Ready to swap traffic noise for glacier-carved fjords and midnight-sun ridgelines? Norway’s trail network is legendary—yet choosing the right hike (and season) can feel overwhelming. Below you’ll find a quick-scan comparison table, detailed route breakdowns, plus local tips that turn spectacular walks into once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
At-a-Glance Trail Comparison
| Trail | Region | Distance / Gain | Difficulty | Ideal Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trolltunga | Hardanger | 27 km / 1 200 m | Hard | Jul – Aug |
| Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) | Ryfylke | 8 km / 500 m | Moderate | May – Oct |
| Besseggen Ridge | Jotunheimen | 13 km / 1 000 m | Hard | Jul – Sep |
| Romsdalseggen Ridge | Romsdal | 11 km / 970 m | Hard | Jul – Sep |
| Aurlandsdalen | Sogn | 20 km / 750 m ↓ | Moderate | Jun – Sep |
| Hardangervidda Traverse | Telemark | 3–7 days | Variable | Jul – Sep |
| Segla (Senja) | Arctic North | 5 km / 600 m | Moderate | Jul – Aug |
| Reinebringen | Lofoten | 4 km / 450 m | Moderate | Jun – Aug |
| Galdhøpiggen Summit | Jotunheimen | 12 km / 700 m | Moderate | Jul – Sep |
| Kjeragbolten | Lysefjord | 12 km / 800 m | Moderate | Jun – Sep |
1 Trolltunga: Norway’s Most Photogenic Ledge
Why go: A tongue-shaped rock jutting 700 m above the turquoise Ringedalsvatnet—an Insta-classic that’s even better in person.
- Distance / Gain: 27 km RT / 1 200 m
- Time: 10–12 h (start before 08:00)
- Trailhead: P2 Skjeggedal or P3 Mågelitopp (cuts 4 km, high parking fee)
- Best months: July–August
- Facilities: Seasonal toilets, water refill at Tyssohytte
Local tip: Pack micro-spikes in early July—snow patches linger. To beat the queue, aim for a sunrise start or bivouac 150 m away from the ledge (wild-camping rules apply).
2 Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)
Why go: A 604 m sheer drop into Lysefjord that’s only two hours from Stavanger.
- Distance / Gain: 8 km RT / 500 m
- Time: 4 h round-trip
- Trailhead: Preikestolen Fjellstue parking
- Best months: May–October
Local tip: Catch the first Rødne fjord-cruise of the day, then hike up for a double perspective of the cliff.
3 Besseggen Ridge
Why go: Knife-edge ridge dividing emerald Gjende and cobalt Bessvatnet lakes—one of Norway’s most famous postcards.
- Distance / Gain: 13 km / 1 000 m
- Time: 6–8 h (take the Gjende boat to Memurubu and hike back)
- Trailhead: Gjendesheim, Jotunheimen NP
- Best months: July–September
Local tip: Hike west-to-east (Memurubu → Gjendesheim) for lake views in front of you the entire way.
4 Romsdalseggen Ridge
Dramatic spires, the Rauma River valley, and the Atlantic coast all in one panorama.
- Distance / Gain: 11 km / 970 m
- Time: 7–8 h
- Trailhead: Vengedalen (shuttle from Åndalsnes)
- Best months: July–September
Local tip: Bring a windbreaker—gusts funnel over the ridge even on calm days.
5 Aurlandsdalen (“Norway’s Grand Canyon”)
A one-way descent through waterfalls, abandoned farms, and vertical walls.
- Distance / Gain: 20 km / 750 m descent
- Time: 6–7 h
- Trailhead: Østerbø; finish in Vassbygdi (bus back)
- Best months: June–September
Local tip: Overnight at Østerbø Fjellstove and start early to enjoy morning light in the gorge.
6 Hardangervidda Traverse
Norway’s largest mountain plateau = endless tundra, reindeer herds, and remote cabins.
- Distance / Time: 70–120 km over 3–7 days (choose your own hut-to-hut route)
- Gain: Gentle, but weather is the challenge
- Best months: July–early September
Local tip: Buy a DNT cabin key in Oslo; most huts are self-service and honor-based.
7 Segla, Senja
Why go: A shark-fin peak rising straight out of the fjord in Norway’s wild Arctic.
- Distance / Gain: 5 km RT / 600 m
- Time: 3 h
- Trailhead: Fjordgård village (limited parking)
- Best months: July–August
Local tip: For the classic front-on photo, continue 15 min past the summit to Hesten viewpoint.
8 Reinebringen, Lofoten
Iconic Lofoten panorama: red rorbuer cabins, emerald lagoons, and the open sea.
- Distance / Gain: 4 km RT / 450 m (stone Sherpa steps)
- Time: 2 h
- Trailhead: Reine village (strict parking rules—use signed lots)
- Best months: June–August
Local tip: Clouds move fast—wait 20 min before giving up on the view.
9 Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s Highest Peak
- Height: 2 469 m—the roof of Scandinavia
- Distance / Gain: 12 km RT / 700 m
- Time: 5–7 h
- Trailhead: Juvasshytta (glacier crossing with guide recommended)
- Best months: July–September
Local tip: Families can opt for the Spiterstulen route (longer, no glacier).
10 Kjeragbolten
Stand on a boulder wedged 984 m above Lysefjord—adrenaline guaranteed.
- Distance / Gain: 12 km RT / 800 m
- Time: 6 h
- Trailhead: Øygardstøl (narrow toll road from Lysebotn)
- Best months: June–September
Local tip: Arrive before 10:00 to avoid lines for the photo op.
Essential Norway Hiking Tips
- Layer like a local: Merino base, windproof fleece, 10 000 mm shell.
- Weather apps that matter: Yr.no beats global forecasts.
- Daylight math: In July you’ll have 18–24 h of light; in September sunsets are 19:00–20:00.
- Trail etiquette: Uphill hikers have right of way; leave no trace, pack out toilet paper.
- Public-transport hacks: Vy trains + shuttle buses reach Trolltunga, Preikestolen, Besseggen, and Romsdalseggen.
When to Go (By Region)
- Southwest Fjords: Snow clears by mid-May; mild through October.
- Arctic North (Lofoten/Senja): Short window—aim for July – early September.
- High Plateaus (Hardangervidda): July is safest; reindeer migration in late August adds magic.
Packing Checklist
- 30 L daypack with rain cover
- Waterproof boots + spare wool socks
- 2 L hydration bladder & electrolyte tabs
- Map/compass & offline GPS app
- Emergency bivy, power bank, headlamp
- Snacks: brunost sandwiches & Kvikk Lunsj chocolate
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to hike in Norway?
Late June to early September offers long daylight and mostly snow-free trails in southern Norway. Northern regions have a shorter July–August window.
Do I need a permit for Trolltunga?
No permit is required, but trailhead parking is paid and limited. Start before 10 am to avoid afternoon weather shifts.
Are drones allowed?
Most national parks prohibit them. Always check signage and local regulations.
Is wild-camping legal?
Yes, under Norway’s Allemannsretten (Right to Roam), you may pitch a tent 150 m from the nearest house or cabin for up to two nights—leave no trace.
Final Thought
Whether you’re tackling the bucket-list ledges of Trolltunga and Preikestolen or chasing solitude across Hardangervidda’s endless tundra, Norway rewards preparation. Pack smart, respect the fragile alpine environment, and these ten trails will deliver memories (and photos) that outshine even the most breath-taking Google images. God tur!