The country´s expansive mountain ranges and high plains make ideal walking terrain. You could choose either to carry your own tent, stay in youth and family hostels, or ramble from cabin to cabin. The most popular areas include the Jotunheim mountain range; the Rondane and Dovrefjell mountains; the Hardangervidda plateau, the Trollheimen district; and the eponymous plain Finnmarksvidda.
Norway is a great destination for hiking enthusiasts, with a wide variety of trails that range from easy walks to challenging mountain hikes. DNT, the Norwegian Mountain Touring Association, runs about 300 guided hiking tours of varying difficulty during the summer, including glacier walks and around 100 in the winter. Most cabins are open from end-June until mid-September, in addition to Easter. Some cabins are open all year round.
Here are some things you might want to know about hiking in Norway:
- The right to roam: Norway has a unique law called the “right to roam,” which allows people to hike and camp on uncultivated land without the landowner’s permission. This means that hikers can explore much of the country’s natural beauty without restrictions.
- National Parks: Norway has several national parks that are great for hiking, including Jotunheimen, Rondane, and Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella. These parks offer a range of trails, from easy day hikes to multi-day treks.
- Mountain Hiking: Norway’s mountains offer some of the most spectacular hiking opportunities in the country. However, hiking in the mountains requires proper preparation and equipment, as the terrain can be challenging and the weather can change quickly.
- Coastal Hiking: Norway’s coastline is also a popular destination for hiking, with trails that offer stunning views of the fjords and the sea. The most famous coastal hiking trail is the 580-kilometer (360-mile) long Kystriksveien, or “Coastal Route.”
- Midnight Sun: During the summer months, Norway experiences the midnight sun, which means that the sun stays above the horizon 24 hours a day in some parts of the country. This makes for unique hiking experiences, as hikers can hike at any time of day or night.
- Hut-to-hut hiking: Norway has a network of huts and cabins that are available for overnight stays in the mountains. This allows hikers to plan multi-day hut-to-hut hiking trips and explore more remote areas.
Overall, hiking in Norway offers a unique opportunity to explore the country’s stunning natural beauty, from its mountains and fjords to its coastline and forests. With proper preparation and equipment, hikers can enjoy a safe and rewarding hiking experience in Norway.