Many of the most popular mountain hikes in Norway can be found in Fjord Norway! Three of these are Trolltunga, Romsdalseggen ridge and the Pulpit Rock – but there are many more that deserve a place on your bucket list.
What is so special about many of the mountain hikes in Fjord Norway is the view of the fjords. Nothing much beats standing on a mountain peak and looking out over the fjord landscape on a beautiful summer’s day – or a misty valley on a magical autumn day. In spring, you can enjoy views of the waterfalls, which are massive at that time of year.
Below, you will find some of the most popular hikes in Fjord Norway – from the north to the south of our region. Mountain hikes in Fjord Norway.
For the absolute best experience, we recommend joining a guided tour. Tour guides have excellent local knowledge and will share their insights about local culture and nature. They also ensure that the trip is safe and can take you places you may not have discovered on your own.
The hike over Romsdalseggen ridge – close to the mountaineering capital of Åndalsnes – is not only one of the most popular hikes in Norway, but also one of the most spectacular. The hike over the ridge is demanding and takes you from Venjedalssetra summer pasture farm, via the well-known Rampestreken Viewpoint, and then down to Åndalsnes. On the way, you can enjoy views of the Trollveggen cliff – the troll wall – and Romsdal’s mountains.
Sherpa stepshave become very popular attractions in Norway. One of the world’s longest Sherpa stairways is situated on Otrøya island in Midsund, west of Molde. A total of 3,292 steps lead you to the top of Rørsethornet mountain, with a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean and mountains.
The hike over Romsdalseggen ridge – close to the mountaineering capital of Åndalsnes – is not only one of the most popular hikes in Norway, but also one of the most spectacular. The hike over the ridge is demanding and takes you from Venjedalssetra summer pasture farm, via the well-known Rampestreken Viewpoint, and then down to Åndalsnes. On the way, you can enjoy views of the Trollveggen cliff – the troll wall – and Romsdal’s mountains.
Sherpa steps have become very popular attractions in Norway. One of the world’s longest Sherpa stairways is situated on Otrøya island in Midsund, west of Molde. A total of 3,292 steps lead you to the top of Rørsethornet mountain, with a spectacular panoramic view of the ocean and mountains.
Once in Åndalsnes, we recommend that you go on a number of different hikes in this beautiful area. Around the Trollstigen road, you can take the popular hike to Bispevatnet lake and, if you’re feeling fit, you might be tempted by a guided hike to the top of Trollveggen – Store Trolltind mountain. More hikes around Åndalsnes and the Trollstigen road
The Sunnmøre Alps are famously known as an amazing playground for winter and summer sports. British tourists began exploring mountains such as Slogen as early as the 19th century! Slogen mountain, towering 1,564 metres above sea level, is perhaps the most well-known mountain. It’s certainly one of the most visited and perhaps has the finest summit of all the mountains in the Sunnmøre Alps. At the top, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Hjørundfjord and the surrounding mountains.
One place you can start your hike to Slogen is Øye in Norangsdalen valley. From there, it takes about 4–5 hours to reach the summit and you should reckon on at least 2-3 hours to descend. If you fancy splashing out, you can spend a night at the historic Hotel Union Øye and enjoy a bit of luxury before and after your trip. It’s a demanding hike, so we recommend going with an experienced mountain guide from, for example, Uteguiden or 62ºNORD.
Saksa is another popular mountain in the same area. Although it’s not one of the highest mountains in the area, the hike up Saksa is steep. On the way up, you can rest and have lunch in a lovely lean-to shelter. There are also Sherpa steps on parts of the route. You can see the remains of old mountain pasture farms and get a dizzying view of the Hjørundfjord on the way up. An experienced guide can share information and tales from the region, as well keep you safe.
Mount Skåla (1,848 masl), is a popular hiking destination, despite the fact that the route is steep and is demanding in parts, going through areas of scree. However, on the hike up and at the summit, you will see why so many people tire themselves out taking this hike – the view is truly unique. At the top is Skålatårnet stone tower, dating from 1891. The tower has now been joined by a new DNT cabin – Skålabu – which was built in 2016.
Another popular hiking destination in Loen is Mount Hoven, where you’ll find Loen Skylift, a cable car that takes you to the top of the mountain in just five minutes. You can of course hike up instead, but once at the top you will find there is plenty of amazing hiking terrain to explore. The most venturous may want to try the Loen Via Ferrata.
Read more about these highlighted places and attractions in Voss.
From the top of Hornelen in Bremanger, the mountainside drops 860 metres into the fjord. There are sweeping views from the summit – out to the ocean, the fjords and the high mountains. Since a demanding Via Ferrata route opened at Hornelen – Olavsruta – the cliff is now even more famous. The mountain promises an unforgettable trip, whether you choose the traditional or more challenging route to the top.
Alden mountain, situated further south and towards the ocean, is a well-known navigation point along the coast. Alden mountain is also known as the Norwegian horse, and it rises almost vertically from the ocean. There are views over the ocean and towards the surrounding islands, mountains and fjords. The hike promises a wonderful experience of nature.
A trip through Aurlandsdalen valley can be taken as a multi-day trip from cabin to cabin (Finse – Geiterygghytta – Stemmerdalen – Østerbø – Vassbygdi), or you can just walk part of the route – it’s entirely up to you! The most well-known part of the trip is from Østerbø to Vassbygdi (about 20 km/6–7 hours). There is a bus from Vassbygdi back to Østerbø.
The main route of travel between Eastern and Western Norway has always crossed Filefjell mountain and is known as Kongevegen – the King's Road. The 100km route takes you through some of the most beautiful landscapes in Norway, from Valdres, over the high mountains and down to Gamle Lærdalsøyri in Lærdal. You can choose to walk all the route in five days or part of the route in three days.
