Step by step on a mountain hike

Take the first step. Plan your trip. And then take 10,000 more

Here are our top five stair-climbing hikes in Møre og Romsdal county – ideal whether you seek an urban vibe in the heart of the West Norwegian countryside, striking alpine landscapes with fjord views, or mountain hikes overlooking the sea.

1. Stairs close to town life and local delicacies

Take the plunge and visit Ålesund or Kristiansund. From the top of Aksla or Kvernberget mountain, you can enjoy views of both town life and the ocean. Recharge by combining the thrill of a mountain hike with culture, dining, nightlife, and shopping.

Watch the sun sink into the Atlantic Ocean from the summits and discover the lively urban scene awaiting you below. After your hike, savour the flavours of local traditions like Kristiansund’s famous clipfish or the coastal gastronomy of Ålesund.

Feel inspired to add more active experiences for the whole family to your holiday? Kristiansund boasts Norway's second-oldest opera and an engaging coastal culture museum, while Ålesund offers wine tasting and contemporary art.

Climb the stairs at your own pace, or stroll and enjoy each step up to Byrampen for a sweeping view over Ålesund’s Art Nouveau architecture.

2. Spend your alpine holiday in Norway

No need to head to the continent to experience jagged mountain peaks. Take the train to Åndalsnes and the Romsdalen Alps, or explore Hjørundfjorden and the Sunnmøre Alps. These alpine landscapes offer a more demanding hiking experience than the coastal trails. Thanks to the Sherpas' expertise in safe mountaineering and trail-building, these hikes are now more accessible and secure.

Åndalsnes is like a small alpine village, where climbers, tourists, ski enthusiasts, families, and groups of friends walk around, on the lookout for their next adventure. A highlight, or perhaps the starting point of your stay, is a hike up the Romsdalstappa.

With pointed peaks, crystal-clear fjords, cosy luxury hotels, and charming villages, Hjørundfjord offers the perfect escape from everyday life. The steps to Saksa lead you on a challenging, breezy climb, culminating in a well-earned sense of accomplishment and panoramic vistas at the summit.

3. Experience the open sea from great heights

In Møre og Romsdal, the sea and mountains are always within reach. Whether you are keen to try your luck at fishing, enjoy boat life, or spend a night outdoors breathing in the sea air and mountain views, you will find plenty of opportunities here. Even near the ocean, you can still count stairs and ascend to impressive heights. In Midsund, nestled between the fjord and the ocean, you can climb more than 10,000 steps on one of the world’s longest stone staircases: Rørsethornet.

Explore the famous Misund stairway, featured in National Geographic.

Hakalletrappa is a new Sherpa-built staircase in Vanylven, near Norway’s westernmost coast, with views over Stadhavet, fresh sea air, and striking sunsets. Not far away, you can take the family to Hakallegarden, a farm featured on Norway’s NRK Super children’s channel, where you can meet the alpaca Nikoline, dogs, cats and rabbits. Join in on various activities and enjoy coffee and a treat from the café.

4. Discover World Heritage sites and a Nobel Prize winner’s inspiration

Experience the Nesset farm through the words of Nobel laureate Bjørnstjerne Bjørnsson, who described it as “one of the most beautiful farms in the country, lying as it does between two meeting fjords with a green mountain above it”. Start your hike up Prestaksla from here, where you will enjoy views of the iconic Ågottind peak (1,526 m.a.s.l). Known for its exotic feel and relative seclusion, the area is cherished by participants of the Norwegian TV series 71° Nord as a place where you can have an entire fjord all to yourself.

In the World Heritage village of Geiranger, you will find a rich blend of history, culture, and culinary experiences. Here, generations have made a living clinging to the mountainside, farming and welcoming visitors. The village is home to one of Norway's five national tourist trails: Fosseråsa. This hike offers stair climbing, fjord views, and a refreshing spray from cascading waterfalls.

5. Record-breaking waterfalls and stairways

Did you know that two of Europe’s three tallest waterfalls are in Sunndal? Vinnufallet, fed by a glacier, cascades 1,000 metres down into the valley. Here, locals are working to set a world record with the construction of the longest staircase in the world.

Plan your stair climb

Follow these steps to make your stair-climbing adventure seamless:

• Choose the perfect staircase(s) to match your group
• Book your accommodation
• Plan your journey to Møre og Romsdal, ideally by train or bus
• Check if a guide can enhance your experience
• Pack your backpack
• Make dinner reservations to cap off your adventure