Try one of the beautiful wood or stone steps found in the mountains all around the country. You will be rewarded with breathtaking views – although you will probably lose your breath a few times on the way up, too.
The steps make it easier and safer to walk, and perhaps most importantly – they protect the vulnerable nature. So stick to the stairs and don’t drift off to the side, even if your legs hurt. Always stop when you want to enjoy the view or take pictures, as you really don’t want to stumble.
Geirr Vetti is the managing director of Stibyggjaren, a trail-building company that employs Sherpas from Nepal to help complete mountain steps and is behind more than 300 projects in Norway in recent years. Below, he recommends some of the longest and most spectacular steps the country has to offer.
1. The Flørli stairs in Lysefjord
The Flørli stairs above the Lysefjord is one of the longest wooden stairways in the world. Its 4,444 steps take you from Flørli and all the way up to Lake Ternevatnet at 740 metres. If you want a round trip, you can follow the 100-year-old navvies’ trail back down. The hike is demanding, so be sure to prepare accordingly.
Don't miss: The ferry stops at the tiny village of Flørli, which offers charming accommodation and dining. The area also has a myriad of other hiking trails, and the classic Pulpit Rock and Kjerag hikes are both nearby. Close to the city of Stavanger.
2. Midsundtrappene in the Northwest
The Midsundtrappene stairs on Otrøya and Midøya in the Northwest are several fantastic hiking trails made in stone by Sherpas from Nepal.
- Rørsethornet: The hike up to Rørsethornet, 659 metres above sea level, has the longest stairway with 2,200 steps. The climb offers a panoramic view of the sea and the archipelago throughout. Beware that some sections are quite steep.
- Digergubben: A slightly easier hike than Rørsethornet, where you 'only' have to climb 1,400 steps to reach the summit at 527 metres above sea level. This hike can also be combined with a hike to Midsundhornet.
- Bløkallen: Offers fantastic views with its location between the fjord and the sea. The first section is on stone steps, while the last part is a normal mountain trail.
- Aksla and Akslahornet: This is a steep and airy trip, where you'll find a small via ferrata with chains and metal steps in the most airy places. From the top, there is another trail that leads to Digergubben.
Don't miss: Visit Molde, known as the city of roses, and the art nouveau city of Ålesund. Close by, you’ll also find the Atlantic Road, one of the most beautiful drives in the world.
3. Helgelandstrappa in Northern Norway
Helgelandstrappa in Mosjøen is one of the world's longest stone staircases. Its 4,000 steps take you up the 818-metre-high Øyfjellet mountain in Helgeland. If you don’t feel like hiking back down, why not fly down Nordland’s longest zip line across the Vefsna salmon river? Make a perfect landing in the garden of Fru Haugans, the oldest hotel in Northern Norway.
Don't miss: Mosjøen’s charming old wooden houses are well worth a visit. You can also climb the Mosjøen via ferrata, or try your hand at salmon fishing or rafting in Vefsna. In the immediate vicinity, you can explore the 500-metre-long cave Øyfjellgrotta with a guide.
4. The Prestholtstien trail in Geilo
The Hallingskarvet mountains near Geilo rise like giant petrified waves on the enormous Hardangervidda, one of Norway’s largest mountain plateaus. From the idyllic Prestholtsetra mountain farm, climb around 2,500 stone steps over one strenuous kilometre to enjoy staggering views from the top. Follow the same trail back down, or continue on the 6.5-kilometre-long Prestholtet hike.
In Eggedal, less than two hours away, you can climb the stairs along the beautiful Madonnastien trail, named Norway’s most popular trail.
Don't miss: Geilo has great hiking and biking terrain and offers many fun activities. Go mountain biking in the ski slopes at Geilo Summer Park. Visit its historical open-air museum, or relax in a hot tub or pool in one of the many resort hotels. Finish off your stay with a tour of the cheese factory and shop in Hol.
5. Oppstemten to Mount Ulriken in Bergen
If you take the stairs instead of the gondola to the top of Ulriken in Bergen, you’ll climb 290 metres in 1,300 steps. The consolation is the highest view of Bergen and the surrounding area (and that you can take the gondola, or a zipline, back down).
