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7 Hikes in Norway you shouldn’t miss

by Lisa Stentvedt
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I know, I know. I need to chill with the posts about hiking in Norway. That’s why I’ve decided to put together these articles about some of the best hikes in Norway, in the hopes that it will make it a lot easier for you to make the right decision when choosing between all the breathtaking Norway hiking trails.

Summer in Norway is perfect for hiking, and since I don’t actually consider myself a hiker (i.e. someone naturally outdoorsy), I feel an urge to tell the world whenever I actually go on one. Especially when the hikes are just a short drive from my house by the fjords. These Norway hiking trails are a little challenging, but not so hard that you need to be an incredibly experienced hiker to do them (and, as I have included 5 very different hikes, you’ll find just the one to fit your needs).

Side note: Hiking in the winter is also popular, but make sure to read up on some safety tips for winter hikes before you go. Also, don’t miss my Norway winter packing list!

As mentioned, the Priest Hike and the Hovdungo Hike are both close to where I grew up, and so if you are looking for hikes near Flåm and Aurland, you’ll be glad to read this post! They are pretty unknown, especially when you think about how popular Pulpit Rock and Trolltunga are. Naturally these deserve a spot on the list, and I even have videos from some of the hikes in Norway I am sharing here.

In other news, my massive (like, huge) Norway travel guide is live and yours for the reading! Head this way to read everything you need to know before your trip to Norway!

hikes in norway, aurlandsfjord
hikes hikesIn the middle of this picture you can see the Prest/Priest Mountain.

Hikes in Norway: 7 Norwegian Hikes for your Bucket List!

Keep reading for some of my favourite hikes in Norway, particularly western Norway. I can tell you now that I will be updating this post as I discover more amazing hikes in Norway, and hope you will bookmark and check back to this post before your trip. I also have several hiking videos on my Youtube channel, and have included the videos in the post too. That way, you can get a proper idea of the hike itself (and how sweaty I was when I reached the top, haha)!

These are definitely some of the best places to hike in Norway, so if you love hiking (or even just walking), make sure to bookmark this post. Some are amongst the top hikes in Norway, and can be pretty busy, but most of my suggestions are rather unknown Norway hiking trails.

Before you head out on any of these, you want to make sure you have the right gear for your hike, whether you are a hiking beginner or a more avid hiker.

#1 Prest (the Prest/Priest hike), Aurland

As mentioned, there are many popular hikes in Norway, such as hiking Trolltunga and Pulpit Rock. The Priest Hike is not as famous, but it’s well known amongst locals, and you’ll meet plenty of them along the hiking trail.

The view from Prest, Aurland is one of the best in the area, and I always recommend it to those visiting the fjords in the Summer and Spring. 

Here’s my guide to visiting the fjords in the Winter!

Fun fact: The mountaintop is named Prest in Norwegian, which literally translates to ‘priest’ or ‘minister’ in English. You can imagine people’s confusion when I tell them they should ‘go to the Priest‘ during their visit to the fjords.

The top of Priest mountain is 1478 metres above sea level, giving you a panoramic view of the entire Aurlandsfjord and making it the perfect place to impress that guy  take a selfie take in the breathtaking nature of the Norwegian fjords.

The route to get to the start of the trail is also great for cycling, and popular amongst those visiting Norway for a bicycle adventure. So if you are interested in cycling in Norway, you should definitely add it to your list!

It is worth noting that the stopping point for the Priest hike is actually not the ‘part’ of the mountain named Prest, but it is actually called Røyrgrind. But due to a common misconception about where the actual hiking trail ends, people accept that you have been to ‘Prest’ if you have taken your photo at Røyrgrind.

In addition to these great hikes, here are some other incredible experiences to have in Aurland!

This hike has been included in my latest eBook; a travel guide to Aurland, Flåm and the Aurlandsfjord area! Learn more and buy the book here!

Norway hiking trails, aurland
This isn’t even the view from the top of the Priest mountain!

The view on your way up to the top just gets better and better as you go, and it is extremely hard not to stop every 50 metres to take more photos. The hike itself can be quite strenuous in certain areas, so it’s good to stop and rest when you feel the need.

And why not take advantage of those breaks and get your camera out?

The hike itself isn’t that long, all though it is steep, and you’ll be back by your car within 3 hours, including breaks. That’s not too bad, right? It’s not as hard (in my humble opinion) as the hike to Hovdungo which I’ll cover below, but there is definitely a little bit more climbing included in this one!

Prest is actually a higher mountaintop than Hovdungo, and in my opinion, has a way better view. But you’ll find plenty of locals who disagree with me!

