Beyond Trolltunga – The 30 Best Day Hikes And Via Ferratas In The Fjords Of Norway (Rated From Easy To Difficult)

From the classics like Preikestolen to off-the-beaten-path trails like Goksøyra or Klovane, these are some of my favorite day hikes in the Fjords region of Southern Norway.

The map of the best day hikes in Norway

For better orientation, I created a map of the best hikes in Norway and their corresponding trailheads. Click on the arrow box in the top left corner to view the list.

How to use the map

The map has 4 different layers: easy day hikes (marked in green), moderate day hikes (blue color), challenging hikes (red), and via ferratas (purple). You can switch the layers on and off by clicking the red check box next to the layer’s name.

For example, if you are only interested in easy hikes then switch the moderate day hikes, challenging day hikes, and via ferratas off. As a result, only easy day hikes will show up on the map.

Best easy day hikes in Norway

The first 9 trails on my best day hikes in Norway list are easy trails with a maximum elevation gain of 450 meters (ca. 1500 feet). They can be completed anywhere between 1 to 4 hours. The easy hikes have been marked in green on the map.

1. Bondhusvatnet

• Total distance: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi
• Walking time: 3-4 hours 
• Elevation gain: 240 m / 790 ft

• Best time to go: May – October
• Location: Folgefonna National Park
• Type of hike: Out and back

Let’s kick off the list with one of the most enjoyable day hikes in Norway. Vatnet in Norwegian means lake. Keep that in mind because there will be a lot of vatnets on this list. Lakes dominate the landscapes of Scandinavia. There are 65000 of them in Norway alone!

Norwegians also have a tendency to name places after their characteristics. There are lots of long lakes (Langvatnet), blue lakes (Blåvatnet), and deep lakes (Djupvatnet) in Norway.

In the case of Bondhusvatnet, it means Farmhouse lake, probably named because of the close proximity of the farms near the Bondhus valley entry, where the lake is located.

The views-to-effort ratio along this day hike is outstanding. From the parking lot to the lake it’s an easy leisurely stroll on a wide gravel path suitable for strollers or motorized wheelchairs.

Comings soon: Guide to Hiking to Bondhusvatnet in Norway

2. Blåvatnet

• Total distance: 9 km / 5.6 mi
• Walking time: 3 hours
• Elevation gain: 370 m / 1214 ft

• Best time to go: June – October
• Location: Hornindal, Møre Og Romsdal county
• Type of hike: Out and back

An unassuming hike in the Hornin valley, visited only by local tourists. I decided to walk this trail on a whim, not knowing what to expect.

I just happened to be staying overnight in my van near the trailhead and saw signs for Blåvatnet near the parking lot.

Sometimes those types of hikes turn out to be the best. Throughout the whole day, I only met a few friendly locals and once I ventured off the path beyond the lake, I had the whole landscape to myself (and my dog).

Read More: 10 Things to Know about the Hike to Lake Blåvatnet

3. Mardalsfossen

Do you love waterfalls? If your answer is yes, then this hike should be on your Norwegian bucket list.

Mardalsfossen is a two-tier waterfall reaching a whooping height of 645 meters and it is referred to as one of the tallest European waterfalls (source: Wikipedia).

Mardalsfossen waterfall empties into the beautiful Eiksdalvatnet lake, one of my favorite hiking areas in Norway.

The hike to the waterfall is quite easy, You can get very close to it, just prepare to get completely soaked.

Coming soon: How to Visit Mardalsfossen in Norway

4. Austerdalsbreen

From the drive along the turquoise Veitastrondavatnet lake, through a coffee break in a beautiful Tungestølen backcountry hut to some of the best glacier views in Norway.

The trail to Austerdalsbreen glacier is definitely in my top 5. Do you want to know the best part? I only met around two dozen other people on this trail.

