The Norwegian landscape is dominated by vast mountain ranges, broken up by green valleys and deep blue fjords. The mountains in Norway offers some of the most breathtaking hike you will ever take. Choose your hiking experience here!
There are plenty of good reasons to stay active. If you’re in Norway, getting to really see the nature is one of them. Mountain hiking can take you to the most remote places and awe-inspiring vantage points. In Bergen the city is surrounded by 7 mountains, so let us give you 7 great hiking tips in Norway.
1. Bergen’s 7 mountains - Something for everybody
If you’re in Bergen, you don’t need to be an athlete – or spend an entire day – to go on a mountain hike. In fact, Bergen is famously surrounded by mountains, meaning you can practically just strap on your best mountain boots and start walking uphill. The 7 mountains allow for light hikes as much as a full day of exploration. Check out this complete guide to the 7 mountains!
Hardangervidda national park is the largest national park in Norway. And the terrain of this Norway mountain range is as varied as it is vast. Want to hike cabin to cabin? Perhaps camp out in a tent for the night? Or do you prefer a nice hotel? Hardangervidda provides numerous paths for both experienced and less experienced hikers – and beautiful landscapes for everybody to enjoy. Great plains, giant waterfalls, lush valleys and the Folgefonna glacier in the distance. Hardangervidda has it all.
3. Preikestolen – spectacular and fairly easy mountain in Norway
Yeah, we’d be committing a sin of omission if we didn’t include the rock formation Preikestolen – the Pulpit rock - here. Only a short drive from Stavanger, the hike itself is fairly manageable for most. But please, dress appropriately, and that means comfortable shoes! Once you get there, you will be greeted by the view of a lifetime. 600 meters above Lysefjorden, standing at the top of the world – and feeling like the king of all the fjords.
Trolltunga (the troll’s tongue), which looks like a tongue jutting out from the mountain side, has become somewhat of a national icon. In recent years, its popularity among tourists has exploded. No wonder, considering how Instagram friendly this spectacle is. But getting to this sensational rock formation is no easy feat. It starts out with a fairly steep climb, and you have to prepare for a 5-6 hour hike in every direction - 10-12 hours total hike.
Going there off-season? We highly recommend booking a local Trolltunga guide and to start early in the morning! You don’t want to be stuck on top of the mountain ridge when the sun is setting. But if you’re well-prepared, and up for the task, this is truly an unforgettable experience.
5. Bruviknipa – Short hike with stunning views on a daytrip from Bergen
This hike is really a hidden gem! This mountain in Norway offer spectacular views and less than one hour from Bergen!
Bruviknipa sits 822 meters above Bruvik with a stunning view over the mountains and fjords down below. The trail is short but steep, only 2,4 km. A 1.5-hour hike from the start to the top.
Foto: Dagrun Stokke
Bruvik is situated on the inland island Osterøy, just a 50 minutes short drive from Bergen city centre. Park your car along the road no. 360 and start the hike towards the top. The start of the trail is approx. 300 meters above sea level and the total ascent is 500 meters. Check out the hiking website ut.no for details and downloadable map.
6. Stølsheimen – From fjord to fjord
The beautiful Stølsheimen mountains are situated between Bergen and the Sognefjord. These Norway mountains offer several trails both for the experienced hiker and beginners. A true Norwegian classic is the “Fjord to Fjord-hike” from Modalen to the Sognefjord. The steep trails up- and downhill offer great scenic views over the mountains and the fjords. Start your trip in Mo, Modalen. Allow 3-4 days to complete the tour. Stay in mountain cabins by the The Norwegian Trekking Association, or bring along your own tent. More details and downloadable map.
Useful information about safety and need to know about trekking in Norway.
Foto: Britt Farestveit
7. Golta - The hike on the ocean edge west of Bergen
The open coastal landscape west of Bergen is where the fjords of Norway meets the Atlantic Ocean. When the ice retreated 10.000 years ago, it left thousands of islands like pearls on a string. Golta island in Sotra is a great spot to see the waves crush towards land. Drive west of Bergen to Glesvær, and park your car in Golta. The trail is only 2 km each way in the heathland landscape and offers a panorama view over the horizon. This is a great spot to see the sunset in the Bergen region! Read more about Golta and download map on ut.no. In Glesvær, near Golta, there is a cosy restaurant called Glesvær Kafé, with great seafood, to enjoy after a brisk walk on the heathland trails.
Foto: Morten Halvorsen
So are you ready to live like a true Norwegian and go hiking in the Norway mountains?
If you’d rather stay on ground level, check out this list of the best fjords cruises for a chance at an epic view of the mountains from the water!
to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
