Autumn in the mountains offers vibrant colors, crisp air, and a peace you can only dream of in the city. Dreaming of the mountains this fall? Here are ten recommendations for great mountain hikes suitable for a long weekend or the autumn holiday.
Late summer and autumn are among the best seasons for mountain hiking. Nature is filled with striking colors, and the mosquitoes and midges are gone. Pack your bag and enjoy a few days with family, friends, or on your own, either based at a single cabin or hiking from cabin to cabin.
Weekend trip along the Lysefjord
The hike from Songesand to Bakken farm and Sundmorkvatn cabin is a fantastic, varied weekend trip along the Lysefjord. You can stay overnight at Bakken farm and Sundmorkvatn cabin. One practical way to do this trip is to drop off a bicycle at Helmikstøl along the road over Lyngsheia. Drive down to Songesand, park the car, and hike to Bakken farm. The distance is short, but the coastal trail along the fjord is relatively demanding.
Bakken farm is an experience in itself, and the hike through Skurvedalen to Sundmorkvatn cabin takes you through some of the wilder parts of the region. Be sure to book Sundmorkvatn in advance, as it is a rental cabin. The final day passes through open mountain terrain and birch forests before you reach your bike by the road and roll back down to Songesand.
You can stay at Sundmorkvatn for several days. Photo: Steffen H. Vadla
Route: Lyngsheia to Bakken farm via Sundmorkvatn Difficulty: Demanding Distance: 14.8 km
Weekend hike on Vikerfjell
Vikerfjell is the closest high-mountain area to Oslo, making a circuit fully achievable over a standard weekend. The final stage over Høgfjell (1,009 m above sea level) delivers a true mountain experience.
Route: Weekend hike on Vikerfjell via Tjuenborgkoia and Vikerkoia Difficulty: Demanding Distance: 43.6 km
The Etne Mountains in a weekend
A short weekend with manageable daily stages lets you experience the true character of the Etne Mountains: excellent fishing lakes, well-kept cabins, and steep western valleys.
Route: The Etne Mountains in a weekend Difficulty: Demanding Distance: 21.3 km
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.
A long weekend circuit with good fishing lakes and daily legs of 6–8 hours. Øyuvsbu is located just a 20-minute walk from the Brokke–Suleskard road, making it a convenient starting point after work. The daily stages are relatively long but pass through easy terrain, giving anglers a chance to catch their own dinner.
Route: Circuit from Øyuvsbu Difficulty: Demanding Distance: 48.8 km
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!
Umbukta is situated along the E12 in Rana municipality, near the Swedish border. The E1, Grensesømmen, and Nordlandsruta routes all pass through here. The hike to Mjölckbäcken in Sweden covers pleasant mountain terrain, stopping at Sauvasshytta and Kvitsteindalstunet. Starting from Mjölckbäcken in the opposite direction provides views of Okstindan throughout the route.
Route: 3-day hike from Umbukta to Mjölckbäcken Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 35.5 km
The Hinnøya Triangle
The Hinnøya Triangle is a beautiful hike in scenic terrain. Photo: Marius Dalseg.
A three-day hike along marked trails on Norway's largest island, offering fine views, good cabins, and short daily stages. The total route covers 24 kilometers and 1,265 meters of elevation gain as a loop starting and ending in Fiskefjorden. The DNT cabins Toralfsbu and Haakonsbu are both worth a visit.
Route: The Hinnøya Triangle Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 25 km
Circuit in the Tafjord Mountains
A circuit through dramatic mountain scenery, winding through deep valleys, vibrant green lakes, and steep mountain walls.
Route: Northern Tafjord Mountains Circuit, via Tjønnebu and Vakkerstøylen Difficulty: Demanding Distance: 41.2 km
Remember to Leave the Cabin Clean and Tidy
DNT cabins operate on trust and shared responsibility. Before you leave, you must clean and wash the rooms you have used so the cabin is welcoming for the next family.
For everything you need to know about locks, keys, routines, and safety, check out the official DNT FAQ: Guide to your stay at a DNT cabin
Along mountain trails in Langsua
Langsua is rich in agricultural history, featuring trails shaped by traditional summer farming and grazing. The landscape offers open views toward the surrounding peaks and Jotunheimen. For those seeking a summit hike, local peaks offer views reaching as far as Rondane and Rendalsstølen.
Route: 3-day hike from Storhøliseter Difficulty: Moderate Distance: 31.3 km
From fjord to mountain in Luster and Breheimen
The mountain farm at Navarsete is an idyllic sight. Photo: Marius Dalseg.
This hike spans diverse landscapes, starting at sea level by the fjord and ending in Breheimen National Park, transitioning from lush fjord valleys to high alpine terrain. Sturdy footwear is essential due to the significant elevation gain.
Note: Weather changes quickly in the mountains during autumn. For family trips or a less demanding route, consider ending with an overnight stay at Fivla/Vigdastøl or Fast before descending back to Luster. Navarsete is an accessible, idyllic option for a shorter outing.
The Stølsheimen Triangle
Stølsheimen is particularly scenic in autumn, offering rich colors and varied routes. This circuit connects the cabins at Selhamar and Åsedalen. The trail ascends steadily over the first kilometer from 885 to 1,020 meters above sea level before flattening out past small mountain lakes. Raudberget near Selhamar is a notable local feature, named for its bright red appearance in the evening light.
