Walking Holiday in Norway: Lofoten, Trolltunga, Fjords, and Scenic Trails

Norway offers a dramatic walking holiday with fjord trails, mountain plateaus, coastal paths, valleys, wilderness routes, and cultural landscapes shaped by Viking history and fishing villages.

This guide looks at where to walk, how to choose the right style of trip, and what to expect from the food, accommodation, scenery, and local experiences along the way.

Choosing the Right Walking Holiday in Norway

Most walking holidays in Norway focus on a single fjord region, island group, national park, or long-distance route rather than trying to cover the whole country in one trip. This gives you more time to enjoy the landscapes properly, especially when ferries, mountain roads, and longer travel distances are involved.

• Best for fjord scenery → Nærøyfjord and Aurlandsdalen Valley, where deep water, waterfalls, cliffs, rivers, meadows, and historic farms create classic Norwegian walking days.
• Best for coastal drama → The Lofoten Islands, where fishing villages, white-sand beaches, sea cliffs, and sharp peaks make the walking feel wild and memorable.
• Best for iconic viewpoints → Trolltunga, where experienced walkers can take on one of Norway’s most famous long mountain days.
• Best for ridge walking → Besseggen Ridge, with steep climbs, blue lakes, mountain views, and one of Norway’s most rewarding high-level routes.
• Best for culture and long-distance walking → St. Olav’s Way and Røros, where historic towns, pilgrimage routes, wooden buildings, and countryside paths bring Norway’s past into the journey.

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Why Should You Explore Norway On a Walking Holiday?

For those of you who love the great outdoors, Norway is a dream destination for a walking holiday.

In fact, it’s one of the most spectacular destinations for Europe’s most scenic walking destinations, thanks to its dramatic fjords, mountain plateaus, and wild northern landscapes.

With its towering fjords, rolling valleys, and untouched wilderness, every trail here feels like stepping into a postcard, and you’ll quickly see that for yourself when you visit!

Bordering Sweden, Finland, and even a little part of Russia, Norway is a true adventurer’s destination.

That’s because the country’s rugged terrain delivers challenging hikes with rewarding summit views, while the gentler routes will take you through lush meadows, charming fishing villages along the coast (if that’s where you want to be), and quiet forests where the only sounds are the rustling leaves and distant waterfalls.

Norway’s rugged terrain forms part of a much larger Nordic adventure region, and many of the best hikes in Scandinavia can be found across Norway, Sweden, and Finland.

And when the day’s walking is done, you can settle into a cozy mountain cabin, feast on fresh seafood, and experience Norway’s warm and laid-back hospitality.

From iconic trails like Trolltunga and the Lofoten Islands to hidden gems in the countryside, Norway offers some of the most spectacular walking routes in the world. Let’s find out more about what a walking holiday in Norway will be like.

The Best Places To Explore On a Walking Holiday in Norway

Here are the top destinations in Norway for a walking holiday:

Fjord & Coastal Walks

For those of you who love breathtaking water views and rugged coastal landscapes, Norway’s fjords and seaside trails offer some of the most stunning walks in the world:

Nærøyfjord Trail

As one of Norway’s most famous fjords and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Nærøyfjord offers a spectacular hiking experience.

The trails wind through dramatic cliffs, past waterfalls, and alongside deep blue waters to give you a front-row seat to Norway’s natural beauty.

The peaceful surroundings and stunning reflections on the fjord make every step feel magical.

The Lofoten Islands Coastal Walk

For those who enjoy the charm of coastal villages mixed with rugged cliffs, the Lofoten Islands offer unforgettable hiking routes.

With trails that take you past fishing villages, white-sand beaches, and towering peaks rising straight from the sea, this is a must for anyone looking to experience Norway’s wild beauty up close.

Aurlandsdalen Valley

Known as “Norway’s Grand Canyon,” this valley offers a fjord-side trail that takes you through lush meadows, along roaring rivers, and past historical farms.

