Getting Started with Hiking in Norway
Norway's dramatic landscapes — towering fjords, ancient forests, and sweeping mountain plateaus — make it one of the world's most spectacular hiking destinations. The good news? You don't need to be an elite mountaineer to experience the best of it. A handful of well-marked, accessible trails open up Norway's natural wonders to walkers of all experience levels.
Here's a guide to some of the finest beginner-friendly hikes across the country, along with practical tips to help you plan a safe and rewarding adventure.
Top Beginner-Friendly Trails
1. Trolltunga Plateau Walk, Hardangerfjord Region
While the famous Trolltunga rock itself is a challenging all-day hike, the lower plateau approaches offer shorter, well-marked routes with extraordinary views over Lake Ringedalsvatnet. Starting from Skjeggedal, you can turn back at any point, making it flexible for your fitness level.
- Distance: 5–10 km (depending on turnaround point)
- Elevation gain: Moderate
- Best season: Late June to September
2. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) Trail, Lysefjord
Perhaps Norway's most iconic hike, the trail to Preikestolen is a well-marked, 4-hour round trip. The path is rocky in places but manageable for most healthy adults. At the top, a flat cliff platform rises 604 metres above Lysefjord — one of the most breathtaking views in all of Scandinavia.
- Distance: 8 km round trip
- Elevation gain: ~334 metres
- Best season: April to October
3. Vettisfossen Trail, Jotunheimen
This gentle valley walk leads you to Vettisfossen, Norway's tallest free-falling waterfall at 275 metres. The trail follows the Utla river through lush green scenery and is suitable for families and beginners alike.
- Distance: 10 km round trip
- Elevation gain: Minimal
- Best season: May to October
4. Besseggen Ridge, Jotunheimen National Park
Often described as Norway's most popular mountain hike, Besseggen offers a dramatic ridge walk between two strikingly coloured lakes — the green Gjende and the deep blue Bessvatnet. The trail is well-used and clearly marked, though it does include some scrambling. Boats run across Gjende to make the route a comfortable one-way loop.
- Distance: ~15 km (one way with ferry)
- Elevation gain: ~400 metres
- Best season: July to September
Essential Gear for Beginner Hikers
- Waterproof boots — Norwegian weather is unpredictable; ankle support on rocky terrain is essential.
- Layered clothing — Temperatures can drop quickly at altitude. A moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and waterproof outer shell is the standard formula.
- Navigation — Download the UT.no app, the Norwegian Trekking Association's free trail map tool.
- Water and food — Carry more than you think you'll need. Refilling from streams is generally safe in Norway but a filter is good practice.
- Trekking poles — Optional but invaluable on uneven or wet terrain.
Respect the Norwegian Trail Code (Fjellvettreglene)
Norwegian hikers follow the Fjellvettreglene, a set of nine mountain safety rules established by the Norwegian Trekking Association. Key principles include: always checking the weather forecast, turning back if conditions worsen, leaving a trip plan with someone at home, and never venturing onto glaciers or unknown terrain alone.
With the right preparation and a respect for nature, hiking in Norway is a profoundly rewarding experience. Start with these accessible trails and let the landscape speak for itself.