I’ve wanted to visit Andalucia for more than 20 years and this trip did not disappoint. It was, to me, the perfect blend of rural walking and city time- with my favorite moments being the pastures and small villages, learning about olive production, local plants, and life in Algamitas. The Cortijo is lovely, and though simple, had everything we need (including a pool!) The staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful and Felipe, the manager, was especially thoughtful in taking care of everyone. My traveling companion and I both have dietary/medical restrictions and Felipe and the wonderful kitchen staff went to great lengths to ensure we had what we needed (we know gluten free pasta, bread and cereal can’t be easy to come by in a rural area, and that making a separate version of a meal is a lot of work), but made it seem effortless. Our guide, Miguel, is funny and personable and knows so much about the area: archaeology, geology, plant life, birds, and people- and he clearly makes a great effort to know the neighbors in the village and connect with people. He also runs a tight ship to keep people safe and cared for! He also goes to great lengths to make sure his groups have a great time and get to do the things they want to do. I thought the walking was the right challenge for a level 2- the biggest variable was the sun and heat, but he made sure we were hydrated and prepared. We didn’t have any rain, but that would also make for a different kind of challenge. And we lucked out with a group of lovely, funny, caring fellow-travelers. This trip was to celebrate my friends’ and my 40th birthdays this year, and it was exactly what we wanted it to be!
Hiking Tours in Norway
Our Best Hiking Tours in Norway
Top 5 Norway Hiking Trails
1. Rondane National Park
Home to some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Norway, Rondane National Park is a place where you can escape from the hustle and bustle and get back to nature. The park is made up of lichen and heather-strewn plateaus and remote waters that lie beneath the gaze of soaring peaks and the famous ethereal blue glow. Originally the park was created to protect reindeer, but you’ll also come across other wild animals and a wealth of birdlife on your travels. On our Venabu walking tour, you’ll hike to the summit of Store Ramshogda and explore the towering peaks of the Rondane massif, where you’ll witness the most awesome mountain views.
2. The Pilgrim’s Road
Laying claim to being the world’s most northerly pilgrimage route, the Pilgrim’s Road is a lesser-known route that often goes unrecognized. Following in the footsteps of St Olav, the trail takes you to Nidaros in Trondheim and it has a strong appeal for anyone wanting to go off the radar and enjoy total serenity. The sparsely inhabited landscapes of Jämtland, punctuated mostly by lakes and rivers, are popular stomping grounds for the local wildlife. Our guided walk steers you above the valley of Gudbrandsdalen and up to the ancient hillfort, where terrific views await and you can learn about the history of St Olav. We complete the walk with a trip to the iconic Ringebu Stave Church, which was originally built in the 13th century and is one of the last remaining churches of its kind in Norway.
3. Finnsjøvola
Framed by the majestic Rondane mountains, the lakes of Finnsjøvola offer a scenic walk along their shores. Atnasjøen Lake is arguably the most picturesque with its gin-clear waters and dramatic backdrop. Measuring over three square miles, Atnasjøen lies between Sto-Elvdal and Sor-Fron and is a fabulous viewpoint for soaking up the mountain views. When the air is calm, the reflections of the mountains on its glossy surface are utterly mesmerizing and make a stunning subject for budding photographers.
4. Dynjefjellet
This dramatic peak may often go overlooked, but a hike up to its summit rewards you with 360° views that reach out across the Rondane mountains, Venabygdsfjellet and the distant glacial peaks of Jotunheimen. Early fall is a great time to enjoy this walk as the landscape is ablaze with fiery reds and oranges. It’s also a great time to sample the lush blueberries, cranberries and cloudberries along the way. There’s a good chance when walking in Norway up to Dynjefjellett you’ll spot wild reindeer which have roamed the land since the last Ice Age.
5. Besshovden
Besshovden offers hikers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding fjords and valleys, including the Fjærlandsfjorden fjord and the Jostedalsbreen glacier. During summer, you may even see people securing hammocks to spend the night under the stars. Besshovden’s rocky terrain and steep inclines challenge adventurers, while the summit rewards them with an unparalleled sense of solitude and connection to nature.
