The trekking paradise of Norway – the four most beautiful routes
Scandinavian travel has been trending for years. The northern countries lure visitors with pristine nature and offer plenty for active holidaymakers. Norway, in particular, boasts some of the world’s most stunning trekking routes. Here are our top 4 picks.
A vast, rugged coastline, fjords, mountains, and lakes – Norway’s breathtaking landscapes draw trekking enthusiasts in droves. Add to that Norway’s *allemannsretten* (right to roam), which lets you camp almost anywhere in the wild, provided you respect nature and keep a respectful distance from homes and settlements. If wild camping isn’t your style, Norway’s DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) offers well-maintained campsites and cabins. Throw in a well-marked network of hiking trails, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable trekking adventure!
1. Jotunheimen
Around 240 kilometres northwest of Oslo lies the so-called “Roof of Scandinavia,” home to Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s – and all of Scandinavia’s – highest peak at 2,469 metres. The mountain is part of Jotunheimen, the “Home of the Giants,” a sprawling 3,500-square-kilometre region within Jotunheimen National Park. Here, you’ll find Norway’s most popular hiking trail, the Besseggen Ridge, drawing 30,000 visitors annually, while the rest of the trail network is exceptionally well-developed. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker, a trip here delivers something for everyone – with breathtaking panoramas from Scandinavia’s highest summits as your reward.
2. Hardangervidda
Europe’s largest high-mountain plateau in southwestern Norway offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, vast tundra, rivers, and lakes – along with glaciers and waterfalls. The area is ideal for extended multi-day trekking tours for experienced hikers; an east-west crossing, for example, takes about five days. But day trippers also get their money’s worth on the well-marked trails and stunning viewpoints at the plateau’s edges. The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) maintains several huts here, while the Hardangervidda’s largely untouched flora and fauna and sparse population make it a perfect destination for adventurous wild campers.
3. The Olav Way
4. Trolltunga
To wrap up our list of Norway’s most stunning trekking routes, we present a true highlight: Trolltunga. This breathtaking natural landmark southeast of Bergen features a massive rock ledge jutting 700 metres above the ground! The climb is best suited for experienced hikers, as the trail kicks off with a steep ascent right from the start. The challenging 22-kilometre trek takes a full day but rewards you with one of Norway’s most spectacular views from the top. After the climb, the vista opens up to the Ringedalsvatnet Lake, a sight that makes every bit of effort worthwhile. And for those craving even more adventure, you can rappel down from Trolltunga via zipline and experience the landscape from an entirely new angle.
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Norway’s stunning landscapes don’t just offer thrilling trekking routes – they’re also home to an incredible array of wildlife. Moose, wolves, lynxes, brown bears, and red deer all roam the country’s vast forests.
Source header image: unplash / Colin Moldenhauer
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Image source: unplash / Colin Moldenhauer