11 amazing valley hikes

Deep valleys and wide-open landscapes offering picture-postcard views. Trails meandering alongside rushing rivers, through steep canyons, and past small farms that make you wonder: do people actually live here?

"It doesn’t always have to be about reaching the highest peaks. In the valleys, you’ll often go through beautiful cultural landscapes and along ancient roads, or past mountain farms with interesting histories," says Dag Terje Klarp Solvang, Secretary General of the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT).

The nature in the valleys is different from what you’ll find higher up in the high mountains. As valleys are more shielded from the weather, there are a wide variety of flowers and plants to compete for your attention.

"In many valleys, the season is longer than in the mountains, and you are more protected when you hike," Klarp Solvang points out.

Here is his pick of some of the most beautiful valley hikes in Norway.

1. Aurlandsdalen in the Sognefjord area

This classic 20-kilometre hike in Fjord Norway starts at Østerbø fjellstove (a mountain lodge 820 metres above sea level). A marked trail runs down to Vassbygdi in Aurland by the Sognefjord, through magnificent scenery lined with more than 500 different plant species. Here, steep mountains descend into deep river gorges and the trail passes traditional cultural gems.

The hike takes seven to eight hours to complete. If you want some fabulous views, choose the trail down the steep Bjørnestigen. A hiking bus will take you to and from Østerbø and Vassbygdi from Geiteryggen, Aurland, and Flåm during the hiking season, which stretches from late May to the beginning of October.

Since you’re already here: Enjoy a slow-baked goat cheese pizza in the village of Aurland, see quality craftsmanship in action at the Aurland shoe factory, and admire the fjord view from the Stegastein viewpoint.

2. Husedalen in the Hardangerfjord region

The wild Husedalen valley in Kinsarvik by the Hardangerfjord has no less than four spectacular waterfalls in Fjord Norway. Hike from the town centre or park near the Tveitafossen waterfall. From there, it’s less than an hour to the Nyastølfossen waterfall, and another 45-60 minutes to the Nykkjesøyfossen waterfall. The fourth waterfall is also the most magnificent: Søtefossen. If you want to experience the Hardangervidda mountain plateau, you can continue to the self-service cabin Stavali.

Kinsarvik to Søtefossen is approximately 15 kilometres. The round trip usually takes five to six hours.

Since you’re already here: If you love water activities, the Hardangerfjord is the place for you. Explore the world’s third-longest fjord in a kayak or on a fjord or RIB safari or go swimming. Experienced hikers will enjoy the trip to the world-famous Trolltunga, HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail, and the Buarbreen glacier. You can also go summer skiing at the Folgefonna glacier and enjoy a glass of the best cider or apple juice you’ve ever tasted, made by local farmers.

3. Utladalen in Årdal

Shaped as if it had been chopped out of the mountains by a giant axe, one of Northern Europe’s deepest valleys stretches twenty kilometres from the Sognefjord into the Sognefjellet and Jotunheimen mountains. The river Utla rushes out at the end of the valley and majestic peaks tower more than 2,000 metres above its lush hillsides.

The hike takes you along the gravel road Folkevegen, built by locals in the 1970s. After about a kilometre, a steep trail leads you up to the charming Avdalen farm where you can stop for a meal or even spend the night. Four easy kilometres further into the valley, Vetti gard turiststasjon offers the same. You can also hire a packhorse to carry your luggage. From Vetti, a 1.5-kilometre hike takes you to the Vettisfossen waterfall, the highest free-falling waterfall in Northern Europe.

You can also proceed to the beautiful Stølsmaradalen valley, where two DNT has cabins in two separate locations in which to spend the night.

Since you’re already here: Drive the beautiful Tindevegen mountain road to Årdal from Turtagrø on the Norwegian Scenic Route Sognefjellet. And while you are in Årdal, why not go for a swim in its outdoor (heated!) swimming pools?

4. Innerdalen in Sunndal

Innerdalen is often called Norway’s most beautiful valley. The green paradise of Sunndal, not far from Sunndalsøra in the Northwest, is surrounded by wild mountains and glittering lakes where you can go swimming or rent a rowing boat or canoe.

Park at Ålvundeid and follow a fairly steep dirt road for 3.5 kilometres until you reach the charming Renndølsetra summer mountain farm, where you can spend the night and eat delicious organic local food (don't miss their famous waffles). A little further along the trail lies Innerdal turisthytte, a cabin that also offers dining and accommodation.

Follow the trail further into the valley or up to the Trollheimen mountains, or hike to the foot – or peak – of legendary 1,452-metre-high Innerdalstårnet mountain.

Since you’re already here: Take a tour of Tingvoll, where you can buy Kraftkar, winner of the world’s best cheese award. If you want to keep hiking, both the popular trail to Mount Skåla and the beautiful Trollheimen mountains are nearby.

5. Sautso / Alta canyon in Alta

Located in Northern Norway, Northern Europe’s largest canyon has steep walls that are 300–400 metres high, so there are no trails here. But you can admire the stunning view from several viewpoints in Alta, including the Gargia mountain lodge and Beskades. It's also possible to explore the canyon from a riverboat or a canoe or on a guided tour.