Rebecca Cox Walking in Andalucia
Sophie Harrowes Hike Morocco's Anti-Atlas MountainsHaving booked somewhat last minute, we were anxious approaching our first multi day trek, mostly about our fitness (particularly for me as an energetic 57 year old weekend walker without any training regime), but also about travelling with strangers for 8 days. We need not have been. It was hugely challenging, especially with the unseasonably hot weather (34-36C), but the demanding ascents/descents and long days were achievable and gave us a huge sense of achievement at the end of each day. Campsites were amazing, from dusty village to green (but mostly dry) oasis and awe-inspiring mountain plateau. We barely saw a soul during the days and only small numbers of villagers at night. Seeing the little group of green tents already set up below us as we made our final descent of the day and knowing that the wonderful Exodus team would have a absolutely delicious dinner on, a brew and biscuits (or sometimes pancakes straight from the pan) on arrival was a fantastic reward at the end of each day’s walking. It was a real privilege to be looked after by such experienced, dedicated and kind people – and a hardworking mule. We always felt safe and our guide Mohamed ensured that the pace was regulated to push us onwards, but give decent rests. Lunch was a welcome reward each day, and quite extraordinary given the environment to have a hot dish and a beautiful spread of salads and fresh bread with mint tea. Shade was our one issue during the day, this is a dry landscape that is suffering as a result of climate change. But our team always found lunchtime shade and encouraged us to lie down and rest on carpets after we had eaten our meal! Our group were great, lots of different characters and ages, from multiple countries, travelling as couples, friends or individuals; everyone looked out for each other and the conversation was endless and enriching. We felt exceptionally lucky to have made our last minute decision – it was 100% one of our best ever trips.
Where is Norway?
Norway is a country located in Northern Europe, on the western part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It shares borders with Sweden to the east, Finland to the northeast, and Russia to the far northeast. To the west and south, Norway is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, including the Norwegian Sea and the North Sea. The country’s extensive coastline is famous for its dramatic fjords, carved by glaciers over millennia.
Does Norway have good hiking?
Norway is renowned for its exceptional hiking opportunities. The country offers a diverse range of landscapes, from towering mountains and deep fjords to lush valleys and expansive plateaus, making it a hiker’s paradise. Norway’s national parks, including Rondane, are also popular for hiking, featuring well-marked trails that take you through pristine wilderness and offer the chance to encounter native wildlife. Whether you’re seeking a strenuous multi-day trek or a leisurely day hike, Norway’s well-maintained trails and breathtaking scenery provide unforgettable experiences for hikers of all levels.
FAQs on Hiking Tours in Norway
The northern lights can be visible in Norway, depending on where you visit and the time of year. The aurora is most visible during the winter months, from late September to early April, when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest. Norway’s clear, unpolluted skies and remote locations provide ideal conditions for experiencing the mesmerizing display of the northern lights.
Norway offers lots to explore, and our travel specialists have crafted an incredible 9-day long fjord hiking tour that immerses you in the landscape and culture. Need more time? Talk to our team about extending your trip!
The best time of year for hiking in Norway is from late June to early September. During this period, the weather is generally mild and the days are long, with the Midnight Sun providing extended daylight hours in the northern regions. Trails are typically free of snow, and wildflowers are in full bloom, enhancing the natural beauty of the landscapes. July and August are the peak months, offering the most reliable weather, but late June and early September can also be excellent for those seeking fewer crowds. Some higher-altitude or northern trails may still have snow earlier in the season.
If you’re gearing up for your first hiking vacation, you’re in for an unforgettable experience, but to ensure your journey is as enjoyable as it is memorable, proper preparation is key. Pay attention to the activity level rating of your trip when you are booking so that you can understand approximately how far you will be hiking each day, as well as the elevation of the walks. This will give you a useful benchmark for your training.
In the weeks and months leading up to your trip, increase your daily activity level and embark on long walks, wearing the kit that you plan to wear on your tour so that you can get used to things like the weight of your backpack and thoroughly break in your boots. Increase your core exercises and ramp up your cardio to help with your trail endurance. Check out our fitness guide for more advice on the physical preparation needed for your active tour.
From hiking shoes and socks to waterproof jackets and breathable layers, you’ll want to ensure that you bring all the appropriate clothing and essentials for your Norway hiking vacation. Be sure to check the essential information on your trip’s itinerary for details on the weather and activities on your trip as a starting place, and don’t forget your sunscreen!
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