Norway's Most Popular Hikes

Finse, the highest point along the Bergensbanen race track, is a mecca for anyone who enjoys trips both on foot and on skis. Internationally, the place is perhaps best known as the ice planet Hoth from 'Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back', but it is also known for all its summer activities! One of the country's most popular cycle paths is the 80-kilometre-long Rallarvegen - also known as Norway's most beautiful cycle route - which winds down to Flåm. If you come in winter, the ski trip from Finse to Geiterygghytta at around 20 km is one of Skarvheimen's most beautiful.

Just a short drive from Brønnøysund lies the island paradise of Vega. The beautiful municipality is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List for its unique natural and cultural environment and consists of three inhabited islands and more than 6000 uninhabited islands, islets and reefs. The archipelago is great for walking, hiking, kayaking and cycling. On the main island you can follow one of the many hiking trails and explore the varied surroundings. If you join a boat trip or rent a kayak, you can really explore the ocean gap while watching the many bird species and admiring the distinctive coastal landscape.

Two hundred years ago, this was the place to go to experience some of the best Norway has to offer. You may not think that a remote valley, where people and animals have been allowed to develop for centuries, is anything special. But you'd be wrong! Aurlandsdalen is picture-perfect, and on a hike in this beautiful landscape, you'll easily fill up your memory card with magnificent nature motifs. If you camp on one of the surrounding peaks, you can enjoy your morning coffee in peace and quiet while admiring the spectacular scenery.

The Alta River has a long history in Norway - as a power station but first and foremost as a favorite tourist destination. The first seven kilometers after the dam are known as Sautso, which is a canyon just like the famous one in America. Look out over the beautiful natural landscape from the top of the steep cliffs or the special river boats that sail the river. The drive from Alta isn't far, but automobiles are not part of the traditional customs in this area. If you come in summer, you will also get to experience the unforgettable midnight sun.

With an unbeatable view of the Lysefjord, occasional queues to get out on the plateau and photo opportunities out of the ordinary, Pulpit Rock is by far the country's most famous hiking destination. Such a status attracts the hoards, and the best way to avoid them is to come here a little later in the day. And that's rarely a problem on those long, light Norwegian summer evenings. The hike from the carpark up to the plateau takes between two and three hours, depending on both fitness level and weather. This hike is suitable for all fitness levels.

A visit to Molladalen feels almost like being in a large cauldron surrounded by high mountains and peaks on all sides. The choice of summit hikes is impressive here, and there are more than enough hiking opportunities to keep you active for several weeks without having to move your tent. Some of the most famous peaks the area has to offer are Randers peak, Jønshornet and Mohn's peak. The beautiful valley is a paradise for climbing, summit hikes and ordinary hiking. The path toward the valley can be fairly challenging, but the view is well worth the effort.

Already climbed Gaustatoppen, walked Besseggen and cycled Rallarvegen? Want to Try Something New? If these trips have left you hungry for more, then Romsdalseggen is perfect for your next challenge. This ridge offers breezy surroundings and a spectacular view in all directions. Be sure to set aside a full day for the hike over the ridge, and you can choose to explore the area solo or as part of an organized hike.

Husedalen is known for being one of the most beautiful hiking neighborhoods in the country, and the stunning valley also has four impressive waterfalls. And there are countless opportunities to explore the area on your own. Simply choose the degree of difficulty and whether you want to go on a short or long hike. Kinsarvik is a good starting point for hiking inland on the Hardangervidda if you want to see more of Norway. Remember, however, that the weather can be temperamental all year round, and that summer is generally the best time to travel here.

Årdal has a long history as an industrial community and travel destination. Although the choice of overnight accommodations are somewhat limited in the town itself, you will find many cozy mountain cabins a short distance from here. If you come down from the mountain, Utladalen is a little further back the way you came, along the Utladal River. Here you can choose to walk inland in lush and protected nature at the bottom of the river bed, or look upwards at the mountain and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. It really changes with every meter you walk, and the view toward the top just gets more and more amazing. Don't forget your camera!

In the shadow of the almost 1400-metre high Dalatårnet, Innerdalen lies between Sunndalsøra and Tingvoll. The mountain valley is often referred to as one of the most beautiful valleys in Norway, and it's easy to see why. It is even easier to be charmed by the many trips you can take inland in the local mountains, with accommodations available either in tents or cabins. The distance to civilization is also reassuringly short if you have rented a automobile - giving you the opportunity to make this one of the absolute best day trips of your vacation.