Hiking in Norway: Route & campsite recommendations

Norway is no longer an insider tip among travel enthusiasts and camping fans. The country of fjords and impressive mountain ranges attracts numerous holidaymakers who don't want to miss out on Norwegian nature year after year. With the vast amount of information circulating on the internet, it can be difficult to find answers to specific questions that are not accompanied by a flood of other information. If you simply want to know the best places to go hiking in Norway and which campsites are close to the routes, you've come to the right place.

Before we start with our route recommendations, we want to give you a small but important piece of information in advance: Many of the hiking trails you'll find in Norway are not entirely safe and can be very demanding. Therefore, before you decide on a route, you should always inform yourself carefully about the Mountain Code and consider whether it's suitable for your level of experience and fitness. As long as you don't overrate yourself or underestimate the routes, you can have an unforgettable time hiking in Norway.

The challenging hike to the `Troll Tongue` in the south of Norway is probably one of the most popular tours in the country. The rocky cliff at a dizzying height is indeed reminiscent of a tongue and is visited by numerous tourists and adventurers every year. Not surprising: the view of Lake Ringedalsvatnet, which stretches some 700 metres below the cliff, and the valley is quite impressive. If you don't want to miss the view of the landscapes below the Troll Tongue, you should be prepared to start your hike early: The round trip of 20-27 kilometres - depending on the starting point - takes around 7-10 and 10-12 hours respectively, so you should start the ascent early in the morning.

The route to Trolltunga is definitely one of the more difficult hikes and every year hikers have to be rescued from the mountains, so it's all the more important that you inform yourself thoroughly before you decide on this route. We have summarised the most important information for you here, and you can find more detailed information on the Trolltunga hike, including the necessary equipment and telephone numbers for emergencies, here.

As Trolltunga is around 1100 metres above sea level, the weather at the top can be very different from the weather at the starting point. So remember bring warm clothes and check the weather forecast before you start - you should also ask the locals.

Preikestolen is also one of the main tourist attractions in southern Norway. The famous rock pulpit 604 metres above the Lysefjord offers a great view of the fjord and the surrounding mountains, and on the way there you can expect some beautiful views of Lake Revsvatnet and the foothills of the Lysefjord. The 8-kilometre ascent and descent takes about 4 hours. The hike to Preikestolen should not be underestimated either, as there are steep sections to climb and the weather on the rock can be very different from the one at your starting point. Otherwise, the same safety instructions as for the hike to Trolltunga apply.

Want to enjoy Norway's waterfalls and glaciers in a single hike? Then the Briksdalbreen route, which takes you not only to the glacier but also past the beautiful Kleivafossen waterfall, is for you. The approximately 2-hour tour proves that even easier hiking trails have a lot to offer, and that you don't always have to go to the highest altitudes to see waterfalls and impressive nature. Unfortunately, the glacier tongue retreats further and further, but as we all know, the joy is in the journey, and there is plenty to discover along the way. Besides the impressive Kleivafossen waterfall, you can look forward to green meadows and the glacial lake Briksdalsvatn.

Sandy beaches in Norway? Yes, they exist! On the Lofoten Islands you will not only find numerous peaks just waiting to be climbed by you, but you can also look forward to white sandy beaches, cold sea water, relaxed coastal paths and green expanses. The archipelago in the north of Norway is a true paradise for all those who value activity and closeness to nature when travelling. For hiking fans, the diversity of nature also means that you can choose between easy, medium and difficult tours, and on all tours you can let your gaze wander over the seemingly endless expanses of Norway. The easier routes include the hike to Lake Mellavatnet and the surrounding forest and small mountains. Before you set off, you can take a look at the historic buildings in the fishing village of Nusfjord, the starting point of the tour. If you prefer something more challenging, you can take the hiking trail up to the top of Justatind and enjoy the view of the surrounding green meadows and mountains, or you can go to the more secluded Horseid beach.