In Norway, natural formations are alive with stories – shaping not just the land, but the way Norwegians see their world.
Mythical Norway
Science tells us the Ice Age shaped Norway’s wild landscape.
But you’re not here for that story, are you?
“We are not at all alone here in this forest.”
Merete
Forest keeper
Trolls, spirits, and hidden forest beings – some never left. They linger in the shadows …
… or turned into stone and became the peaks you see today.
Read about the science of the fjords and mountains
Norway's geological history spans almost three billion years. The mainland landforms are characterised by long-term uplift and erosion, with old river valley systems that were deepened by glaciers during the Quaternary ice ages of the last 2.5 million years.
Norway’s landscape is always changing. Gradually, the land is being shaped by weather, glaciers, and rivers that wear it down and move sand and stone into lakes and fjords. Sometimes nature transforms the land suddenly, with floods, landslides, or falling rocks. The land itself is also still rising, as it recovers from the weight of the great ice sheets that melted after the last Ice Age.
Source: Store Norske Leksikon
What shaped Norway?
Have you ever wondered why the world looks the way it does? Why mountains rise so sharply, why valleys cut so deep, and fjords wind like veins through the land?
In Norway, the answers to those questions stem from both science and folklore.
Troll faces peek out from rough cliffs, their noses stick out from rocks, and caves gape like open mouths.
A hidden underworld
Stories have been passed down through generations, from village to village.
Tales of sea monsters and forest spirits were told to children – not just as stories, but as cautionary guides, keeping them away from treacherous swamps, deep lakes, and dangerous shores. Myths were used to keep children safe.
Few captured these mythical stories as vividly as Theodor Kittelsen (1857–1914), one of Norway’s most celebrated artists, forever known as the 'troll painter.'
At the National Museum in Oslo, you can experience some of his enchanting works.
Art from Theodor Kittelsen: The elusive Huldra lures men into the woods – beautiful from the front, yet a dangerous illusion, for behind she hides a hollow back and a cow’s tail that reveals her true nature. Those who follow her risk never returning. Draugen, a ghostly figure, rises from the sea to warn of storms, while Nøkken, a shape-shifting water spirit, lures people to the lakes with haunting fiddle music. And if you listen quietly beneath a waterfall, you may hear Fossegrimen playing on his harp.
Norwegian tales
Scroll down and uncover five hidden tales about Norway’s most iconic landscapes – from north to south.
Off the Helgeland coast, Torghatten rises like a great dome, pierced by a giant hole straight through its middle.
According to legend, this was no work of nature.
Torghatten – the mountain with a hole
The iconic Torghatten, rising on the island of Torget near Brønnøysund in Nordland, is famed for its natural tunnel – 160 metres long, 35 metres high, and up to 20 metres wide.
Carved during the Scandinavian Ice Age, Torghatten’s tunnel also lives in local legend: a jealous troll shot an arrow at a fleeing maiden, but her protector, the troll Sømna, threw his hat into its path. The arrow pierced the hat, and as it fell into the sea the sun rose, turning them all to stone and shaping the mountain landscape as we see it today.
Walking through Torghatten’s tunnel feels like stepping into a moment frozen in time. A path takes you up to the opening in about 25–30 minutes – but please be cautious along the way.
The legend of Torghatten is part of the larger saga of how the Helgeland mountains were formed. Today, you can experience these legendary mountains for yourself: Dønnamannen, Hestmannen, Lekamøya and Vågakallen in Lofoten.
Watch the video and hear the saga of Torghatten
Jutulhogget – the giant's gorge
In Østerdalen, the dramatic ravine of Jutulhogget cuts across the landscape like a scar. This is one of Northern Europe’s largest canyons, carved during the last Ice Age 10,000 years ago, and it's listed as one of 100 geosites by the International Union of Geological Sciences. Its cliffs and slopes host a unique plant life, with species found nowhere else in the mountain region.
