Best Hiking Tours in Norway

Norway is the land of northern lights, deep fjord, midnight sun, and towering mountains. The landscape seems like it is from another planet. This stunning landscape makes it a perfect choice for music directors and artists to shoot their next video. The best way to explore the beauty of Norwegian wonderland is to take it to the outdoor. The sheer-sided fjords, the rugged mountains, and picturesque valleys, Norway is one of the hotspots for hiking tours. A Norwegian proverb perfectly describes the spirit of these trips. It says, “Do not look to the ground for your next step, greatness lies with those who look to the horizon”.
Going through the miles of forest paths and steep clips requires a certain level of fitness. But there are many options for someone who doesn’t want to travel long. Some of the trips are days long while some take only hours to reach the popular scenic spots. Once you explored the beautiful hiking tracks, you will fall in love with it. I bet once you read our list of top 5 best hiking tour destinations, you are going to put it on your bucket list.
Get ready for an awe-inspiring best hiking tours in Norway!!!

The country of Norway has stunning landscape.

Hiking trip to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock):

Any trip to Norway is incomplete without Preikestolen. Considered relatively easy by Norwegian standards, climbing to the top of Pulpit Rock is one of the most popular hiking tours. A perfect Instagram photo at the top of the rock is the ultimate trophy for the backpackers. Standing on a massive rock, you can enjoy the view of Lyserfjord. 

Once you are on the top, those who are brave enough can stand on Kjerag boulder, wedged between two cliffs about 100 meters above the fjord. According to Lonely Planet, Preikestolen is one of the most impressive “viewpoints”. Pulpit Rock has also made an appearance on Mission: Impossible-Fallout starring Tom Cruise. 

Now let’s talk about the actual hike. To get to the top of a famous viewpoint, you have to get to the famous town of Stavanger, Norway. The distance from the car park to the actual cliff is roughly 8-10 km depending on the route you talk. The time estimate is 4-5 hours, and you can hike with kids and family due to the easiness of the terrain. At the start, the climb is steep and varies along the way. The final 1-kilometer is a flat walk where you will start to see the real beauty of the surrounding fjord with clear blue water. If you can dare, set on the edge of the clip and play tootsie with your partner or best buddy. This challenge is not for faint-hearted people with acrophobia.

The favorable season to visit Norway for the best hiking experience is from April to September. There are a few pro tips before you decide to start your hike. The weather conditions are normally good but you need to read the weather report. It could get rainy at the top even if the skies are clear at the car park. Don’t start too late; daylight is key. Bring enough food and water for your whole hike. Leave your sneaker in your car and bring rough mountain boots. Use weatherproof and waterproof cloths. Bring an extra set of clothes just in case you get wet.

The edge of the cliff is a perfect spot for a great Instagram click.

Classic Hiking Trolltunga, in Odda, Hardanger:

Not ten years ago, Trolltung was just a name of cliff in Norway. But with the explosion of social media and Instagram influencers, it has become the tour of the life for hikers. The trip is both challenging and exciting with unforgettable experience. Trollunga is carved by the icecap that once covered the entire sub-arctic region of Scandinavia. Trolltunga in local language means the tongue of the trolls which is the perfect description for this 10,000 old rock formation from the ice age.

The trailhead is at the parking spot in Skjeggdal and the roundtrip is about 28-kilometers. Trolltunga is located 1100 meters above sea level. There the weather can be tricky sometime. The trip requires proper fitness and the first 1-km of the hike is more strenuous than the rest. Spectacular view, beautiful photo and challenging hiking terrain make it an epic experience. The summer hiking season last form the start of June to the end of August. The winter season is from October to May. Guided tour is recommended in winter due to snow and lack of clear path.

Known as “The tongue of Troll’s”, in Norwegian, the Trolltunga is an amazing rock formation dated back 10,000 years ago

Pro Tips and few other things to know:

• Total length is 27 km along the most common route.
• Total duration is roughly 7.10-8 hours.
• Meeting point: Trolltunga Active Store in Skjeggedal.
• Fitness level: Suitable for advance hikers and people in good shape.
• You should always start before 10 am because the timing is important due to the length.
• Elevation is 1100 meter above sea-level. Temperature and weather can be different at the top.
• Be prepared in advance to ensure unforgettable hike.
• Use sturdy hiking boots and save you sneakers for jaywalking.
• Use wind and waterproof pants and jackets. Jeans don’t belongs in the mountains.
• Warm clothes are important.
• Bring enough drink and food for the whole trip.
• Always make sure to have an extra day because you don’t know what the weather will be like.

