There is always a train waiting to take you to your next hiking adventure. Here are some of our top recommendations for a car-free mountain getaway.
From Mountains to Fjords: Finse to Aurlandsdalen
This is widely considered one of Norway's most spectacular treks. Step off the Bergen Railway at Finse Station and head north into the raw landscapes of Skarvheimen. The final stage brings you west as you descend the dramatic Aurlandsdalen valley all the way to the Sognefjord. This classic route spans 57 km of the absolute best Norwegian nature has to offer.
The classic in the Aurlandsdalen valley can be done as a three-day hike starting at Finse.
The classic trek through Aurlandsdalen is typically done as a three-day hike starting at Finse. You will journey from Finse’s monumental high-alpine environment down into lush, deep valleys—passing roaring waterfalls, historic farms, and romantic flower meadows. It is a bucket-list adventure on well-marked DNT trails, with overnight stays at staffed mountain lodges.
If you like cycling, you can take the train to Finse or Haugastøl and bike the famous and magnificent Rallarvegen (The Navvies' Road). It’s a stunning ride through the transition zone between Eastern and Western Norway. Note: The cycling season is short; snow usually blocks parts of the road until late July.
Wild reindeer
This area is located within a wild reindeer habitat. Wild reindeer are highly sensitive to disturbances and often detect human presence before being spotted. Visitors are requested to show caution and follow these guidelines:
Follow marked trails to minimize footprint impact.
Remain still if you encounter wild reindeer, allowing them to move away undisturbed.
Use binoculars and maintain a safe distance.
Stay low in the terrain and move downwind (or across the wind) so the animals do not catch your scent.
Keep dogs under control and strictly adhere to local leash laws.
Explore Bergsdalen: The Hike to Høgabu
Located just a short train ride outside Bergen, you will find the self-service cabin Høgabu, operated by Bergen og Hordaland Turlag. It serves as a fantastic mountain base for day trips, offering sweeping panoramic views of the Bergsdalen valley.
Høgabu is located in Bergsdalen, a beautiful mountain valley with endless hiking opportunities.
The lakes surrounding the cabin are brimming with trout, giving you an excellent chance to catch a first-class mountain dinner. Of course, you are also completely free to just relax for a day or two with a good book, fresh campfire coffee, and the quiet pace of cabin life.
The Journey: Take the Bergen Railway to Vaksdal Station and follow the route up Herfindal.
Want a shorter trip? Take the train straight to the cozy self-service cabin Hallingskeid and go on easy day trips from there. The cabin is located just 200 meters from the train platform!
Cross Norway from Fjord to Frontier: The Sylan Expedition
The Sylan mountain range offers an expedition experience unlike any other in Norway. Here, you can literally cross the entire country starting at the sea in Stjørdal and ending right at the Swedish border in Tydal.
This route goes both in marsh terrain, mountain forest terrain, along gravel ridges and on dry flyers, eastwards towards the Syl massif.
This is a demanding multi-day trek that takes you across bogs, through thick mountain forests, along gravel ridges, and over dry alpine plains toward the mighty Sylan massif. Along the way, you will stay at cozy self-service cabins and the wonderful staffed lodges Schultzhytta, Storerikvollen, and Nedalshytta.
Local Adventures by Rail
You don't always have to travel far into the wilderness for an adventure. Why not take the train just a few stations down the line and hike or bike your way back home? Use your local railway to unlock completely new paths and perspectives right in your backyard.
Ready to plan your car-free adventure? Find your next public transport connection and routes directly at entur.no
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.
The majority of DNT's cabins are either self-service (stocked with provisions) or unserviced (no provisions). Here is what you need to know before visiting a cabin without staff, and how the cabin system works.
