The mountains stand tall along the coast of FjordKysten, from Gulen in the south to Bremanger in the north. Here you can choose from steep challenges to leisurely coastal paths - all with sea views guaranteed.
Most trails are well marked, and folders with maps and route descriptions are available at the local tourist offices and at many of the hotels.
FjordKysten's top 5 panorama mountain hikes
Hornelen in Bremanger: Legendary Hornelen, Northern Europe's tallest sea cliff, is situated straight across the fjord from Vingen rock carving site. Many legends are linked to this mountain, which towers 850 metres over the sea - a landmark for ships, and a popular destination for hikers. The trip to the top of Hornelen takes approximately four hours from Berleneset. Grade: very demanding.
Alden in Askvoll: Alden is also known as "The Norwegian Horse" due to its particular shape - a famous landmark for sea farers along the coast. Rising 481 metres straight up from the sea, it is visible over 100 kilometres away. Marked trail to its peak, access via ferry to Værlandet, continuing by boat from there to Alden. Grade: medium.
Blegja in Askvoll: This peak is a tougher challenge, at 1,305 metres, but the reward is an unbeatable view! You can see as far as Jostedalsbreen Glacier to the east and to Snønipa and the glacier of Ålfoten in the north. To the west your eye can follow the coastline from Solund to Hornelen, and straight out to sea. This trip takes a full day to complete. Grade: very demanding.
Store Batalden in Flora: The hike up to this sea cliff outside Florø offers breathtaking views of the islands and the archipelago. Store Batalden rises 492 metres straight out of the sea, and it is the highest peak on the islands surrounding Florø. Here you can enjoy the beautiful nature that makes this archipelago entirely unique. Grade: medium.
Lihesten in Hyllestad: The majestic and mysterious mountain of Lihesten in Hyllestad is one of the most distinctive peaks along the coast. Several trails will lead you to the top (714 metres above sea level), with views of the ocean and the fjords. You will also find several good fishing lakes on this mountain. Grade: demanding.
The North Sea Trails
The North Sea Trails are costal trails designed for hiking and biking. Most of them are graded as easy, and are suitable for both adults and children. You will find 15 different North Sea Trails in FjordKysten. Here you can experience and discover the myriad of islands, deep fjords and cultural attractions on marked trails all over the region.
Among the highlights is the North Sea Trail on the island of Utvær - you cannot get further west in Norway than here. The trail is an easy walk around the island, where Norway's westernmost lighthouse is located. The island is surrounded by the open sea, and you will be overwhelmed by its power. Along the trail you can also see several historical sites, including a place where the Vikings used to sharpen their swords before heading west.
Hiking in Bremanger
You can hike over 100 trails throughout the northern part of FjordKysten, Bremanger, from walks along the coast with its sandy beaches to hikes on the Ålfoten Glacier, the westernmost glacier in Norway. The walks range from excursions for the truly adventurous to short strolls for walkers all abilities - all through beautiful and unspoiled nature.
Most of the trails are well marked, and some have coloured grading where the green routes are the easiest, followed by blue, red and black. The Bremanger Walking Guide, published in November 2010, is available in English and Norwegian, and contains route descriptions for 104 walks in Bremanger.
Further information
For more information about hiking in FjordKysten, contact fjordkysten.no.