Multi-Day Hikes in Norway: Essential Routes for Adventure Seekers
Norway’s breathtaking landscapes offer some of the world’s most rewarding multi-day hiking experiences. I’ve trekked through fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness areas that showcase nature at its most spectacular.
The best multi-day hikes in Norway include the famous Besseggen ridge in Jotunheimen, the stunning Trolltunga trail in Hardangervidda National Park, and the scenic cabin-to-cabin routes around Lysefjord.
When planning my Norwegian hiking adventures, I’ve found that the cabin-to-cabin hiking system makes multi-day treks more accessible and comfortable.
One excellent route begins at Fondsbu in Jotunheimen, where you can hike to Gjendebu before taking a boat to Memurubu to tackle the famous Besseggen ridge.
The Medvind trail is another great option – a 4-day journey that starts in the mountains and ends by a fjord.
Planning Your Multi-Day Hike in Norway
Norway offers incredible multi-day hiking experiences with stunning landscapes and well-maintained trail systems. A successful trek requires careful planning for weather conditions, route selection, and appropriate gear.
Best Time to Go
The optimal hiking season in Norway runs from mid-June to mid-September. During this period, most mountain snow has melted, and trails are accessible.
July and August provide the most reliable weather, but expect some rain regardless of when you go.
I recommend avoiding early June in higher elevations like Jotunheimen National Park, as snow often blocks trails to popular peaks like Galdhøpiggen. Late September brings beautiful fall colors but also decreasing temperatures and shorter days.
Southern Norway generally offers a longer hiking season than northern regions. The weather around the fjords is more moderate than in mountain areas like Rondane and Dovrefjell.
For cabin-to-cabin hikes near Lysefjord, summer months provide the best conditions. The midnight sun in northern areas like the Lofoten Islands creates unique hiking opportunities during June and July.
Choosing the Right Trail
Norway’s trail network offers options for all experience levels. For beginners, I suggest the marked trails in Jotunheimen, particularly the route from Fondsbu to Gjendebu, which provides stunning views with manageable difficulty.
Experienced hikers should consider these challenging multi-day routes:
- Trollheimen circuit (5-7 days)
- Hardangervidda traverse including Trolltunga (4-6 days)
- Rondane traverse (3-5 days)
The DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) maintains an excellent cabin network across these regions. I’ve found their red-marked trails to be well-maintained and easy to follow, even in foggy conditions.
When selecting your route, consider transportation logistics. Many trailheads are accessible by public transport, though schedules may be limited outside summer months. Some areas like Oppdal offer excellent starting points with good connections.
Preparation and What to Pack
Proper preparation is essential for safe hiking in Norway’s changeable mountain weather. I always check the latest forecasts at yr.no before departing.
Essential gear includes:
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Layers (including wool base layers)
- Sturdy hiking boots
- Map and compass (don’t rely solely on electronics)
- First aid kit
- Headlamp
- Emergency shelter
For cabin-to-cabin hikers, a lightweight sleeping bag liner is sufficient as most DNT huts provide blankets. If camping, bring a 3-season tent and sleeping bag rated for freezing temperatures, even in summer.
Food planning depends on your route. I pack lightweight, high-energy foods when traveling between unstaffed cabins. Staffed lodges in places like Jotunheimen offer excellent meals, reducing what you need to carry.
Don’t forget to register your trip plan with someone reliable, especially when hiking in remote areas of Dovrefjell or other wilderness regions.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find dedicated trails in many areas, but check local regulations as not all hiking trails permit bikes.
Top Multi-Day Hiking Trails in Norway
Norway offers some of the most breathtaking multi-day hiking trails in the world, with diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to coastal paths.
These trails provide opportunities to experience Norway’s natural beauty while challenging yourself physically.
Jotunheimen National Park Trails
Jotunheimen, known as the “Home of the Giants,” features Norway’s highest peaks, including Galdhøpiggen (2,469m).
The park’s most famous multi-day hike is the Besseggen Ridge trail, which takes 2-3 days and offers stunning views of emerald lakes.
One popular route starts at Fondsbu and goes to Gjendebu, connecting with boat transport options that allow hikers to experience Besseggen Ridge as part of their journey. The trail is moderately difficult with some challenging sections.
The DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) maintains several cabins throughout the park, making it possible to hike from cabin to cabin without carrying camping gear.
The Lake Gjende journey is particularly educational, teaching hikers about local ecology.
I recommend visiting between late June and mid-September when trails are snow-free and cabins are fully operational.
Lofoten Islands: Unforgettable Coastal Hikes
The Lofoten Islands offer a unique multi-day hiking experience with dramatic mountains rising directly from the sea.
The Lofoten Traverse is a challenging 7-10 day trek connecting the major islands through mountain passes and coastal paths.
This hike features stunning views of fjords, beaches with crystal-clear water, and traditional fishing villages. Weather can change rapidly, so proper gear is essential even in summer months.
The trail between Reine and Å provides spectacular coastal scenery with opportunities to witness the midnight sun during summer months.
Wild camping is permitted following Norway’s right to roam laws, but there are also rustic fishermen’s cabins (rorbuer) available for accommodation.
What makes Lofoten special is the contrast between rugged mountains and calm seas. I’ve found early September ideal for hiking here – fewer tourists, stable weather, and potential northern lights sightings.
The Historical Paths of Rondane
Rondane National Park, Norway’s oldest national park, offers multi-day trails through ancient landscapes shaped by glaciers.
The Rondanestien (Rondane Path) is a 6-7 day trek through valleys and peaks with historical significance.
These paths were used by hunters and travelers for centuries, and you’ll find stone markers dating back hundreds of years. The landscape features dramatic mountain formations with distinctive red Rondane quartzite.
DNT cabins are strategically placed throughout the park, typically requiring 5-7 hours of hiking between them. The terrain varies from gentle valleys to rocky mountain crossings.
Wildlife spotting is excellent here – reindeer herds roam freely across the park. The trail connecting Mysuseter to Dørålseter offers some of the most diverse landscapes.
I recommend hiking here from mid-July to early September when mountain flowers are in bloom and snow has melted from higher passes.
Dovrefjell National Park: A Journey Amongst Giant Musks
Dovrefjell National Park is famous for its population of musk oxen, prehistoric-looking animals that survived the ice age.
The 5-day traverse from Hjerkinn to Oppdal offers the best chance to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
The park sits along the historic Dovre Line railway, making it accessible from Oslo. Hiking starts in alpine tundra landscape and gradually changes to more mountainous terrain.
I recommend bringing binoculars for wildlife spotting. While musk oxen are the stars, you might also see reindeer, wolverines, and arctic foxes.
Designated viewing areas exist for observing musk oxen safely – these powerful animals require respectful distance.
The trail passes by Snøhetta mountain and several stunning waterfalls. DNT cabins provide accommodation, though they’re more sparsely distributed than in other parks.
The best time to visit is July through August when musk oxen are most active and visible on the mountain plateaus.
