Fjelltur
The best hikes in Norway: Trolltunga, Preikestolen, Kjerag, Besseggen and Romsdalseggen
From the shelf of Preikestolen above the Lysefjord to the ridge of Besseggen. Norway has some of the world’s most spectacular hikes. Here are the five we think you should prioritise, when to go and where to stay.
Norway has some of the world’s most spectacular hikes, and many of them can be done in a day. From the flat shelf of Preikestolen above the Lysefjord to the narrow ridge of Besseggen, these are the hikes people travel from all over the world to do. Here are the five we think you should prioritise, and what you need to know before you go.
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Short answer: the best hikes in Norway
Easiest of the big ones: Preikestolen, around 8 kilometres return.
Most famous: Besseggen in Jotunheimen.
Most dramatic: Trolltunga, 20 to 38 kilometres return.
Wildest: Kjerag and Kjeragbolten.
Best views: Romsdalseggen above Romsdalen.
Hotels by the hikes
Trolltunga: Trolltunga Hotel in Odda. See rooms at Trolltunga Hotel
Preikestolen and Kjerag: Preikestolen BaseCamp. See rooms at Preikestolen BaseCamp
Romsdalseggen: Grand Hotel Åndalsnes. See rooms at Grand Hotel
The hikes
1. Trolltunga
The longest and most demanding of the five, with a rock shelf 700 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Read our guide to Trolltunga.
2. Preikestolen
Norway’s most visited natural attraction, and a hike most people can manage. Read our guide to Preikestolen.
3. Kjerag
The wedged boulder high above the Lysefjord, and a steep hike with chains. Read our guide to Kjerag.
4. Besseggen
The ridge between green Gjende and blue Bessvatnet in Jotunheimen. Read our guide to Besseggen.
5. Romsdalseggen
Views of Trollveggen and down into Romsdalen all the way. Read our guide to Romsdalseggen.
Trolltunga in Hardanger.
When to go
The season for most high-mountain hikes runs from mid-June to mid-September. Preikestolen can be hiked later into the autumn, while Trolltunga and Kjerag are only recommended with a guide outside the season.
Mountain safety
Plan your hike and tell someone where you are going.
Match the hike to your fitness and the weather, and check the forecast.
Bring gear for bad weather, even in summer.
Turn back in time. There is no shame in turning around.
Combine with the fjords
Many of the hikes are by the fjords and can be combined with a fjord trip. Read more about Hardanger and Bergen.
The fjord at Åndalsnes in Romsdalen.
Frequently asked questions about hiking in Norway
What is the most popular hike in Norway?
Preikestolen and Besseggen are among the most visited, with tens of thousands of hikers every year.
Which hike is best for beginners?
Preikestolen is the easiest of the big hikes, at around 8 kilometres return.
When is the hiking season in Norway?
From mid-June to mid-September for most high-mountain hikes.