It’s a perfect mix of cultural heritage and jaw-dropping landscapes, which easily makes it one of the most rewarding hikes in the country.

Mountain & Wilderness Hikes

For those of you who crave adventure and the challenge of reaching breathtaking summits, Norway’s mountain trails are second to none:

Trolltunga

Arguably Norway’s most iconic hike, the trail to Trolltunga (the “Troll’s Tongue”) is a challenging but rewarding experience.

The 10 to 12 hour round trip will take you through alpine terrain to a dramatic rock formation jutting out over the fjord, which offers one of the most Instagram-worthy views in Norway.

For a closer look at the full route, including difficulty, key viewpoints, and practical planning tips, read our detailed Trolltunga hiking guide.

Besseggen Ridge

For those looking for a ridge walk with sweeping views, Besseggen delivers.

This famous trail in Jotunheimen National Park offers stunning panoramas of deep blue lakes and rugged peaks.

The steep climb is well worth it, as the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular. You’ll have to see it to believe it.

Dovrefjell National Park

If you’re looking for a less-crowded but equally stunning hike, Dovrefjell is a great choice.

Not only does this remote park offer breathtaking mountain trails, but it’s also one of the few places in the world where you can spot wild musk oxen roaming the tundra.

Countryside & Cultural Walks

For those of you who prefer a gentler walk with a mix of nature and history, Norway’s countryside trails offer peaceful beauty and cultural charm.

Røros Mining Town Walk

Step back in time with a walk through Røros, a historic mining town and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The town itself is a mix of well-preserved wooden buildings, cobbled streets, and fascinating history, while the surrounding countryside offers scenic trails through rolling hills and peaceful meadows.

The Pilgrim’s Route (St. Olav’s Way)

For those who love long-distance walking with a cultural twist, St. Olav’s Way is an ancient pilgrimage route that leads to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

This route takes you through picturesque villages, forests, and farmland, which offers a deep sense of connection to Norway’s past and present.

Like many historic pilgrimage routes across the continent, St. Olav’s Way forms part of a broader network of European long-distance paths that connect hikers with cultural and historical landscapes.

Hardangervidda Plateau

For a serene and more open landscape, the Hardangervidda Plateau is the perfect hiking destination.

As Northern Europe’s largest mountain plateau, it offers wide-open spaces, gentle walking routes, and the perfect chance to experience Norway’s stunning wilderness without the steep climbs.

Explore More Walking Routes in Norway

If you’re planning more hikes across the country, these guides can help you explore Norway’s fjords, mountain routes, coastal trails, and city-based walks in more detail.

• Best Hikes in Norway
• Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Norway
• Oslo: A City Guide for Hikers

Example 7-Day Walking Holiday in Norway

Most walking holidays in Norway focus on a single region or trail to reduce travel time and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

To give you an idea of how a trip might come together, here’s an example one-week itinerary based around the fjords and mountain routes near Bergen, Flåm, and Aurlandsdalen.

Day 1 – Arrive in Bergen
Arrive in Bergen and settle into your accommodation. Spend the afternoon walking around the harbour, old wooden streets, viewpoints, and local cafés.

Day 2 – Travel toward Flåm
Take the scenic journey toward Flåm and enjoy a gentle fjord-side walk after arrival, keeping the day relaxed after travelling.

Day 3 – Nærøyfjord walking day
Spend the day exploring trails around Nærøyfjord, with dramatic water views, cliffs, waterfalls, and peaceful fjord scenery.

Day 4 – Aurlandsdalen Valley
Walk a manageable section of Aurlandsdalen Valley, taking in rivers, meadows, historic farms, and mountain views.

Day 5 – Scenic transfer and shorter route
Use this day for a scenic transfer, fjord cruise, railway journey, or shorter valley walk, depending on your route and energy levels.

Day 6 – Mountain viewpoint walk
Choose a higher-level viewpoint route or a gentler mountain trail, allowing time to enjoy Norway’s open landscapes without rushing.