Since you’re already here: In Alta, you can experience the Sami culture up close. A visit to the Northern Lights Cathedral is a must, and you should also check out the UNESCO-listed rock carvings in Hjemmeluft under the midnight sun. And just so you know: Alta is often surprisingly warm, sunny and dry in the summertime!

6. The King’s Road through Lærdal

On its completion in 1793, Kongevegen, the King’s Road, became the first road to connect Eastern and Western Norway. The most beautiful stretch of the historic trail starts at Vang in Valdres and takes you across the Filefjell mountains to Lærdal by the Sognefjord. You can choos to spend five to six days on the whole trip or hike only the last section.

On the short stretch along the Vindhellavegen road from the Borgund stave church, you can experience the fascinating historic road structures. If you want a longer hike, continue down to the fjord and along Øygardsvegen, and even further past rivers and waterfalls through Galdane. From there, you can take a bus to the old town Gamle Lærdalsøyri or stop for the night before continuing on nature trails and roads through lush Lærdal the next morning.

Since you’re already here: Explore the small gem of Gamle Lærdalsøyri and its listed wooden wooden houses by the fjord. You can also go kayaking, visit the Norwegian Wild Salmon Centre, and drive a Norwegian Scenic route across the Aurlandsfjellet mountain to Aurland. Stop at Stegastein viewpoint for a breathtaking view!

7. Døråldalen in Rondane

Walk on landmasses that have drifted all the way from the equator over millions of years! In the Døråldalen valley in Central Norway, ice, weather, and wind have given the landscape its unique shape. You can drive all the way to the two cabins Øvre and Nedre Dørålseter, where you can stay overnight.

From the car park, follow the river into the 10-kilometre-long Døråldalen valley, or hike to the top of one of the beautiful peaks that surround it. Explore the fascinating Skranglehaugene, with moraines and kettles formed towards the end of the Ice Age. You can also embark on a cabin-to-cabin hike through the Rondane mountains.

Since you’re already here: Spend some time driving or cycling the Norwegian Scenic Route Rondane, and make sure to stop at the Sohlbergplassen viewpoint. Hop aboard for a fun train ride into the old mine in Folldal or go horseback riding in the nearby mountains.

8. Junkerdalsura at Saltfjellet

Close to Storjord, just north of the Saltfjellet mountains in Northern Norway (the closest city is Bodø), you’ll find the entrance to the Junkerdalsura Nature Reserve – a huge but narrow canyon which winds its way in between the tall mountains.

Thanks to its sheltered location and calcareous soil, the Junkerdalen valley is a botanical paradise filled with a wide range of plants, including orchids.

From the car park by the Nordland National Park Centre, you can follow a pram-friendly road 2.5 kilometres into the valley to a picnic area. There are also many hiking opportunities in Junkerdalen National Park and you can enjoy the view from Mount Solvågtind.

Since you’re already here: Stop by the Nordland National Park Centre and have lunch at the traditional Storjord Hotel. On the other side of the road, you’ll find some beautiful forest paths and exciting suspension bridges.

9. Jutulhogget in Røros

Experience Northern Europe’s largest gorge in Alvdal in the Østerdalen valley. Jutulhogget is 2.4 kilometres long and its rock walls extend 240 metres up in some places. Park by the RV3 and enjoy the view from here before you embark on the trail down into the ravine. Check out the incredible echo and marvel over the plants you won’t find anywhere else in these mountains.

Since you’re already here: Visit the UNESCO-listed mining town of Røros and take a boat trip on Femunden lake.

10. Molladalen in Sunnmøre

Molladalen lies like a giant horseshoe in Sunnmøre, surrounded by rugged peaks that reach up to 1,400 metres above sea level. The valley is as magical in the sunshine as when the mist drifts mysteriously in between the mountains. See if the fish are biting in one of its many lakes or hire a mountain guide and climb the pinnacle Bladet or one of the other steep Molladalstindane peaks. You can also go on both easy and challenging hikes here. Drive the toll road from Barstadvika to your starting point at Melbøsætra.

Since you’re already here: Molladalen is close to the art nouveau town of Ålesund and beautiful hiking possibilities around the Hjørundfjord. The area offers plenty of unique hotels and restaurants, as well as the world’s most stunning swing!

11. Bondhusdalen valley and Bondhusvatnet lake

Bondhusdalen in Folgefonna National Park in Fjord Norway always looks like something out of a fairytale, no matter the weather. You have an equal chance of being rewarded with mystical low fog in between the mountains and over the Bondhusvatnet lake as with vibrant turquoise water and lush green vegetation in the sunshine.

The lake is an attraction in itself, beyond which lies the Bondhusbrea glacier, nestled neatly in the valley above.

The road from the car park that leads up to Bondhusvatnet is called Isveien, 'The Ice Road§, and was built in 1863 to transport ice from the glacier down to boats in the fjord. It was used to cool down beverages during transport, but the length of the journey from the glacier to the boat caused much of the ice to melt, so it wasn't a very successful endevour.

Today, the gravel road is perfect for an easy hike up to Bondhusvatnet, which is a source of drinking water for Bondhus and Sunndal. This means that swimming in the pristine water and camping is prohibited. Be aware that if you carry on towards the glacier, the terrain is more rocky and rougher than the gravel road.

Hike some of the country’s amazing mountain stairways or set your pulse racing with our 10 tips for adrenaline seekers. Either way, you can book a tailored journey with Up Norway!