Coming soon: Austerdalsbreen Hiking Guide

5. Rakssetra

Rakssetra is one of many typical mountain farms built on mountain slopes. Farms like this can be found all over Norway. It has a fantastic view over Invikfjord and Oldedalen, home to many other fantastic day hikes in Norway.

The hike up to Rakssetra though steep at times is very short and the effort you put into it is paid twofold by the views you will get.

6. Innerdalen

• Total distance: 8.6 km / 5.3 mi
• Walking time: 2.5-3 hours 
• Elevation gain: 300 m / 1000 ft

• Best time to go: May – October
• Location: Innerdalen
• Type of hike: Out and back

Hailed Norway’s most beautiful valley, Innerdalen should definitely be on your bucket list when road-tripping this country.

Take a walk through lush forests, and green pastures ending with some homemade waffles at the Rendolsetra farm located at the end of the hike.

This is one of the most beginner-friendly day hikes in Norway. For the most part, you will hike on a wide gravel road, like the one pictured above.

Coming soon: Hiking Guide to Innerdalen in Norway

7. Vøringsfossen

Vøringsfossen is one of the most visited waterfalls in Norway. It’s a very popular day trip for cruise trip attendants, who dock for the day in the nearby Eidfjord village.

At 182 meters it is far from being the highest waterfall in Norway, but its beautiful setting at the top of Måbødalen valley is hard to compete with.

Most tourists see the waterfall from above, by walking along many platforms built in recent years to create easier access to the waterfall.

However, if you want to experience the waterfall up close then take a hike through the bottom of Måbødalen valley to the foot of the Vøringsfossen.

8. Snøhetta viewpoint

Slightly off the main road E6 which runs across the entire country of Norway, in what feels like the middle of Norway, stands an architectural wonder – Tverrfjellhytta.

The hut, which has won many design awards, was built in 2011 at the Mount Snøhetta viewpoint. Its main purpose is to enable wildlife watching in the nearby Dovrefjell National Park.

Dovrefjell is home to Europe’s last wild reindeer herds and it is the natural habitat for muskox. The hut can be reached in less than an hour from the parking lot and it is a popular stop for people traveling across Norway.

9. Nigardsbreen

• Total distance: 5 km / 3.2 mi
• Walking time: 2 hours
• Elevation gain: 180 m / 590 ft

• Best time to go: June – October
• Location: Jostedalsbreen National Park
• Type of hike: Out and back

The hike to Nigardsbreen is the perfect option for anyone who wants to get up close and personal with a glacier. I was actually very surprised at how close the viewpoint is.

The Nigardsbreen glacier tongue along with the previously mentioned Austerdalsbreen are in my opinion two most impressive glaciers I have seen in Norway.

The elevation gain or distance of this trail is small, but there is quite a lot of rock hopping and slippery rock slabs, particularly after rainfall. If you are thinking about tackling the trail to Nigradsbreen then make sure to come equipped with proper footwear and balancing skills.

Read more: Visitor’s & Hiker’s Guide To The Impressive Nigardsbreen Glacier

Best moderate day hikes in Norway

Moderate day hikes in Norway require a good level of fitness. They can take half day to a full day to complete and you should only attempt them if you have some hiking experience. They have been marked in blue on the map.

10. Aurlandsdalen

The route across the Aurland valley is a multiday hike, but most travelers opt for hiking just one part of it, that is from the small mountain settlement of Østerbo to Vassbygdi.

Aurlandsdalen is a historic hike. Back in the day it served as a transportation route for the local farmers and connected the East with the West of Norway.

I naively thought that since it’s a “walk through the valley” it will be easy. My preconception came from the valley hikes I did in the Dolomites, mainly Vallunga and Val Venegia.

Aurlandsdalen day hike, however, is not easy. Whilst some parts are literally a walk through the park, many other sections can be quite challenging.

A couple of fast-flowing river crossings and a sharp descent on slippery rocks on the last kilometer of the hike will certainly put any hiker through a test.