Day 7 – Short final walk and departure
Enjoy a final short walk near Bergen, Flåm, or your chosen base before travelling onward or heading home.

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Best Time of Year for a Walking Holiday in Norway

Norway’s walking season depends heavily on region and elevation, with higher mountain routes usually best in the warmer summer months.

Spring – Good for lower coastal walks, city routes, and early-season fjord scenery, though many higher trails may still have snow.

Summer – Best for mountain hiking, long daylight hours, fjord routes, Lofoten walks, cabins, ferries, and classic viewpoint trails.

Autumn – A beautiful time for quieter trails, golden landscapes, cooler air, and dramatic light, though weather can change quickly.

Winter – Better suited to snowshoeing, skiing, northern lights trips, city breaks, and winter lodge stays rather than classic walking holidays.

Typical Costs of a Walking Holiday in Norway

Norway is usually one of Europe’s more expensive walking holiday destinations, especially in popular fjord, island, and mountain areas.

Accommodation: €90–€220 per night for hotels, guesthouses, cabins, lodges, or fjord stays

Food: €18–€40 for a casual meal, with supermarkets, bakeries, and self-catering cabins helping reduce costs

Transport: €5–€80 for buses, trains, ferries, scenic railways, or regional journeys depending on distance

Self-guided tours: Around €1,000–€2,200 per week, depending on route, accommodation level, luggage transfers, ferries, and included services

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What Can You Expect During a Walking Holiday in Norway?

Here’s what you can really expect from a fun walking holiday in Norway:

Adventures Beyond Walking

When planning a walking holiday in Norway, one of the first decisions you’ll make is whether to travel independently or join a guided tour.

Understanding the difference between choosing between guided and independent walking holidays can help you choose the experience that best suits your style of adventure.

For those of you who like to mix up your walking holiday with a bit of adventure, Norway offers plenty of experiences beyond the trails that are just as thrilling as its epic hikes. 

Imagine swapping your hiking boots for a kayak and paddling through the glassy waters of the Nærøyfjord, surrounded by towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Regardless of whether you’re kayaking along a quiet fjord or taking a scenic boat tour through the famous Geirangerfjord, seeing Norway from the water is a really breathtaking way to experience its vast landscapes from a whole new angle.

Norway’s walking holidays are easy to pair with extra experiences, from kayaking and fjord cruises to scenic rail journeys, Viking history, city breaks, dog sledding, northern lights trips, and wildlife watching.

If you’re looking for a cultural break from the trails, Norway’s cities and villages are packed with experiences that bring the country’s history and traditions to life.

For example, you can wander through the charming streets of Bergen and explore colorful wooden houses, vibrant markets, and cozy cafés where you can warm up with a cup of rich Norwegian coffee.

Or, for those of you fascinated by Viking history, a visit to the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo offers a deep dive into Norway’s seafaring past, which comes complete with ancient longships and fascinating artifacts that tell the stories of the legendary Norse warriors and explorers.

And for those of you who want an adrenaline rush beyond hiking, Norway delivers.

Try dog sledding across the Arctic tundra in Tromsø, where you’ll glide over snowy landscapes under the northern lights.

Alternatively, you could take a thrilling ride on the Flåm Railway, which is one of the most scenic train journeys in the world and winds through deep valleys and past roaring waterfalls.

The Food and Drink Experience

For those of you who believe that great food is just as important as great hiking, Norway’s culinary scene offers plenty of satisfying meals to refuel after a long day on the trails.

Traditional Norwegian cuisine is all about hearty and locally sourced ingredients with dishes that reflect the country’s deep connection to the land and sea.

After tackling a rugged fjord hike, there’s nothing better than sitting down to a steaming bowl of fårikål, Norway’s national dish: a comforting stew of slow-cooked lamb and cabbage, which is perfect for warming you up after a long day outdoors.

