Hikes in Norway
Hikes in Norway range from a moderate 8 km (5 miles) round trip at Preikestolen to the very strenuous 27 km (16.8 miles) Trolltunga day. The four routes include out-and-back walks and one point-to-point ridge crossing, with seasons that generally run from late spring or June into September or October.
These four Norwegian hikes lead to some of the country's best-known fjord and mountain viewpoints. Three of them, Preikestolen, Trolltunga and Kjeragbolten, are out-and-back trips to a famous rock formation, while Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen is a point-to-point route between two DNT huts, usually paired with a one-way boat crossing on Lake Gjende. Difficulty runs from moderate to very strenuous, and most of the routes are managed by regional tourism bodies and landowners. Besseggen is managed by the Norwegian Environment Agency and DNT.
The routes at a glance
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Besseggen Ridge — Jotunheimen · Jotunheimen · Norway
Besseggen Ridge is a point-to-point day hike of about 14 km (8.7 miles) between Gjendesheim and Memurubu, with roughly 1,200 m (3,937 ft) of cumulative ascent and descent. The narrow ridge section involves exposed scrambling, so it suits fit hikers comfortable with heights on a demanding route.
- Distance
- ~14 km (8.7 miles), point-to-point between DNT's Gjendesheim and Memurubu huts (most hikers cross Lake Gjende by boat one-way and walk the other)
- Difficulty
- Strenuous / Demanding (DNT-affiliated sources describe it as demanding over its full length); the narrow ridge section itself (~1 km) involves exposed scrambling
- Official season
- Late June to September, once the ridge is snow-free
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Preikestolen — Pulpit Rock · Ryfylke · Norway
Preikestolen is an 8 km (5 miles) out-and-back walk on a well-prepared path, climbing about 500 m (1,640 ft) to a rock sitting about 604 m above the Lysefjord. It is rated moderate but is long and physically demanding for a day hike, and it suits hikers wanting the most approachable route here.
- Distance
- 8 km (5 miles) round trip, 4 km (2.5 miles) one way
- Difficulty
- Moderate — well-prepared path, but long and physically demanding for a day hike
- Official season
- April to October; winter needs care
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Trolltunga · Hardanger · Norway
Trolltunga is a 27 km (16.8 miles) round trip from the main Skjeggedal trailhead, with about 800 m (2,625 ft) of ascent. It is very strenuous and commonly takes 8-12 hours, so it suits experienced, well-prepared hikers, some of whom split it with an overnight stay.
- Distance
- 27 km (16.8 miles) round trip from the main P2 Skjeggedal trailhead (20 km / 12.4 mi round trip from the higher P3 Mågelitopp trailhead)
- Difficulty
- Very strenuous; usually a long day (commonly 8-12 hours), often split with an overnight stay
- Official season
- Mid-June to September; outside mid-summer conditions are harder and guiding is often advised
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Kjeragbolten · Lysefjord · Norway
Kjeragbolten is an out-and-back hike of about 11 km (6.8 miles) from the Øygardstøl trailhead, with roughly 800 m (2,625 ft) of cumulative ascent across three steep climbs and descents. Fixed chains and wires aid the steep sections, making it a fit for confident, strong hikers.
- Distance
- ~11 km (6.8 miles) round trip from the Øygardstøl trailhead
- Difficulty
- Strenuous / Demanding — steep sections are aided by fixed chains and wires
- Official season
- June to September, when the mountain road is open
How to choose between them
Start with how much effort you want to spend. Preikestolen is the moderate option at 8 km (5 miles) round trip, while Kjeragbolten and Besseggen Ridge are both strenuous, and Trolltunga is the longest and most demanding at 27 km (16.8 miles). Next, consider route type: Besseggen is point-to-point and needs a boat crossing on Lake Gjende, whereas the other three return to their starting trailheads. Comfort with exposure matters too, since Besseggen has a scrambling ridge and Kjeragbolten uses fixed chains and wires on steep sections. Finally, check the season, because Preikestolen opens earliest, from April, and the others wait until June.
When to go
The official seasons in this collection cluster in the warmer months. Preikestolen has the longest window, April to October, though winter needs care. Besseggen Ridge runs from late June to September once the ridge is snow-free. Kjeragbolten is listed for June to September, when the mountain road is open, and Trolltunga for mid-June to September, with harder conditions and often guiding advised outside mid-summer. Dates can shift with conditions, so confirm current information with each managing authority before you plan a trip.
Common questions
Which Norway hike is the most approachable?
Preikestolen is rated moderate and follows a well-prepared path for 8 km (5 miles) round trip. It is still long and physically demanding for a day hike, so prepare accordingly, but it is the gentlest of the four routes in this collection.
Which hike takes the longest?
Trolltunga is the longest at 27 km (16.8 miles) round trip from the main Skjeggedal trailhead. It is very strenuous and commonly takes 8-12 hours, and many hikers split it with an overnight stay.
Which Norway hike is point-to-point?
Besseggen Ridge in Jotunheimen is point-to-point, running about 14 km (8.7 miles) between the Gjendesheim and Memurubu huts. Most hikers cross Lake Gjende by boat one way and walk the other direction.
When can these hikes be done?
Preikestolen is listed for April to October. Besseggen, Kjeragbolten and Trolltunga are generally June to September, depending on snow and road access. Confirm current dates with the managing authority before you go.
Sources
Facts come from each route's official managing authority, linked on its trail guide:
- Norwegian Environment Agency & DNT — dnt.no (Besseggen Ridge — Jotunheimen)
- Regional tourism & landowners — visitnorway.com (Visit Norway, national tourist board) (Preikestolen — Pulpit Rock)
- Regional tourism & landowners — visitnorway.com (Visit Norway, national tourist board) (Trolltunga)
- Regional tourism & landowners — visitnorway.com (Visit Norway, national tourist board) (Kjeragbolten)
Conditions, permits and access rules change without notice — confirm current information with each managing authority before you go. See our editorial policy.