Norway’s Top Hikes 2024: Explore the Country’s 10 Best Mountain Treks

Norway is a dream for outdoor enthusiasts. With fantastic hikes all over the country, there’s plenty to choose from when embarking on a mountain adventure. Here are the top 10 hikes for 2024 that you must experience!

Trolltunga (1100 meters above sea level)

Trolltunga has become an icon for Norway, and it’s a must to hike to the spectacular viewpoint at least once in a lifetime. Although this is on many people’s bucket lists, the hike is not for everyone. Trolltunga is considered a challenging hike, and you should allow between 7-12 hours round trip. However, this is not a concern during the summer months when you’ll have daylight until midnight.

There are two ways to hike to Trolltunga:
Skjeggedal: The hike from Skjeggedal is challenging, with a total length of 28 km round trip. This is the most difficult route suitable for experienced hikers and sports enthusiasts.
Mågelitopp: Starting from Mågelitopp makes the hike a bit easier. The total length is 20 km round trip and is the most popular route for visitors.

Laushornet (1413 meters above sea level)

Laushornet is a hidden gem that is not yet overcrowded with tourists. At the top, you’ll have a lovely view over the famous Geirangerfjorden, a view that very few of the many visitors get to experience. Around Geirangerfjorden, there are many hiking opportunities, but most people come in by boat and leave by boat, without taking in the fjord in panorama from the top of the beautiful mountains.

Laushornet is one of the best hikes in Geirangerfjorden, taking only 4-5 hours round trip. The total length is 6 kilometers and can be completed by the whole family if the children are used to hiking. If you’re already planning to visit Geirangerfjorden, this hidden gem is a new twist to experience the majestic fjord.

Kattanakken (1458 meters above sea level)

A stone’s throw away from the majestic Jostedalsbreen glacier lies the summit Kattanakken. Kattanakken is a challenging hike that tests your limits. However, the reward at the top is well worth it. You’ll have views of mountains, glaciers, and Oldevatnet. The entire hike takes about 4 hours and covers 13 kilometers.

The hike starts from Briksdalsbre Fjellstove and can only be done in the summer, specifically from June to September. The first two kilometers from Briksdalsbre Fjellstove are easy, but the remaining 11 kilometers are challenging.

Galdhøpiggen (2469 meters above sea level)

Norway’s highest mountain is a hike that must be included on the list. Reaching the top of Norway’s roof to gaze out over Jotunheimen is a unique and exciting experience. This is a hike that can be done by everyone, as it’s not very demanding. However, there are two different routes up Galdhøpiggen.

Juvasshytta: This is the classic route up Galdhøpiggen, where you also cross the glacier Styggebreen. Because of this, you need a guide, and there’s an age limit of 7 years to participate in glacier walking.
Spiterstulen: A longer and tougher hike that takes about 9 hours to complete. This route does not cross a glacier, which means you don’t need a guide, and there’s no lower age limit to complete the hike.

Storronden (2138 meters above sea level)

If you want a fantastic view of Rondane National Park, this hike is a must. The hike up Storronden is one of the shorter hikes in the picturesque national park but also offers one of the best viewpoints. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to Jotunheimen.

The entire hike is 8.5 kilometers, and you can expect to spend about 4 hours round trip. The hike is best done from May to October. You can choose whether to stay overnight at Rondvassbu for an easier starting point or to start from Spranget and walk 5 kilometers on a gravel road to Rondvassbu before starting the hike.

Helvetestinden (602 meters above sea level)

From the top of Helvetestinden, you have a panoramic view of the iconic Bunes Beach and the dramatic landscapes of the Lofoten Islands. The locals on Moskenesøya say that the mountain is called Helvetestind because it was a pure hell to herd sheep on the steep mountainside. It’s not recommended to hike Helvetestinden with children, but experienced adults will have no problem getting to the top.

The hike itself is only 2.8 kilometers round trip, so you can expect to spend about 3-4 hours. After you come down, it’s possible to set up tents to camp at Bunes Beach under the midnight sun. Note that Helvetestinden and Bunes Beach are located in a national park, so you must protect both the nature and wildlife.

Flørlitrappene/Kjerag (775-1100 meters above sea level)

In Lysefjorden, Preikestolen is the most famous hike, but the long queues to get up there can be somewhat tedious. Fortunately, Preikestolen is not the only hike you can explore in Lysefjorden. If you want a real challenge, we have a challenge for you.

Take the boat to the small village of Flørli, home to the world’s longest wooden staircase. You have to climb 4444 steps to reach the top, where you’ll have a fantastic view of Lysefjorden and Preikestolen. You can choose whether to walk the same way down or to continue to Langavatn to spend the night. From Langavatn, you can hike to Kjerag, another iconic peak in Lysefjorden, before taking a bus down to the innermost village in Lysefjorden, Lyse.

Hornelen (860 meters above sea level)

Are you ready to climb Europe’s highest sea cliff? From the top of Hornelen, there is a sheer drop of 860 meters straight down to the fjord. This means a fantastic view out over the open sea, into the nearby fjords, and dramatic mountains. Although it’s a steep and challenging hike, the view is well worth the challenge. The hike takes 8-10 hours, but with long bright evenings in the north, the hike can be done at a leisurely pace during the summer.

There are two routes up to Hornelen. You’ll get the very best view if you start from Hunskår and follow the trail down to Berleneset. For the most daring, it’s also possible to attempt the challenging Via Ferrata route that goes up the cliff. This is called the Olavsruta and should be done with a guide.

Slogen (1564 meters above sea level)

Slogen is the best hike in the Sunnmøre Alps. Although the mountain appears steep and almost impossible to climb, you’ll discover that it’s not as steep when you follow the trail. The final part of the hike requires some scrambling but is a manageable hike that outdoor enthusiasts can do without any problems. The reward at the top is a unique view of Hjørundfjorden and the Sunnmøre Alps.

You can start from Øye (approximately 4-5 hours round trip), Urke (approximately 5 hours round trip), or Patchellhytta (approximately 2-3 hours round trip). If you include an overnight stay at Patchellhytta, you’ll have even more time to take in the beautiful surroundings. The trail from Patchellhytta is also the shortest, making it an ideal choice for those who want to turn it into a 2-day hike.

Gaustatoppen (1883 meters above sea level)

Gaustatoppen is often referred to as Norway’s most beautiful mountain, and its majestic peak is visible from large parts of southern Norway. When you’re at the top on a clear day, you can see as much as one-sixth of Norway, which means you’ll encounter an exceptional view at the top. This hike is undertaken by both young and old and is a classic hike for families. However, it’s advisable to wear good hiking boots as the terrain is rocky.

You can expect to spend around 5 hours round trip, and there’s also the option to cheat a little. There’s a separate gondola that goes up to Gaustatoppen for those who only want to hike one way. Near the top, there’s also a tourist cabin, which means you can hike up one day, stay overnight on the majestic mountain, and hike down again the next day. Waking up to the sunrise at Gaustatoppen is truly a magical experience!