If you are ever in the Aurland/Flåm area, the hike to Prest is definitely one I would recommend. I would call it one of the most rewarding hikes in Norway, mainly for the panoramic views of the fjord you get from the top.

The impressions and photos on their own are more than worth it, and in addition to that it does your mind and body great to be above the tree line! Or at least my mum tells me that’s why this particular hike feels so good..

How to get to the start of the Priest Hike

In order to access the path to Prest, you will drive approximately 10 kilometres of what is known as the Snow Road, or Aurlandsvegen in Norwegian. Aurlandsvegen is the road that connects Aurland to the neighbouring village Lærdal and is covered in snow most of the year, hence the nickname. It is part of Norway’s National Tourist Routes and has a lot of traffic in the very few months of the year it is open.

Along the road from Aurland, you will find the famous Aurland viewing platform; the Stegastein Viewpoint. This is a local tourist attraction, and a must if you are visiting Flåm or Aurland! It is also the reason for most of the traffic you’ll meet along the way, so please drive carefully.

Once you have passed the Stegastein Viewpoint you will drive around what feels like the ‘back’ of the mountain (meaning you can’t see the fjord anymore). This means you’re on the right track, and eventually you’ll find a small (and free) parking lot on the left side of the road.

hiking in norway, the view from the Priest mountain
Hiking in Norway is amazing!

#2 The Stegastein Viewpoint Hike in Aurland, Norway

Stegastein is a very popular viewping platform in western Norway, overlooking the beautiful Aurlandsfjord. You will actually pass it on the wait to the trail head for the Prest hike, and if you are extremely hard core, you can combine the two hikes (yikes).

The Stegastein hike starts from the center of Aurland, and you do not need a car to reach the trail head, which is great for tourists and visitors! The hike itself takes about 2 hours, and is pretty steep (we are talking 650 height meters over a 2,6 kilometer trail), however, the view will make you forget all about the burning sensation in your legs. And when you get to the top; worth it!

See the video below to get an idea of the experience, and head this way to read an in-depth post about Stegastein!

#3 Hikes in Norway: The Hovdungo Hike, Aurland

Here’s another gem on my list of unknown hikes in Norway; Hovdungo. Hovdungo is a ‘støl’, which can be explained a sort of ‘extra’ farm belonging to a main farm, usually higher up in the mountains. During summertime farmers would – and will – keep the animals there for the season.

Another thing that’s worth noting is that Hovdungo isn’t an uncommon name for one of these extra farms, and you’ll find that there are more than one of these hikes in Norway, even in the area! There is actually a Hovdungo støl you can hike to from Undredal, a nearby village.

This particular Hovdungo is located 780 metres above sea level, with one of the best fjord views in the area. The hike itself is approximately 4,3 kilometres (2,7 miles) if you start from down by the fjord. It is also common to drive up to Vikesland, which is as far as you can take your car and still be on a public road. This will shorten the hike by about 1 kilometre.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTtyASdle5Q/?taken-by=idafbj
My friend Ida from the top of the Hovdungo hike

Let me just start by saying that the hike is incredibly steep in some areas. My first time on this particular hike I’ll admit I spent a lot of the time complaining, mostly because I wasn’t prepared for just how steep it was.

So now you are warned, and I’m sure you won’t complain at all..

In spite of the steep areas and the fact that you are hiking uphill for 2 hours straight, there is no way denying the beauty of the Norwegian fjords and mountains. 3,3 kilometres (if you hike from Vikesland) might not seem that far, but it sure takes its toll when you have to get to 780 metres above sea level in that distance.

After 1-2 hours of panting and complaining, you’ll finally start closing in on the top and feel 10 times lighter on your feet. This is such a beautiful hike, and the view from the top is worth every drop of sweat.

Once you get there you’ve forgotten all about your jelly legs (those will get worse on the way back down, trust me) and you can’t wait to get out to the edge and take in the view of the Sognefjord (and the beautiful village of Aurland of course). You’ll quickly see why this is one of my favourite hikes in Norway.

It is traditional to participate in a ‘we made it!‘ styled photo shoot once you hit the top. If you didn’t do it you weren’t at the top.

https://www.instagram.com/p/5MPZ58DCgD/
Photo or it didn’t happen.

If you enjoy a good hike and are visiting Norway this summer (or the next), pack your backpack and ask a local to point you in the direction of Hovdungo, you won’t be disappointed!

#4 Pulpit Rock, near Stavanger

Of course, I couldn’t write a post about hikes in Norway and not include Pulpit Rock! This rock formation overlooking the Lysefjord outside of Stavanger is perhaps one of the most famous hikes in Norway. Due to this, the trail has been upgraded several times, and there is lots of signage to make it as easy as possible to do the hike.