Folklore says the ravine was not carved by ice or water, but by the wrath of a “jutul” (giant) from the mountains. Angered by his rival in Rendalen, the giant hacked at the land to drain his neighbor’s lake. The myth truly adds a wild, timeless grandeur that you can still feel when standing on the edge of the ravine.
Enjoy the view from above, or experience it up close by descending the precipitous path – be careful not to dislodge any rocks!
… was it a giant jutul who made this?
Jotunheimen – realm of the giants
In Norse mythology, Jotunheimr was the home of the "jotner", formidable frost giants who opposed the gods, often associated with nature’s raw forces like ice, storms, and mountains.
Today, the Jotunheimen mountain range is a national park with sharp peaks, glacier valleys, and the highest mountain in Northern Europe, Galdhøpiggen. Hiking here, surrounded by vast silence and stone, it’s easy to understand why the ancients imagined giants striding across this land.
Explore Jotunheimen and prepare to become spellbound!
Trollheimen – home of the trolls
Trollheimen, “The Home of Trolls”, is a mountain area in Central Norway where jagged peaks rise above green valleys and clear rivers. The name comes from old tales of trolls – giant beings who roamed the Norwegian mountains and forests. But trolls ventured out only under the cover of night, for there was one thing they truly feared: sunlight.
Should they linger when the first rays of dawn touched the land, they would be frozen forever, turned to stone. Have you dared look closely enough to see one?
Troll Etiquette
1. Respect the forest 🌲
Tread lightly – trees, rocks, and streams are home to trolls, huldra, and other hidden spirits. Disturb them, and mischief may follow!
2. Keep your voice down🎶
Sing, laugh, or speak softly. Loud, rude behavior can anger trolls and forest spirits.
3. Stay on the path 🥾
Wanderers who stray too far risk getting lost – or being led astray by a mischievous huldra.
4. Leave no trace 🌿
Take your trash with you. Trolls frown on litter in their mountains, forests, and fjords.
5. Be curious, not greedy 👀
Admire nature and mythical sites, but don’t take rocks, plants, or treasures – they belong to the land (and maybe the trolls!).
6. Respect wildlife 🦌
Observe animals from a distance. Hunting, feeding, or chasing them can anger their hidden guardians.
Visit our most spectacular nature formations
TyssedalTrolltunga
Trolltunga - also known as the Troll's Tongue - is the most spectacular rock formation in Norway. At 1180 meters above sea level, is lies about 700 meters above the lake Ringedalsvatnet. From the top, you have a fantastic view. The hike to Trolltunga starts in Skjeggedal and leads through the high mountains.
TessandenThe Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen
There is a reason for the Besseggen being one of the most popular mountain hikes in Norway. The spectacular panoramic view over Jotunheimen's peaks and the two lakes - the deep blue Bessvatnet and the turquoise Gjende - draws more than 60 000 hikers during the short season that lasts from late June to early September. Tour information: The 14 km long trail leads between the two DNT cabins Gjendesheim and Memurubu. It climbs/falls 1200 m in total and is quite demanding over its entire length, so you need to be in a good physical shape to hike it. The Besseggen ridge, approx. one kilometer long and 250 meters in elevation, is located midways along the trail. It involves some scrambling, and people sensitive to heights should mentally prepare for a challenge. For most people, it takes approx. 7-8 hrs to complete the hike. Parkering is at Reinsvangen, 1.5 km before Gjendesheim. From there, a shuttle takes the hikers to the trailhead and the boat (https://gjendepark.no). There’s a kiosk and toilets at Gjendeosen. Choice of route: The most popular way to hike the Besseggen is to take the boat from Gjendesheim to Memurubu and walk back. Many may experience the ridge easier to climb up than down, especially if one is afraid of heights. Another advantage is that you don’t have to rush in order to reach a boat. The disadvantages of this direction, however, are that there is no good way out in case you need to break and that you’re walking away from the view. The greatest advantage of hiking in the opposite direction, from Gjendesheim to Memurubu, is that you can start at any time and don't share the trail with a boat load of people. Early birds may even reach over the ridge before the meeting traffic starts. Later during the day when it gets crowded you may have to wait your turn