Turning travel dreams into reality is a rewarding experience. Below is an overview of ten of the most popular mountain hikes and routes in Norway.
Whether you aim to hike Preikestolen, Besseggen, or explore other famous ranges, proper preparation is key to a successful trip. Read more: Plan Your Next Adventure
1. Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock)
View of the Lysefjord from the Preikestolen plateau. Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre
The hike to Preikestolen is one of Norway's most frequented trails. The main attraction is the flat cliff plateau overlooking the Lysefjord, reached via a well-maintained trail through varied terrain with multiple viewpoints. To avoid large crowds, it is recommended to start the hike during off-peak hours.
Gaustatoppen
From the top of Gaustatoppen, you can see a sixth of Norway on good weather days. Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre
Gaustatoppen features one of Eastern Norway's widest panoramic views and is easily accessible from the mountain road between Rjukan and Tuddal. The characteristic white-striped ridge is visible from vast areas of southern Norway. The standard route from the Stavsro parking lot takes approximately three hours up and two hours down, with an elevation gain of around 700 meters along a clear, rocky path.
Everything you need to know about staying at a DNT cabin
Who can use the DNT cabins, and do I need to book in advance? Here you will find answers to frequently asked questions about planning a cabin trip with DNT.
You usually have to stand in line to get the obligatory photo at Trolltunga. Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre
Trolltunga is a spectacular rock outcrop jutting out roughly 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet in Skjeggedal. This destination requires solid mountain experience and physical endurance due to its length. The round-trip hike from Skjeggedal takes 10–11 hours, excluding rest breaks.
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.
Kjerag is a 1,000-meter vertical granite cliff face in the Lysefjord. While long admired from the fjord below, hiking to the plateau and the famous wedged boulder, Kjeragbolten, has become highly popular. The terrain is steep, rocky, and physically demanding.
Besseggen
The panoramic route along the Besseggen ridge. Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre
Besseggen is a classic Norwegian ridge hike. It offers expansive views of the wild Jotunheimen range, steep sections, and a distinct contrast between the vibrant green Lake Gjende on one side and the deep blue Lake Bessvatnet on the other. The route is long but technically straightforward for experienced hikers.
Galdhøpiggen
From Juvasshytta there is a glacier guide over Styggebrean and up to the top. Photo: Camilla Horten
Norway's highest peak, Galdhøpiggen, towers over the Jotunheimen region. The route from Juvasshytta crosses the Styggebreen glacier and requires a certified glacier guide, making the roof of Norway accessible also for families with children accustomed to mountain terrain.
Satisfied cyclist at the highest point on Rallarvegen between Finse and Flåm. Photo: André Marton Pedersen
Rallarvegen is the country's most famous mountain cycling route. It follows the old construction road built alongside the Bergen Railway around the turn of the 20th century. The route transitions from calmer eastern mountain terrain near the Hallingskarvet range to the steep western valleys toward the fjord, passing close to the Hardangerjøkulen glacier.
Romsdalseggen
Hiking along the Romsdalseggen ridge. Photo: Ingvild Lundberg Bakke
Romsdalseggen ridge offers panoramic views of the alpine Romsdal mountains, including Trollveggen (The Troll Wall), Romsdalshorn, and Vengetindene, alongside views of the Rauma River winding toward Åndalsnes. The traverse takes 6–8 hours. After the initial ascent, hikers can choose between the standard ridge route or a less exposed, easier variant.
Take our "Leave No Trace" Mini-Course
Outdoor life is more popular than ever, and more of us are heading out to experience nature, whether on day trips or overnight stays in tents and hammocks. But do you really know the "rules of the woods"? What exactly does the Right of Public Access entail? Are you allowed to swim from private piers?
Take our digital mini-course and become a responsible hiker in just a few minutes!
Vidden (The Plateau from Mount Fløyen to Mount Ulriken)
The trip across Vidden is accessible and popular. Photo: André Marton Pedersen
Vidden is a highly accessible route connecting two of the city mountains surrounding Bergen. The trail offers a high-alpine environment close to the city center and is frequently hiked year-round. It can be started from either the Mount Fløyen funicular or the Mount Ulriken cable car.
Aurlandsdalen
The view in the Aurlandsdalen valley can take your breath away. Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre
The hike through the Aurlandsdalen valley combines wild, plunging landscapes with local cultural history. Serving as a historic thoroughfare through Skarvheimen between Jotunheimen and Hardangervidda, the route features dramatic contrast, from barren rocks to lush valleys and rushing rapids.
We Recommend Booking in Advance
To ensure a smooth trip and guarantee your bed, we highly recommend booking your stay ahead of time. Please note that most coastal cabins and several unserviced cabins (ubetjente hytter) must be booked in advance.
This applies to coastal cabins, but also to many popular unserviced cabins located in the forests close to urban areas. Because these cabins are easily accessible from where people live, they fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
How to Book:
You can easily plan your stay and reserve your beds online. For a complete step-by-step guide on how the system works, visit the DNT Cabin Booking Information Page.
How to Pay for Extras:
If you are visiting a self-service cabin with a food pantry, or if you make any drop-in changes during your stay, you can easily register and pay on-site using your smartphone. Read more about downloading and using the app here: DNT Cabin Payment App.
How to Show Consideration on Your Hike
Enjoying the outdoors is a shared experience. Following these simple guidelines ensures that we protect nature and respect our fellow hikers.
Respect the Environment
Leave No Trace: Always practice "traceless travel." Carry out everything you bring in and leave the area exactly as you found it.
Protect Nature and History: Avoid damaging vegetation and keep a respectful distance from sites of cultural-historical value, such as stone ruins or burial mounds.
Do Not Disturb Wildlife: Maintain a respectful distance from birds and animals, especially during nesting and breeding seasons.
Respect Others
Keep the Peace: Many people hike to enjoy the silence. Avoid loud music or unnecessary noise that may disturb the tranquility.
Share the Trail: Be courteous and make room for others, whether you are walking, running, or cycling.
Respect Private Property: While the Right of Public Access is broad, always respect the privacy of those living in houses or cabins near the trail.
Key Concepts for Hikers
"Leave No Trace" (Sporløs ferdsel): This is the golden rule of Norwegian hiking. If you brought it in, you take it out. This includes everything from food scraps and orange peels to hygiene products.
Are you dreaming of new mountain areas and hidden hiking gems? Are you longing for a ski touring adventure, the perfect family trip or a quiet pond deep in the enchanted forest? Find inspiration for your next hiking adventure here!