For seafood lovers, Norway is an absolute dream. Imagine dining on the freshest grilled salmon or pan-fried cod, caught straight from the icy waters of the Atlantic and served with buttery potatoes and a squeeze of lemon.

Or if you’re hiking along the coast, don’t miss the chance to try rakfisk (a traditional fermented trout dish) or king crab in Northern Norway, where you can even join a local fisherman on a boat and catch your own dinner before enjoying it by the fire.

Food is part of the reward after a day outside, with fresh seafood, lamb stew, salmon, cod, cinnamon buns, mountain lodge meals, local coffee, and cosy cafés adding plenty of comfort.

And for those of you with a sweet tooth, Norway’s bakeries and cafés offer the perfect post-hike treat.

Whether it’s a warm, cinnamon-scented skillingsbolle (a Norwegian-style cinnamon roll) in Bergen, a slice of kransekake (almond cake) in Oslo, or a cozy coffee stop in a mountain lodge with a hot cup locally brewed coffee, these little indulgences will help fuel your body as you journey onward.

Fun Accommodations

For those of you who love unique and memorable places to stay, Norway’s accommodations are just as exciting as its hiking trails.

If you want to stay right in the heart of nature, Norway has an incredible selection of traditional mountain lodges and cabins.

Imagine waking up in a rustic wooden cabin in Jotunheimen National Park with a steaming cup of coffee in hand and nothing but towering peaks and crisp mountain air outside your window.

Many of these cabins are hiker-friendly and offer hearty home-cooked meals and a warm fireplace where you can swap stories with fellow adventurers.

For those of you who prefer something a little quirkier, Norway is home to some of the most unusual accommodations in the world. Have you ever wanted to sleep in a glass igloo under the northern lights?

Accommodation can make the journey feel even more memorable, whether you choose a wooden cabin, fjord hotel, rorbu fishing hut, mountain lodge, glass igloo, floating hotel, or remote wilderness stay.

In places like Tromsø and the Lofoten Islands, you can do just that by watching the aurora borealis dance across the sky from the comfort of your bed. Or how about spending the night in a floating hotel on a fjord, where the only sounds you’ll hear are the gentle lapping of the water and the distant call of seabirds?

And for a true taste of Norwegian culture, you could consider booking a stay in a historic stave church hotel or a converted Viking-style lodge.

These beautifully restored buildings will give you a glimpse into Norway’s past while offering all the modern comforts you need.

Regardless of whether you’re cozied up in a remote mountain retreat or enjoying a one-of-a-kind stay in the Arctic Circle, Norway’s fun accommodations will always ensure that your walking holiday is unforgettable from start to finish.

Conclusion

And there you have it! Norway is a country where adventure reigns supreme, and in the process, it has some truly unique accommodation options and some great food.

If you’re planning on visiting northern Europe for a walking holiday or a hiking trip, it’s not a country you’ll want to miss.

Is Norway calling your name?

Where to Next?

If Norway has inspired you to explore more of northern Europe on foot, nearby Nordic destinations offer forests, lakes, fjords, islands, mountain trails, and peaceful wilderness routes.

Nearby or Related Destinations

• Walking Holidays in Sweden – Explore Lapland, forests, lakes, coastal trails, islands, and peaceful Nordic landscapes.
• Best Hikes in Finland – Discover national parks, lake trails, forests, Lapland routes, and quiet wilderness scenery.
• Stockholm: A City Guide for Hikers – Use Sweden’s capital as a base for island walks, waterfront routes, parks, and nearby nature escapes.

Wider European Inspiration

• Walking Holidays in Scotland – Plan a walking trip through Highlands, lochs, glens, islands, coastal paths, and historic landscapes.
• Best Hikes in Switzerland – Explore alpine trails, lake paths, mountain passes, and classic high-altitude scenery.
• The Kungsleden Trail – Follow Sweden’s legendary long-distance route through Lapland’s mountains, valleys, rivers, huts, and Arctic wilderness.