Read more: Guide to Hiking through Aurlandsdalen in Norway

11. Bakkanosi

If you are looking for the ultimate sunrise viewpoint in Norway I think the summit of Bakkanosi takes the no. 1 spot. I spent the night at the peak with my dog and we had it all to ourselves.

Even though there is quite a lot of elevation gain on this hike, the slopes are never too steep and the ascent stays gentle for most of the hike.

Once at the top, you get killer views of Næroyfjord – Norway’s narrowest Fjord and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the tiny villages down below, built right on its shoreline.

Read more: Guide to Hiking Bakkanosi Trail in Norway

12. Galdhøpiggen

• Total distance: 11.6 km / 7.2 mi
• Walking time:  6-8 hours 
• Elevation gain: 650 m / 2120 ft

• Best time to go: June – September
• Location: Jotunheimen National Park
• Type of hike: Out and back

My list of the best hikes in Norway would not be complete without the hike to Norway’s highest mountain – Galdhøpiggen.

Located in Jotunheimen National Park, Galdhøpiggen stands at 2469 meters (8100 ft) above sea level making it also the highest peak in Northern Europe.

Guided glacier crossing is required to get to the summit and daily tours leave from Juvashytta, an alpine backcountry hut located ca. 650 vertical meters (2120 feet) below the summit.

Coming soon: A Guided Hike to Galdhøpiggen – Norway’s Highest Peak

13. Goksøyra

• Total distance: 13.5 km / 8.4 mi
• Walking time: 5-6 hours
• Elevation gain: 1220 m / 4007 ft

• Best time to go: July – September
• Location: Eikesdalen / Eresfjord
• Type of hike: Out and back

The hike to the summit of Goksøyra was my best find on my road trip across Norway. The trail takes you to a beautiful viewpoint of Eikesdalvatnet lake. 18 kilometers in length it is the largest lake in Møre Og Romsdal county.

Whilst there is quite a bit of elevation gain on this hike, it is never extremely steep and no scrambling is involved.

I hiked Goksøyra during the peak hiking season in the second half of July, yet I only met a dozen of other people on the trail, mostly locals.

Coming soon: Hiking Guide to Goksøyra in Norway

14. Langvassegi above Langvatnet (Gamle Scenic Route)

There is a special law in Norway called Allemannsretten which gives freedom to roam in nature and the wilderness. This freedom comes of course with the responsibility of caring for nature and leaving no trace behind.

I have taken advantage of this freedom along the hike to Langvassegi. This is the only trail on my best hikes in Norway list that is not following any specific path.

My friend and I just parked a car along the Gamle Scenic Route, keen to take advantage of the beautiful weather day, we looked around at the surrounding mountains and picked a route.

We didn’t know what views will await us at the top, but we were not disappointed. Gamle Scenic Route is located on the northern border of the Jostedalsbreen National Park, home to Norway’s largest glacier.

From the Langvassegi summit, we had stunning views of glaciers and the turquoise lake Langvatnet in the valley below.

Coming soon: Hiking Guide To Langvassegi along the Gamle Scenic Route in Norway

15. Litlefjellet

In terms of distance and elevation gain the hike to Litlefjellet near Åndalsnes is a piece of cake. If it weren’t for a small section of scrambling around halfway into the hike, its place would have been in the easy day hikes in Norway category.

Litlefjellet gives a lot and asks for very little in return. The views on the top of the saddle, where the hike leads are stunning.

The sharp peak of Romsdalshorn reflecting in the seasonal ponds, the turquoise river Rauma flowing in the valley below, and some of the best views of the infamous Troll Wall – the birthplace of base jumping.

Read more: Guide To Hiking To Litlefjellet

16. Mefjellet

Mefjellet is definitely an off-the-beaten-path in terms of international tourism. The trail offers great views over Tafjord and the Norddalsfjord, Norway’s lesser-known fjords.

The first half of the hike leads to Nysetra, a high alpine pasture with picturesque red huts dotted on the slope. This part can be done almost year-round, weather permitting.

