Norway is a truly beautiful country. With a wide range of climates and some beautiful landscapes, vast open moorlands and snowy mountains Norway is an ideal hiking country. Norway has a number of different hikes suitable for hikers of all ages and skill levels. From beginner to expert, Norway has hikes to suit everyone. Norway is also a great country for hiking as there are several destinations made purely for hiking, with amenities, camping sites and even hotels set up for hikers, all available a short drive by hired car from the routes or even within walking distance. What more could you ask for? We’ll be having a look at some of Norway’s best hiking locations, both for beginners and for experts, to make sure that nobody gets left out.
Rondane National Park Hiking
Home to the famous triangle route, Rondane National Park has a huge variety of different tours, and where you go will depend on what you want to see. For the more dedicated hikers there are tours that loop around the mountains in the park, or that climb up steep valleys with rocky outcroppings.
Rondane offers hikes that can last any time between three and seven hours, the longest being the hike from Rondvassbu to Doralseter via Langholet which is a staggering seven hours. The Rondvassbu – Doralseter route is mainly for those looking for a hiking challenge, as seven hours can be extremely taxing, especially for those that are new to hiking.
Some easier tours are available, with walks through beautiful valley floors, or along the Ula River with views of the mountains that surround the park. The Mysusete to Rondvassbu hike is a good choice for first time hikers, as it is mainly hilly areas with views of the mountains as opposed to more dangerous, rocky climbs. Plus at three hours long, it can substitute for a nice long walk in the fresh air.
Dovrefjell
A massive stretch of wide open mountainous terrain, Dovrefjell is a sigh to see. With wild musk oxen roaming its hills and even the occasional rare reindeer, it is ideal for a steady days hike. Suitable for hikers of all ages, however it is a long hike, up to the top of mount Snohetta, which is one of Norway’s highest mountains. It stands at 2286 metres above sea level and is also considered to be Norway’s most beautiful mountain.
Seeing the wild musk oxen, which have lived in the mountains of Dovrefjell since the ice age, is a sight to behold. With thick shaggy fur and powerful antlers, they are not to be missed. If you hike up mount Snohetta, on a good day you might even get to see a wild reindeer, which is very rare nowadays.
Don’t Forget
Even if it is a sunny and warm day, you’ll need to remember to dress suitably for the conditions on high altitude hikes. Wrap up really warm, or you’ll regret it later! Wear strong sturdy walking boots, with more heavy set hiking boots if you plan to climb steep valleys. Always wear protective eyewear in winter, as the harsh winds can be bitter .
And remember to have fun!