The Kjeragbolten Hike:

The Kjeragbolten hike is one of the top popular hiking trails among professional hikers. Even you don’t make it to the top, you are still not going to regret it because of the sceneries on the whole way. Kjeragbolten is situated in Southern Norway, in the town of Lysebotn, 15 minutes away from city by car. It is situated 1084 above the sea-level, from there you can enjoy the view of entire mountainous plateau. Base jumpers and mountain climber don’t miss the chance to climb it.

The nature of the hike is demanding and you should not overestimate your physical conditions. The best time to hike Kjerag is from mid-May to September. The hike in the winter could be dangerous. The starting point is at the parking lot at Oygardstol. Always ask about current condition of the trail from the staff members.

The Kjerag is the among the most iconic spot on planet earth.

Hike Facts and Pro Tips:

• The hike to Kjeragbolten is roughly 11 km which takes about 6-10 hours.
• Nature of the hike: demanding even for pros.
• Minimum age is 16.
• Best months to travel: May to September.
• Don’t start too late and please be back before dark.
• Prepare a bag pack of 30-liters and treat yourself like a professional.
• Always bring proper hiking shoes because sneakers doesn’t belong in Norwegian mountains
• Make sure you bring enough food and water.
• Check the weather forecast before the hike and always bring an extra set of cloths.
• Guided tour is recommend. You can also hike without proper guide.

Reinebringen, Lofton Islands:

The archipelago of Lofton is known for its dramatic sceneries. The hike to Reinebringen is the most popular trip every tourist makes coming to Lofton. Overlooking the fishing villages of Reine, Sakrisoy, and Hamnoy, the view is simply amazing. The height of the mountain is just 448 meters tall, but the short distance should fool you. The hike is steep, strenuous and slippery. Few people often question about visiting Reinebringen. It is always recommended but with great care and proper guiding. Due to injuries and dangers from rock falling, the authorities have carved a new route with stoned steps along the hill. 

You can start the trail from the road that runs along outside of the Rmsvik tunnel. After a short hike of 1 km, you will reach the viewpoint. There are a total of 1566 stone stairs covering 75% of the trail. But the muddy, rocky trail is still there near the summit. By reaching the top of the cliff, you can enjoy the beauty of Reine with rocky mountains in the backdrop.

The iconic fishing valleys of Norway can be seen from the top of Reinebringen.

Hike facts and Pro Tip:

• The distance is 3 km round trip.
• The elevation gain is 510 meters.
• Fitness level: Good shape and normal fitness.
• The time needed to reach the summit: 3hours.
• You can hike with family and kids.
• The age limit is 16.
• Use anti-slip boots and leave your sneaker at home.
• A hiking stick is highly recommended.
• You can easily hike without a tour guide.
• Always look for alternative car parking venues, in case of a huge crowd.  

Flori Stair Hike, the longest wooden staircase in the world:

Originally made for the workers of the hydropower plant, Flori 4444 steps climb is the world’s longest wooden staircase. It was built in 1918 by a German company when WW1 was still raging. Today it is the ultimate test for hike enthusiasts. You can enjoy the view of near-by Lysefjord. Famous Kjerag boulder is also accessible from here because it is nearby and visits both sites on the same day. The hike is long and tiresome but provides some of the best lookout points. Climbing stairs is scary and epic at the same time.

The surrounding area is so attractive that visitors use it as a base camp for other adventures. You can stay at the hotel or rent out an apartment for your summer vacation. Going fishing is also an option. The climb feels like you are at the top of the world. There is also a shorter hike of 1000 steps if you are with kids and family. But the 4444 will warm you up for nearby Pulpit Rock and Kjeragbolten hike. 

4444 Stairs climb is the ultimate fun for pro hikers

Hike facts and Pro Tips:

• There is a total of 4444 steps.
• The estimated time is 3 hours.
• Always leave a fair distance between two people
• The hike requires extra fitness and great body shape
• You can hike with kids and family
• A tour guide is recommended
• Always bring sufficient food and water