After Nyssetra the path climbs steeply until it reaches the summit of Mefjellet 1100 meters above sea level.

Coming soon: How to Hike to Mefjellet

17. Molden

The path to the summit of Molden follows a forest and highland pastures with stunning views of Lusterfjord. For the most part, the ascent is gentle and steady.

Fed with water from glaciers of the Jostedalsbreen and Jotunheimen National Parks Lusterfjord has beautiful turquoise color, particularly on a sunny day.

Molden is a very popular trail amongst the locals, but the summit is so ample, it makes it very easy to escape the crowds.

Coming soon: Hiking Guide to Molden Above Lusterfjord in Norway

18. Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

I felt very conflicted about hiking to Preikestolen, after consciously deciding to skip Trolltunga on my road trip to Norway.

I knew that Preikestolen is a very busy hike, but the fact that my parents were joining me at the time and the need to find easy-to-moderate day hikes in Norway that they could walk with me, made me give in.

I did enjoy the hike to Preikestolen, particularly the extensive views over the Lysefjord and the interesting shape of the Pulpit rock, which the hike became famous for.

The fact that we did it very late in the evening definitely helped, as by that time the crowds dispersed and there were maybe 3 dozen other people on the trail.

Coming soon: Hiking Guide to Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock)

19. Prest

Another great hike if you are looking for an awesome sunset spot overlooking a Norwegian Fjord. From the summit of Prest, you get beautiful views of the Aurlandsfjord.

90 percent of the hike goes above the treeline with several fantastic viewpoints along the way, Røyrgrind being the major one.

The nearest towns are Flåm and Aurland. Popular tourist destinations with plenty of attractions including the famous Flåmbana – a scenic train route between Flåm and Myrdal.

Read more: Hiking Guide to Prest

Best challenging day hikes in Norway

If you are up for a challenge and are a seasoned hiker then the next 8 hikes are for you. You should only attempt these hikes properly outfitted and with a good level of fitness.

You also shouldn’t be scared of heights as you will often encounter very steep scrambling sections on these trails. They have been marked in red on my map of the best hikes in Norway.

20. Skageflå

The hike to the Skageflå alpine farm offers unbeatable views of Norway’s most famous Fjord – Geiranger.

In terms of distance or elevation gain, the hike to Skageflå could easily be rated as medium difficulty. However, the very steep, and at times slippery steps at the end of the hike, which you have to take to reach the boat terminal make the hike challenging.

My favorite part of the hike was the views of the Seven Sisters’ Waterfall. There are several viewpoints and outcrops along the trail from where you can photograph it.

Read more: Hiking to Skageflå farm: the complete guide

21. Urkeegga

I haven’t hiked many circuit day hikes in Norway. Most of them go up and down the same way so when I learned about the Urkeegga circuit after I hiked the nearby Saksa mountain, I knew I have to come back.

The circuit is mostly known for the Egilbu shelter, built by the local community, for the hikers to enjoy the surrounding views.

Speaking of, the Urkeegga circuit for the most part runs along a ridgeline between three peaks with panoramic views of the Hjørundfjord and its surrounding peaks down below.

Read more: Guide to hiking the Urkeegga circuit in Norway

22. Besseggen

Besseggen is one of the classic and well-known day hikes in Norway. It lies in the Jotunheimen National Park known for its Icefields, and high plateaus. It’s also home to Norway’s highest peak, the previously mentioned Galdhøppigen.

Besseggen is a full-day hike that traverses along the ridgeline high above the turquoise lake Gjende.

The most famous viewpoint along the Besseggen trail is of lake Gjende and Bessvatnet. The latter is located 400 vertical meters above lake Gjende.

Read more: Summer 2023 hiking guide to Besseggen ridgeline trail in Jotunheimen National Park

23. Kattanakken

Kattanakken is one of my personal favorite day hikes in Norway but it is also one of the hardest ones. Officially it has been marked as a black trail, meaning it is for experts only.

