5 Breathtaking Hikes in Norway’s National Parks
If adventure calls and your answer involves hiking boots, Norway might just be your dream destination. It’s the sort of place where Mother Nature really shows off, with towering mountains, glittering fjords, and wilderness far as the eye can see. It’s no wonder Norway is a bucket-list favourite for hikers. And 2025 is the best time to go! With sustainability and the great outdoors now firmly in the spotlight, there’s never been a better reason to explore Norway’s breathtaking national parks.
Let’s dive into five stunning Norwegian national parks you’ll want to add to your 2025 adventure travel plans.
1. Jotunheimen National Park
Dubbed the “Home of the Giants,” Jotunheimen is where Norway’s tallest peaks meet shimmering turquoise lakes and lush green valleys. It’s a hiker’s playground and a photographer’s dream.
Start with the Besseggen Ridge—a thrilling trail that serves up panoramic views so beautiful you’ll think you’ve wandered into a fairytale. Feeling ambitious? Tackle Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest mountain, for that “I just conquered a giant” vibe. Along the way, expect cascading waterfalls, ancient glaciers, and serene meadows that feel untouched by time.
Stats - Bessegen Ridge
Distance - 14 km
Duration - 6-8 hours including breaks
Difficulty Level - Experienced
Guide - https://coordinotes.be/guide-to-the-besseggen-ridge-hike/
Stats - Galdhøpiggen
Distance - 11.6 km roundtrip
Duration - 6-8 hours
Difficulty Level - Expert
Guide - https://inafarawayland.com/galdhopiggen-with-a-guide/
Pro Tip: For the ultimate adventure, join the Gutsy Girls Norway Hiking and Yoga Adventure Weekend. Not only will you explore this majestic park, but you’ll also get to unwind with yoga amidst the stunning scenery. Talk about balance!
2. Lofotodden National Park
If coastal drama is your thing, Lofotodden is calling your name. Perched in the iconic Lofoten Islands, this park offers a unique mix of jagged peaks, tranquil fjords, and sandy beaches that’ll make you pinch yourself to check it’s real.
The Reinebringen Hike is a must-do. It’s a steep climb, but the views at the top—fishing villages nestled between turquoise waters and rugged cliffs—are worth every step. For something a bit quieter, head to the Munkebu Hut Trail, where you might just spot a golden eagle soaring above.
Stats - Reinebringen Hike
Distance - 3 km
Duration - 3-4 hours roundtrip
Difficulty Level - Moderate
Guide - https://www.earthtrekkers.com/how-to-hike-reinebringen-in-the-lofoten-islands-norway/
Stats - Munkebu Hut Trail
Distance - 5.5 km
Duration - 7.5 hours round trip
Difficulty Level - Moderate
Guide - https://www.68north.com/lofoten-hikes/hiking-munken/
Extra Adventure: Why stop at hiking? Pair your trek with a sea kayaking tour for a whole new perspective. Gliding through the crystal-clear waters with the dramatic mountains towering above you is pure magic.
3. Rondane National Park
Norway’s oldest national park, Rondane, is perfect for those who prefer their trails quieter and their views wilder. This serene escape is home to rolling valleys, rugged peaks, and herds of reindeer roaming free. The rugged beauty of the Rondane Massif adds a striking backdrop, with peaks towering over 2,000 metres.
Head out on the Peer Gynt Hytta to Waterfal Canyon Loop from Selsverket, a trail offering forest paths and a breathtaking canyon view - ideal for soaking up Rondane’s charm. Alternatively, the Spranget to Rondvassbu Trail is a gentle yet scenic route leading to Rondvassbu, the ideal place to admire the pristine surroundings.
Stats - Peer Gynt Hytta - Waterfall Canyon Loop
Distance - 8.6 km
Duration - 3 hours
Difficulty Level - Easy/moderate
Stats - Dørålseter to Bjørnhollia Trail
Distance - 12 km
Duration - 3-4 hours
Difficulty Level - Easy
Guide - https://www.alltrails.com/en-gb/trail/norway/innlandet/spranget-rondvassbu
Pro Tip: Bring binoculars—Rondane is one of the best places in Norway to spot reindeer in their natural habitat. It’s like stepping into a David Attenborough documentary.
4. Hardangervidda National Park
Looking for variety? Hardangervidda has it in spades. As Europe’s largest mountain plateau, this park offers everything from glacier hikes to gentle meadow trails, making it ideal for hikers of all levels.
The crown jewel here is Trolltunga, a rock formation that juts out over a fjord like a natural diving board. Yes, it’s popular, but there’s a reason for that—the views are nothing short of legendary. Prefer something less crowded? The park’s family-friendly trails and wild camping spots let you soak up the landscape at your own pace.
Stats - Trolltunga
Distance - 27km roundtrip
Duration - 8-12 hours
Difficulty Level - Expert
Guide - https://trolltunga.com/plan-your-trip/the-hike-to-trolltunga/
Pro Tip: Pack layers. The weather here can change in a blink, but that’s all part of the adventure, isn’t it?
5. Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park
Dramatic peaks, sprawling valleys, and a chance to spot musk oxen in the wild—Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella is a park that leaves a lasting impression.
The Snøhetta Trail is a fantastic choice for hikers of all abilities. It’s relatively easy, but the summit rewards you with panoramic views that’ll knock your socks off. And don’t miss the park’s geological treasures, like the amethyst mines, which add a touch of sparkle to your journey.
Stats - Snøhetta Trail
Distance - 9.79 m
Duration - 8.5 hours
Difficulty Level - Easy
Guide - https://www.visitnorway.fr/listings/private-guided-hike-to-sn%C3%B8hetta/208836/
Pro Tip: Bring your camera! Between the rare wildlife and the jaw-dropping scenery, you’ll want to capture every moment.
Norway’s national parks are nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re drawn to the giants of Jotunheimen, the coastal magic of Lofotodden, or the quiet beauty of Rondane, there’s a trail here with your name on it.
And if you’re ready to turn those hiking holidays into an unforgettable adventure, look no further than the Gutsy Girls Norway Hiking and Yoga Adventure Weekend. With a perfect mix of exploration and relaxation, it’s the ideal way to experience the best of Norway.
