The ravages of time have long since worn away many of our ancient routes, but visible roads and diverse cultural monuments still remain carved into our landscape. You can experience these firsthand along DNT's Historical Hiking Routes.
For as long as people have inhabited Norway, there has been traffic across our expansive country by both land and sea, between villages, valleys, towns, and farms. These trails span turquoise glaciers, majestic mountain plateaus, wild seas, and lush green stretches of forest, connecting Southern Norway to the Western fjords, traversing Jotunheimen, weaving through Finnskogen, and descending into the Aurlandsdalen valley.
Where History Meets Nature: These carefully selected paths offer world-class outdoor experiences combined with exciting cultural heritage. Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre
Historical Hiking Routes can be found all over the country. The selected routes give you great outdoor experiences in combination with exciting cultural heritage.
The routes follow old paths or roads where generations walked before us. You might find yourself in a high-mountain landscape filled with ancient hunting traps, or retracing the steps of brave refugees fleeing during World War II.
- When you know how the people before you used the landscape, it completely changes how you view the path and your surroundings. Hikers often become far more aware of protecting these important cultural monuments, says Louise Brunborg-Næss, Cultural Heritage Advisor at DNT.
VIEW: Fonnabu at sunset. Photo: Bergen and Hordaland Hiking Association
Famous and Forgotten Stories: The Routes
A trek along a Historical Hiking Route typically lasts from one to five days, with excellent opportunities to spend the night in DNT cabins or local accommodations along the way.
The routes are well-marked, signposted, and always linked to a specific historical theme. Known and forgotten stories are shared via information boards along the trails, allowing you to learn about the history before and during your journey.
FOLGEFONNA: The Scenic Route over Folgefonna. Breidablikk 1941. Photo: Kvinnherad municipality
The Historical Hiking Routes project is a joint initiative between the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) and the Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren), a natural partnership between two organizations dedicated to protecting the same landscapes.
NEW ROUTE: The hike from Hallingskeid to Osa is a newly opened Historical Hiking Route. Photo: André Marton Pedersen
Here are the official Historical Hiking Routes in Norway:
The Classics & High Mountains
Aurlandsdalen:
A breathtaking trek through hilly mountain landscapes and lush valleys along the historic trade road connecting Eastern and Western Norway.
Historical Jotunheimen:
Step into the footsteps of the early pioneers of outdoor life, mountain sports, and literature in the very cradle of Norwegian mountain tourism.
The Fieldfare Route (Tafjordfjella):
Retrace the movements of legendary resistance fighters Joachim Rønneberg, Birger Strømsheim, and Olav Aarsæther during WWII. The route also features ancient settlements, stone arches, and trapping pits.
The Trail over Kamperhamrane:
Walk this historic transport road across steep mountain sections and up bricked stone stairs to meet massive, centuries-old cairns that have guided travelers for generations.
Nordmannsslepa:
Traverse the vast, open plateaus of Hardangervidda along one of Norway's oldest and most important mountain highways. For centuries, this historic trail network was used by traders, hunters, and travelers to transport livestock and goods between Eastern and Western Norway.
Show Consideration for Wild Reindeer
The natural habitats of Europe’s wild reindeer are facing unprecedented fragmentation. As a hiker, understanding how to minimize your impact is essential when traveling through these vulnerable alpine ecosystems.
Combine green forests and moss-covered terrain with vital wartime history. This 120-kilometer route was used by couriers and refugees fleeing to freedom in Sweden during World War II.
Finnskogrunden:
Immerse yourself in the distinctive history, mysticism, and culture of the Forest Finns (Skogfinner) along this beautiful forest loop.
Hallevägen:
Explore the historic trade path used by Swedish merchants traveling to Halden for hundreds of years. For many across the border, Halden was the premier hub to buy and sell goods.
Glaciers, Fjords & Coastal Paths
The Scenic Route over the Folgefonna Glacier:
Folgefonna has been an attractive tourist destination for over 200 years. This trail bridges two dramatic arms of the Hardangerfjord.
The Jacobine Route:
A unique walking and rowing tour in the Drøbak Sound of the Oslofjord, named after the historic local ferrywoman, Jacobine.
Hallingskeidvegen (Ulvik):
An exciting and somewhat demanding mountain trek leading from the fjord village of Osa up into the high mountains, following an ancient transport route.
Driftavegen through Viglesdalen:
Located in Hjelmeland (Rogaland), this fascinating trail follows a historic cattle-driving road masterfully built by Swedish stonemasons between 1907 and 1912.
The Public Forests of Hedmarken (Allmenningsskogene på Hedmarken):
Immerse yourself in the rich forestry history of the Hedmark region. This route takes you through vast public woodlands, showcasing old logging trails, historic forest cabins, and cultural relics from centuries of traditional forestry.
Cultural Valleys & Northern Trails
The Telegraph Route (Telegrafruta):
A beautiful and historic 60-kilometer hike that follows the old telegraph line across the easy, rolling mountain terrain of Saltfjellet.
The Reisa Valley:
For thousands of years, people have traversed the upper Reisa Valley on foot and by riverboat. Walk in their memorable footsteps through a dramatic canyon landscape.
The Bridal Route:
An old path between Sirdal and Kvinesdal running through beautiful moorlands filled with interesting cultural-historical landmarks.
The Stølsruta (Valdres):
Walk through a vibrant, active summer farming landscape where humans and livestock have coexisted for centuries, shaping the valleys we see today.
Malmveien:
Hike through a distinctive landscape bearing the historical traces of mining, ore transport, timber floating, indigenous reindeer herding, and mountain farming.
Alta to Karasjok Mail Route:
Established officially in 1813, this historic route across the vast Finnmark plateau was a vital overland link for the historic Arctic mail service.
Plan Your Historic Journey: You can find a complete overview, detailed maps, and cabin booking info for all the historical hiking routes on UT.no.