Luckily its difficult scrambling parts come at the very end. Less risk-tolerant hikers can just hike to a viewpoint of the Briksdalsbreen glacier point and lake Oldenvatnet before turning around and skipping the scrambling section.

Read more: Guide to the Kattanakken day hike in Norway

24. Kjeåsen

Similar to the previously mentioned Rakssetra or Skageflå, Kjeåsen is another high-alpine farm. Norway is full of them.

The farm doesn’t operate anymore, but the buildings remain in use by the current owners. I won’t lie, I was slightly green with envy for the views that they get from Kjeåsen down to Eidfjord every day.

It is possible to get to Kjeåsen by car, but if you are feeling adventurous you can take the steep hike equipped with chains and ladders instead. This way you will experience the same route, that kids who were growing up on the farm had to take, to get to school.

25. Klovane

The summit of Klovane is located right near the isthmus of Odenvatnet lake which is famous for its turquoise color.

The lake is fed directly from the Jostedalsbreen Icefield – Norway’s largest Icefield, particularly the Briksdalsbreen glacier tongue.

It’s a real grind to get to the summit, with a few steep scrambling sections, and lots of mud and roots sticking out from the ground, but you forget all about it once you stand at the summit and look at the views.

Read more: Guide to Klovane day hike in Norway

26. Romsdalseggen

The views along the Romsdalseggen ridge hike are straight from a fantasy movie. Sharp peaks, sheer walls, and lush green valleys 1000 vertical meters below. Everything you can expect to see. That is if the weather plays along.

This famous ridgeline hike goes all the way to Åndalsnes, a small town, and a popular tourist destination thanks to its close proximity to Trollstigen mountain road.

Romsdalseggen is not exactly a hidden gem, in fact, it is one of the most famous day hikes in Norway and on its way to becoming the next Trolltunga. Go now before it gets too busy.

Read more: Guide to the Romsdalseggen day hike in Norway

27. Saksa

My love for the Norwegian fjords was born right on this hike. This was the first hike in Norway that I ticked off my list.

I quickly learned what hiking in Norway is all about: if you want the views, you will have to put a lot of effort into seeing them.

Saksa is known as the Queen of the Sunmøre Alps. The mountain raises sharply from the Hjørundfjord all the way to 1300 m a.s.l. The views from the top are some of the best in the country.

Read more: Guide to the Saksa day hike in Norway

Best via ferratas in Norway

Via ferratas are scrambling and climbing paths equipped with ladders, stemples, and steel cables for aided assistance and protection. You should only attempt them with a guide or, if you have previous experience, then with proper via ferrata equipment.

29. Via Ferrata Loen

When it comes down to views, via ferrata Loen is hard to beat. The higher you climb the better it gets.

Via ferrata Loen has risen to somewhat of a cult status in Norway. It starts in the little village of Loen, built on the shore of Invikfjord, and climbs to the summit of Mount Hoven 1100 meters above sea level.

The highlight of via ferrata Loen is the impressive suspension bridge (pictured above) perched 800 meters above sea level with extensive views of Lodalen valley, Loen, and the Fjord.

Read more: 12-Step Guide To Tackling Via Ferrata Loen In Norway

30. Via Ferrata Romsdalsstigen

When it comes down to via ferrata climbing I consider myself very knowledgeable in that area. After all, I have done plenty of iron paths in the Dolomites, ranging greatly in difficulty levels.

Yet, via ferrata Romsdalsstigen Vestveggen challenged my abilities in every way. As soon as I climb the first couple of hundred meters, I knew this will be the most difficult via ferrata I have ever done.

Via ferrata Romsdalsstigen is one of the top tourist attractions in Åndalsnes. Luckily there are two versions of it, so if you are unsure, choose the beginner option or higher a guide.

Read more: Guide To Via Ferrata Romsdalsstigen

If you have any questions about any of the hikes let me know in the comments below