at the narrowest passages. Plus, you don’t have to remember to turn around to take in the view. Should you be in doubt whether you can accomplish the Besseggen, we recommend that you start at Gjendesheim. That way you can turn around at any time and you can even walk to the viewpoint on top of the ridge and back without having to accomplish the ridge itself. This is also the best way to experience Besseggen outside the boat season. On the return, you can choose the trail towards Bessheim that exits on Veslefjellet and return to Gjendesheim on the trail from Glitterheim which you meet at Bessosen. This is a less steep and demanding return, but a little farther than the direct descend to Gjendesheim. Boat information Since most people take the boat in and walk back from Memurubu, the departures from Gjendesheim in the mornings tend to be more crowded than the afternoon departures from Memurubu. It is highly recommended that you book the boat trip in advance. For timetables, terms and booking, visit www.gjende.no The boat service runs daily from the middle of June to the middle of September and during the weekends before and after the season until the first week in October. In peak periods and weekends there are often extra departures, so check online before travelling. Equipment Remember to wear solid hiking shoes with profile soles. Bring warm and weatherproof clothing even in nice weather, enough food and drink for the entire hike and on warm summer days, a small towel and some swim wear for a refreshing dip in Lake Bessvatnet. Erosion The heavy traffic has left its toll on the trail, leading to erosion and destroyed vegetation. An enormous effort has been put into repairing the trail and revegetating the worst sections on both the Gjendesheim and the Memurubu side. Please keep on the trail when walking the Besseggen!
Book nowStavangerGuided hike to Kjerag
Guided hike to Kjerag The fjord adventure would be incomplete without a trip to Kjerag bolt. The five cubic meter glacial deposit is mysteriously suspended between two rocks, with the location being a world of its own. It inspires to humbleness and gratitude for having been allowed the privilege to experience nature in its utmost purity, from the top of the world. Standing on the boulder itself is not for the faint of heart and visitors to Kjerag should be reminded that what this place has to offer is more than just an impressive boulder. Chances are you will be in awe of nature's unmistakable beauty the entire trip, culminating with the breathtaking vistas over the Lysefjord.
Torghatten – The mountain with a hole straight through
Torghatten is the famous mountain just outside Brønnøysund, known for its distinctive hole straight through. Walking through the 35-meter-high tunnel carved out by the sea thousands of years ago really puts things into perspective. The trail through the mountain is a National scenic hike and well maintained, making it easy and accessible for hikers of all ages. And even though you don’t climb very high, the view through the hole is impressive.
The waves off Norway’s rugged coast still whisper Viking sagas and stories of gods and monsters.
Sagas are deeply rooted in Norse mythology and the Viking Age – tales of heroes, gods and epic battles that offer a glimpse into how our ancestors saw the world.
St. Olaf and the Midgard Serpent
One of the most famous figures in these sagas is St. Olaf, also known as Olaf Haraldsson, who was king of Norway from 1015 to 1028. His greatest impact, however, came after his death, which happened during the famous Battle of Stiklestad in 1030, a turning point that helped unite Norway and establish Christianity as the main religion.
According to the sagas, St. Olaf went on Viking expeditions from the age of twelve. On one such journey, he sailed south along the Norwegian coast to escape his enemies at Egersund, and when forced to bring his ship ashore, he split the rock with his ship's keel.
Watch the video and hear the saga of St. Olaf:
Another saga tells of St. Olaf's encounter with an evil worm, the Midgard Serpent (St. Olavsormen), in a field that is now part of Magma UNESCO Global Geopark. When the king triumphed over the serpent, its body is said to have become the long, grassy hill seen there today.
Source: Magma Geopark/Store Norske Leksikon
Our history and traditions
Norwegian natural phenomena
Explore the wild, untamed nature.
Once upon a time …
Watch the whole story unfold – get to know some of our most famous sagas in the landscapes that inspired them.
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