The hike trail head is a little while outside of Stavanger (including a ferry), so I recommend staying at Preikestolen Basecamp (accommodation with hotel rooms and cabins right at the trail head). This is where I stayed before doing the hike, and I am really happy we did. The place fills up pretty fast, so make sure you head this way to book in advance. Bonus: there is free parking at the trail head for hotel/hostel guests, which can save you a lot of fees in parking.

The hike to Preikestolen takes 2 hours each way (mainly due to the traffic on the trail). There are usually a lot of people doing this hike, so my #1 advice for you is to start early. If you start before 9am, you’ll have less people bothering you or getting in the way at the top. But if you manage to leave at 6 or 7 (my suggestion), you’ll have more time to yourself. Also, if you are afraid of heights, having less people at the top will make it a little less intimidating.

Head this way to read my complete guide to hiking Pulpit Rock!

#5 The Brekkefossen Waterfall, Flåm

The Brekkefossen Waterfall Hike in Flåm, Norway is a short hike near the center of popular Flåm. If you are visiting Flåm for a day (perhaps with a cruise ship) and want to get out of the center and a little closer to nature, this hike is my #1 recommendation.

Find the trail head by walking along the river up the valley for 15-20 minutes (on the right side of the river. You can also see the video below to see exactly where the trail head is.

Fun fact: this hike is actually called Raokjen, but the waterfall you are hiking along is the Brekke waterfall (“Brekkefossen”), and so most people (locals included) use the terms interchangeably.

The hike itself isn’t too long, and takes about 20 minutes. But, there are some steps that will make your bum burn by the end of the climb.

The Brekkefossen hike is definitely one of the most popular things to do when visiting Flåm.

#6 Mount Ulriken, Bergen

This is a great hike not to far from the city center of Bergen. The mountain top is 643 metres high, and there are several trails and options to choose to get to the top. This makes it perfect, as you can make it as strenuous (or not strenuous) as you’d like! To get to the top, you can opt to climb 1500 sherpa steps (a great workout for your bum), or take a longer way around. The hike can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours (one way) and is one of the best things to do in the city (in my opinion).

Head this way to read my complete guide to the Ulriken hike (including a map and a video)!

Mount Ulriken, Bergen view from top on a sunny day blue sky
How’s this for a view of Bergen?

#7 Aurlandsdalen Valley

Known as “the Grand Canyon of Norway”, this hike is not to be missed. Aurlandsdalen can be hiked either as a 3-4 excursion, or as a day hike (a shorter version). The latter is the most popular, and the hike starts at Østerbø, in the mountains of the Aurland municipality, and goes down through the Aurland Valley (Aurlandsdalen = the Aurland Valley) to Vassbygdi at sea level.

The hike is around 20 kilometres and takes 6-8 hours to complete, and you walk through dramatic, lush scenery and abandoned farms as you go along. This is one of the most popular hikes in the fjord region, and one I highly recommend if you love hiking!

Read my complete guide to hiking Aurlandsdalen here!

Hikes in Norway: Map

Want to see where these Norwegian hikes are on a map? No problem! Here you go:

Now you have heard about some of my favourite hikes in Norway and a few of the best hiking trails in Norway (in my opinion). Were you surprised to find any of these on the list? Would you want to try any of these on your next trip? If you are heading to Norway anytime soon, don’t forget to grab one of my itineraries to help you plan your trip!

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9 comments

Ida Sofie Lohne 01/08/2015 - 14:36

Fantastisk tur! <3 <3

LisaLDN 01/08/2015 - 15:05

I know <3

Grace Mountain Diaries 01/08/2015 - 16:24

Amazing! Adding this to my must visit (and do) list right now!

LisaLDN 01/08/2015 - 16:58

The view is definitely a must see, Grace! Thanks for reading 🙂

Dina Farmer 04/08/2015 - 03:42

But when you go some where so beautiful there is nothing wrong with posting pictures of hiking! Oh my gosh Norway is soo pretty. I wish I could visit that is a very LONG flight for me to go though. Beautiful shots!

LisaLDN 04/08/2015 - 06:05

Feel free to visit anytime! It is definitely a trip you’d never forget! Thanks for reading, Dina 🙂

NiChallenged 13/09/2015 - 08:14

I have been trying to improve my hiking skills … you give me hope… thanks for sharing. It looks so beautiful. <3 <3 <3

LisaLDN 13/09/2015 - 08:22

I’m not a huge fan of hiking myself, to be honest. But when this is the view at the top I don’t mind it! 🙂
The view is absolutely stunning, and it feels amazing to stand at the top! Thanks for commenting! 🙂

5 Hikes in Norway you shouldn’t miss (unknown and famous ones) – Design Go 12/06/2020 - 04:34

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