MosterhamnSunnhordland UNESCO Global Geopark
PorsgrunnGea Norvegica Unesco Global Geopark
BrønnøysundTrollfjell Unesco Global Geopark
EgersundExplore Magma
Norway rocks!
They have been around for millions of years. And they still look rockin'!
Amazing rock formations have been formed over time that will leave you in awe, like at Torghatten in Brønnøysund.
The rock star: Preikestolen
The majestic Preikestolen, the Pulpit Rock, towers 604 matres above the the fairytale-like Lysefjord.
The famous plateau features in several blockbusters, including Mission: Impossible. It attracts visitors from around the globe and is one of the most visited rocks in Norway with 300,000 hikers each year. If you don't feel like hiking, you can see it from a boat or yacht cruise on the fjord.
Kjeragbolten
What in the world is that? Just across the fjord, Kjeragbolten is a 5m² round stone that became wedged inside a crevice during the Ice Age, and is now suspended in the air 959 metres above the Lysefjord (wow!).
It's a demanding hike to get there, but the view above the majestic fjord is amazing. Watch your step, it's a 1,000 metre drop down...
Kannesteinen
For thousands of years, the waves crashing on shore have shaped Kannesteinen on the weather-worn Fjord Coast.
The tides decide whether or not 'the mushroom' is surrounded by water. Some climb it during low tide, but watch your step, it may be slippery! On the other side of the bay, the Hendanes lighthouse is also worth a visit.
Trolls turned to stone
Some rocks are named after trolls. Legend says that trolls turn to stone when they're exposed to the sun.
The most famous of these is Trolltunga, 'The Troll Tongue', which juts out at 1,180 metres above sea level. Although the hike there is long and demanding, the tongue acts as a stage for epic weddings. The world-renowned Norwegian musician Kygo even held a concert there!
Be careful! Climbing on rocks involves a big risk. Rain, ice and snow can make the rocks slippery and make you lose your balance.
Remember, you can also experience it from a distance and it's better to be safe than sorry. Read up on mountain safety before you go.
Another part of the troll is depicted in nature at Trollpikken (which, cover your kids' eyes now, translates to The Troll's Cock).
Vandals attempted to cut the rock formation, but it has (luckily) been restored. It's located near Egersund in Fjord Norway.
... and do you see the troll face on Himakånå, near Haugesund?
It's an easy hike!
A red piece of America
60 million years ago, the continents split and a small part of the American continent was left in Norway: Leka island in Trøndelag. The split forced the island to shift, making a depth of 7 km down into the earth's crust visible on land. That is why similar red rocks are only found on the North American side of the Atlantic.
Leka is part of Kystriksveien, the coastal route from Trøndelag to Bodø.
The island is protected through the Trollfjell UNESCO geopark. Norway is currently home to five geoparks. Check them out below.
Geoparks in Norway
UNESCO global geoparks are protected areas with internationally significant geology.
A stairway to heaven
Rock by rock, Nepalese sherpas have used their unique techniques to build natural stairs in Norwegian mountains. The Sherpa stone stairs make it safer and easier to access the mountains, and ultimately protect the surrounding area.
Midsundtrappene to the top of Rørsethornet mountain is one of the world's longest with as many as 3,292 steps.
Rock climbing
Hire a guide and climb some rocks! Svolværgeita, 'the goat', is a 150-metre high peak in Svolvær – the biggest city in Lofoten.
The climbing route is graded around 4+/5 and gives you both an adrenaline kick and a beautiful view!
Svolværgeita is a part of the mountain Fløya. On the way up, you will see the incredible formation Djevelporten, 'the devil's gate'. The hike is both steep and airy and parts of it run on the Sherpa-made Djeveltrappa, 'the devil's stairs'.
Another spectacular pinnacle worth climbing is Bladet in Ørsta, Sunnmøre. To access Bladet, you have to hike via the mighty Molladalen, which some call mini Chamonix.
Bladet lies 1,290 metres above sea level, but the pinnacle itself is 15 just metres tall. It's technically a simple climb with a degree of 4, but the exposure makes it feel way more extreme!
Lunar landscapes
The Norwegian Scenic Route Varanger runs for 160 kilometres through the northernmost corner of Norway. The last (or first, depending on where you start) stretch is both flat and rocky, shaped by wind and weather. It feels like you've left planet earth and gone to the moon.
The road leads to the fishing village of Hamningberg, nicknamed "the end of Europe".
Sun-soaked skerries
With thousands of skerries along the coast of Southern of Norway, the archipelago is a very unique landscape deeply cherished by Norwegians. Warm and lovely on a hot summer's day, but beautiful and raw all year round.
Rock caves
There are many impressive caves in Norway. During the Stone Age, some people lived in caves, such as Kirkhelleren in Træna (pictured here). It's easily seen from afar with its huge, 20-metre wide portal.
Trollkirka in the Northwest has a waterfall running through it, and the Grønligrotta in Helgeland consists entirely out of marble!
Gaustatoppen
The top 200 metres of the renowned Gaustatoppen mountain (1,883 masl.) consist of huge masses of rocks held in place by permafrost. Take a close look at the rock and you'll see ripple marks – you are actually standing on a beach that was formed 1.2 billion years ago!
Welcome to the mountains!
There are plenty more rocks to discover. Take your fascination a step furter and visit Norway's wild mountains.
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
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