The trail up Stoltzekleiven to Mount Sandviksfjellet in Sandviken, a bit outside the city centre, is a slightly easier alternative, with only 800 steps. It's an extremely popular workout with the locals and races are held here every year. What will your best time be?
Don't miss: Bergen is an exciting city with many attractions, including the medieval Hanseatic wharf Bryggen, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage list. It is also known as the gateway to the fjords due to its proximity to both the Sognefjord and the Hardangerfjord.
6. Vegatrappa at Vega
The locals at Vega have built a beautiful wooden staircase on the UNESCO island Vega. After almost 2,000 steps and an elevation of 450 metres, you can catch your breath at the top of Mount Ravnfloget, which has panoramic views of the sea and the islands on the Helgeland coast.
Don't miss: At the Vega islands, the old tradition of harvesting eiderdown from abandoned eider nests is still maintained, and you can visit the nesting houses. Other summer activities include kayaking, cycling, and climbing the via ferrata (which also takes you to Ravnfloget).
7. The Sherpa steps in Tromsø
In Tromsø, 1,300 stone steps connect Fløyvegen, 85 metres above sea level, with the Fjellheisen Cable Car’s upper station at 421 metres – so you can also choose to ride one up or down.
Don't miss: Tromsø has many exciting museums and a lively culture scene. It's also close to beautiful recreational areas such as Lyngen, Sommarøy, Kvaløya and Senja, where you can take part in an abundance of activities.
8. Reinebringen in Lofoten
This demanding hike up to the true gem of Reine, located at the southern end of Lofoten, is not for those who suffer from a fear of heights. After climbing hundreds of steep steps between wild mountain peaks, the view of the Vestfjord and the tiny fishing villages of Reine and Hamnøy are guaranteed to take your breath away. Only embark on this hike in good weather, and make sure that you stay safe at all times.
Don't miss: Explore Lofoten’s quaint fishing villages and art galleries, and enjoy the pristine white beaches and spectacular mountains. Go fishing and learn to climb, dive, kayak or surf.
9. Ruiplassen in Dalen, Telemark
From Dalen in Telemark you can climb a steep 810-step stone staircase to the old cotter’s farm at Rui. This is a route with deep historical roots, and you can learn more about the two unusual sisters who lived here their whole life along the way. Only once did they leave Telemark – to visit the King in Oslo!
Don't miss: After your trip, you can relax in the unique panoramic sauna Soria Moria on Lake Bandak or stay at historic Dalen Hotel. The Telemark Canal ends here, so the optimal way to get here is on a boat trip through the locks.
10. Rødøyløva at the Helgeland coast
The hike up the majestic Mount Rødøyløva at Rødøy is one of the most scenic trips along the Norwegian Scenic Route Helgelandskysten. Climb more than 1,000 steps to the summit, where you can enjoy panoramic views of thousands of small islands, reefs, and white sandy beaches. Unforgettable in the midnight sun!
Don't miss: Rødøy is a kayaking paradise, and the Svartisen glacier is just a short drive away.
11. Munketrappene in Hardanger
Climb Norway’s oldest stone stairs! These 616 steps in Hardanger were created by English Cistercian monks at the beginning of the 13th century to improve the road between the fjord and the Hardangervidda mountain plateau. The monks also pioneered the fruit production and cider making that characterises the idyllic village of Lofthus to this day. The stairs form part of HM Queen Sonja’s panoramic hiking trail between Kinsarvik and Lofthus.
In the Hardangerfjord region, you can also climb the more than 2,000 Sherpa steps along the Buførevegen, a historic pilgrimage route between Reisæter and Lake Botsvatn.
Don't miss: Hardanger offers many exciting activities and beautiful hikes, including the iconic trek to Trolltunga. There are also plenty of fascinating museums and picturesque fruit villages in the area, which is famous for its blossoming fruit trees and cider.
Hike in one of the country’s amazing valleys, or get your pulse racing with our 10 tips for adrenaline seekers. Tailor your perfect trip with Up Norway!
