Would you like to conquer iconic mountain formations like Trolltunga and The Pulpit Rock? Or do you want to try a less crowded hike with equally impressive views? Few places have such varied scenery in one region as Fjord Norway. Here are some of the region's best hiking options.
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The famous mountains of Preikestolen, the Romsdalseggen ridge, Trolltunga, and Kjerag are just a few of Fjord Norway’s most popular hikes – and they are all big adventures. They might be taxing on your knees and quads, though, unless you are an experienced hiker. But you’ll also find numerous shorter and gentler paths perfect for families with children or anyone who simply prefer to take it easy. There are some great hiking areas along the fjords, in the national parks, and through the green valleys.
And since Fjord Norway stretches over 57,604 square kilometres, you might not want to cover the whole thing in one go. Why not pick an area or two and really explore the many exciting nooks and crannies there – and avoid the crowds at the same time? There are many regions in the western part of Norway, and below are some of the best hikes in each area, from south to north.
Make sure that you find out which hiking routes are suitable for your level in advance. Read our tips for mountain safety and how to prepare for your hiking adventure! For more challenging climbs, we recommended that you join a group trip or book a qualified guide.
The best hikes in Fjord Norway
A selection of fantastic hikes in Fjord Norway from south to north
Ryfylke
Go to Ryfylke for some of Norway’s most famous hikes. Climb the mountain plateau Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) that hangs 604 metres above the Lysefjord, or Kjerag, where the rock Kjeragbolten is wedged in between two mountains. You can also choose between a number of other fantastic hikes in the area, whether you plan to hike from cabin to cabin over several days or do shorter day-trips with the cities Stavanger or Sandnes as your base (see below).
The Stavanger region
The Stavanger region has a great network of varied, well-marked hiking trails. Take the family on an urban coastal adventure in the mountains around the cities Stavanger and Sandnes, or find flatter terrain on the chalk-white, long Jærstrendene beaches. Or maybe you’ve come specifically to hike Preikestolen or Kjerag in Ryfylke (see above)?
Haugesund and Haugalandet
The landscape of Haugesund and Haugalandet is often compared to the settings of tv-series like Game of Thrones and Vikings. Not so strange, since this was the home of the Viking kings for more than a thousand years. Hike the historic mountains, stroll along the sea or visit one of the larger islands and experience the rugged landscape where the ocean meets the sky. A must-do for hikers is Himakånå, a mountain formation that looks like a female troll!
Sunnhordland
Choose between 200 marked paths in Sunnhordland, from easy family-friendly hikes to 1400-metre summits with amazing views. If you prefer, you can follow the North Sea trail along the open sea. Or maybe you want to hire a guide and go glacier hiking on Folgefonna, one of Norway’s largest glaciers?
The Hardangerfjord region
Hardanger is, of course, home to the world-famous Trolltunga, but not everybody wants to embark on this long and strenuous hike. Luckily, there are so many other options in this part of Fjord Norway. You can follow Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail, get blown away by the many waterfalls (the spectacular Vøringsfossen included) or stroll through the wonderful blossoming orchards in the region in spring. There, you’ll get to taste some of the world’s best ciders.
Bergen
When it comes to stunning views and accessible paths close to the city centre, Bergen is hard to beat. Start your day in the mountains (you can take the Fløibanen funicular or the Ulriken cable car if you want to hike from the top), then make your way down and experience the pulse of the city.
Voss
Get ready for action-packed adventures in Norway’s adrenaline capital. Voss is where you go to enjoy extreme sports of all kinds – even on your plate! Hikingwise, you can choose between trails of all difficulty levels in the mountains around the town – and the view is just breathtaking.
The Sognefjord area
Norway’s longest and deepest fjord stretches 204 kilometres inland from the coast and has several stunning fjord arms – like the Nærøyfjord, which has a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The Sognefjord area is also home to some of the country’s most popular hiking areas. Tread lightly on the historic Kings road to the charming town of Lærdal, or hike the mountains around Flåm. Unless you want to embark on some of Norway’s most amazing valley hikes?
Sunnfjord
Midway between the cities Ålesund and Bergen lies Sunnfjord, often called “the home of waterfalls” because of the numerous places where water cascades down the steep mountainsides. You’ll find plenty of marked trails to choose from, and you can also join guided tours.
The Fjord Coast
Travel off the beaten track as far west as you can come in Norway. Here, you can hike to the top of natural monuments such as Alden, Lihesten, and Hornelen – the highest sea cliff in Europe – or opt for one of the many family-friendly North Sea trails. And if you’re looking for that special experience, come to The Fjord Coast in the storm watching season between November and February!
Nordfjord
Between the largest mainland glacier in Europe and a dramatic coastline, hikers are spoilt for choice – Nordfjord features more than 230 marked hiking trails. Note that you need a guide if you want to go hiking on the glaciers. While you’re here, you should definitely stop in the adventure arena that is Loen, where you can get a lift to the mountain top by Loen Skylift. And don’t miss the chance of going summer skiing in Stryn!
The Geirangerfjord area
Most people spend just one day in this famous area. That’s a BIG mistake! The deep blue Geirangerfjord is surrounded by majestic, snow-covered mountain peaks, wild waterfalls and lush, green vegetation. Join one of the many guided trips on offer to hear some amazing stories, or go hiking on your own in the stunning UNESCO World Heritage landscape in the Geirangerfjord area.
Ålesund and Sunnmøre
The Sunnmøre Alps, most famous for their mighty summits with dizzying views of the fjords, have captured the imagination of hikers for hundreds of years. The mountains along the coast and on different islands are lower and smoother, but they still offer great views of the sea and the beautiful white beaches.
Find out more about the Ålesund and Sunnmøre area.
Northwest
From steep mountains and beautiful hiking valleys to world-famous attractions like The Troll Wall, The Atlantic Road, and the Romsdalseggen ridge in Åndalsnes – buckle up for adventure in the northernmost corner of Fjord Norway: Northwest.
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