, 1,180 metres above sea level and around 700 metres straight above the beautiful Ringedalsvatnet lake. The hike starts in Skjeggedal and takes you up between the mountains along a long and demanding trail, around 27 km round trip from the P2 car park. Between 1 October and 31 May an experienced mountain guide is required. Between 1 June and 30 September a guide is still recommended, but experienced hikers can do the hike on their own. It's one of Norway's most demanding day hikes, but the reward at the top is hard to beat. Read more about Trolltunga here

Facts about Trolltunga

- Starting point: P2 Skjeggedal, via Skjeggedalsvegen from Tyssedal

- Mountain guide required 1 October to 31 May

- Elevation: 1,180 m above sea level, around 700 m above Ringedalsvatnet

- Duration: 8–12 hours

Preikestolen in Rogaland is one of Norway's most famous attractions and something that really should be experienced. At the top you're met with a unique view over the cliff plateau, 604 metres above the beautiful Lysefjord. Preikestolen has been named one of the world's most spectacular viewpoints by both CNN and Lonely Planet. Parts of the trail consist of purpose-built steps, which makes the way up to the view easier. Read more about Preikestolen here

Facts about Preikestolen

- Starting point: Preikestolen Fjellstue, Preikestolvegen 511, 4105 Jørpeland

- Parking available for a fee

- Public transport available

- Toilets at the trailhead

- Duration: 4–5 hours

- Length: 8 km

- Elevation: 604 m above sea level

Galdhøpiggen is Norway's highest mountain and a summit hike most experienced hikers should attempt at least once. It's a demanding hike with fantastic views over Jotunheimen from the top. The easiest route starts at Juvasshytta and takes 6–7 hours round trip. Another popular starting point is Spiterstulen in Lom, where the hike takes 7–9 hours. It's also possible to bring children who are used to hiking. Read more about Galdhøpiggen here

Facts about Galdhøpiggen

- Starting point: Spiterstulen, Visdalen, Lom (private toll road from Røisheim)

- Norway's highest mountain

- Elevation: 2,469 m above sea level

- Duration: 6–9 hours

- Length: 13 km

- Mountain guide available

Helvetestinden is a peak most people only ever see from below, which is an impressive sight in itself. The mountain can only be reached by boat from Reine to Vindstad, and from there it's a steep climb up. The spectacular view over Bunes Beach and the turquoise sea from the summit is something you won't want to miss. Just as you'd expect from Lofoten. The hike can be combined with a walk to Bunes Beach facing the Atlantic. Read more about Helvetestinden here

Facts about Helvetestinden

- Starting point: Reine Ytre Havn, 8390 Reine (ferry to Vindstad required)

- Duration: 4–5 hours round trip from Vindstad

- Elevation gain: about 600 metres

Maridalen's Alps is a fantastic hike you can easily reach directly from central Oslo, as public transport runs to the starting point. The hike is of medium difficulty but can easily be done with children. It offers a wonderful walk through the forest of Nordmarka and onward up to the summit of Mellomkollen, where you get a beautiful view over Oslo. Read more about Maridalen's Alps here

Facts about Maridalen's Alps

- Starting point: Skar car park, Maridalsveien 621, Oslo

- Bus available from Oslo to the starting point

- Duration: 2.5–3.5 hours

- Length: 12.3 km

- Elevation: 500 m above sea level

Formokampen is an easy, two-hour hike at the entrance to Rondane National Park. The hike starts at Høvringen or Putten, where parking is available. Parts of the trail are lined with stone, making it easy to walk even for younger hikers.

It's a pleasant walk with wonderful views. From the summit you can see four national parks: Jotunheimen and Galdhøpiggen with Glittertind to the southwest, Dovrefjell to the north, and the Rondane massif to the east. The hike also gives you a glimpse into Norwegian cultural history, as several ancient traps used for catching wild reindeer can be found along the way. Read more about Rondane and Formokampen here

Facts about Formokampen

- Starting point: Putten Seter, Puttenvegen 481, 2673 Høvringen

- Parking available

- Duration: about 2 hours

- Elevation: 1,428 m above sea level

After a long day in the mountains, it can be nice to skip the long drive home. Many of the hikes above are close to lovely places to stay right in nature, from glamping domes near Rondane to an Arctic camp in Northern Norway. If you're curious about combining your hike with a stay, take a closer look here:

Stays near Rondane and Formokampen

Stays near Oslo and Maridalen

Stays near Preikestolen and Rogaland

Stays in Northern Norway, near Helvetestinden

Stays near Trolltunga and Hardanger