The starting point for the hike to Breidskredsnosi is about an hour’s drive from Voss. There are jaw-dropping views from the top – from 1,189 metres above sea level, you’re rewarded with unparalleled views of the famous UNESCO fjord. The trip is not technically demanding, but you will need to be physically fit, have experience of walking in mountainous terrain and not be afraid of heights!
We highly recommend a guided tour to Breidskredsnosi with Wild Voss. The area is home to wild reindeer, but the guided tours are designed not to interfere with the important wildlife.
To the east of Voss is Raundalen, a valley that extends all the way to Upsete, and where you can follow in the footsteps of giants! King Sverre Sigurdsson and his army of Birkebeiner rebels fought against a huge peasant army near Voss on their way to Bergen, which at that time was called Bjørgvin. In order to get past the peasant army, they had to make a steep trail up the mountain, which was named Sverrestigen. Join a guided tour to Sverrestigen with Wild Voss and find out more about this fascinating piece of history!
A visit to the city mountains of Ulriken and Fløyen is practically a must-do when visiting Bergen. If you’re feeling energetic, you can hike over the plateau (Vidden) between Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen or, for a less strenuous journey, you can take the famous Fløibanen funicular or Ulriksbanen cable car to the top. There are amazing areas to hike at the top of both mountains, or you can always choose the path of least resistance and wander back down to the city.
On Osterøy, just outside Bergen, there is a lesser-known hike that is definitely worth checking out: Kossdalssvingane – a cultural-historical road that’s been preserved from the late 19th century. It’s a lovely walk on a gravel road that is ideal for families with children.
Trolltunga needs no introduction: images from the ‘tongue’ over Ringedalsvatnet lake have been circulating the world for a long time. Trolltunga juts from the mountain 1,180 metres above sea level. If you are experienced in the mountains, you can hike up alone during the summer season but, for a truly special experience, a guided tour is highly recommended. Why not book an overnight trip so you can see the sunset and sunrise over Trolltunga? You might also want to check out the Via Ferrata! Or why not take a trip here in winter? There are winter tours with experienced guides. More information about hiking Trolltunga.
Hardanger is home to Dronningstien – HM Queen Sonja’s favourite walking trail – which runs between Kinsarvik and Lofthus and offers panoramic views of the Sørfjord. After your adventure, we recommend checking into Hotel Ullensvang, where you can enjoy a spa treatment or just relax in the indoor or outdoor pool.
The walk to Bondhusvatnet lake is one of the most popular and accessible trips in Hardanger. There is a gravel road from the car park to Bondhusvatnet lake. The route runs alongside the Bondhuselva river. Once you reach the lake, take time to relax and take in the surroundings. People love looking at pictures from here – and for very good reason! You may want to continue walking to the other end of the lake, where you can get closer to the Bondhusbreen glacier.
The beautiful village of Rosendal is not only home to Scandinavia’s smallest castle – Baroniet Rosendal manorhouse – but is also the starting point for two incredible mountain hikes: Melderskin and Malmangernuten.
Melderskin (1,426 masl) is a demanding but incredibly beautiful hike. The route is steep, but your efforts will be rewarded by fantastic views to the ocean, the fjord, the surrounding mountains and the Folgefonna glacier.
The route up Mount Malmangernuten is slightly more forgiving than the hike up Melderskin mountain, but is nonetheless graded as red. It’s possible to start the hike from Rosendal or Hattebergsdalen valley. This is a popular hike with beautiful views of Rosendal, neighbouring villages, fjords and mountains.
The Åkrafjord is a little-known gem that actually deserves a lot more attention. It’s here that you can found Langfoss, Norway’s fifth highest waterfall, which was ranked by CNN as one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world. There’s a hiking trail beside the 612-metre-high waterfall, and at the top you are met with incredible views of the Åkrafjord.
If you think that the hike up Trolltunga looks a bit too challenging, Himakånå in Nedstrand is an excellent alternative. The tour has gained popularity in recent years and is a family-friendly alternative that still offers panoramic views from the top. More information about Himakånå and other activities in Nedstrand.
Not far from Stavanger is the Lysefjord, one of the longest fjords in Norway. Around the fjord are a number of hikes that feature on a good many bucket lists.
The Pulpit Rock is one of the most famous hiking routes in Norway – and around the world. The iconic mountain ledge hangs high above the Lysefjord and looks as though it has been carved out of the mountain. It’s possible to hike it alone or as part of a guided tour. Read more about the Pulpit Rock.
Dare to venture onto the Kjeragbolten boulder? That’s no doubt the goal of many visitors to Kjerag: to stand, trembling at the knees, on the huge boulder that is wedged in the mountain, with the fjord a long way down below. Most visitors are, however, quite satisfied with enjoying the view without venturing onto the rock. If you’re lucky, you might get to see a base jumper fearlessly leaping off. Read more Kjerag mountain.
The start and end of this trip are separated by 4444 steps. The world’s longest wooden stairway takes you 750 metres above sea level, and at the top there are stunning views of the Lysefjord and the Pulpit Rock.
The small, roadless village of Flørli on the Lysefjord can only be accessed by ferry, and although the Flørli stairs are its most famous attraction, Flørli also has lots more to offer.
That’s no exaggeration: the unique rock formation with the descriptive name Trollpikken (the troll’s penis), received world-wide attention when vandals cut it down. Fundraising helped resurrect the stone and the nice and easy hike there is now more popular than ever. The area around Trollpikken rock is a part of Magma UNESCO Global Geopark.
