Norway Hiking
Mountains, Glaciers & Fjords
Experience Norway, a pristine wilderness of tumbling waterfalls, lush pine forests, ancient glaciers, deep valleys and soaring cliffs. Explore this natural oasis, ferrying through Norway’s deepest fjord, ice hiking on a spectacular glacier and challenging yourself on vigorous hikes through serene valleys carpeted with a rainbow of forget-me-nots, buttercups and daisies. Come evening, enjoy fresh fish and the company of friendly locals before settling into historic waterfront and mountaintop inns.
Trip Planning Links
- Walk and boat among Norway's incredible pristine fjords
- Idyllic treks across fertile valleys dotted with wildflowers, farms and waterfalls
- Get to know historic Balestrand, an inviting artist village
- Guided excursion on sparkling Nigardsbreen Glacier
- Urnes Stave Church, built in the 12th century
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Stalheim
Gather in Voss, Norway’s adventure capital 
Ascend into the mountains by cable car Walk along the flower-laden foothills of Hangur Mountain accompanied by the jingling of cow bells and vistas of idyllic countryside, lakes and peaks Cap the day atop a canyon overlooking the spectacular Nærøyfjord, Europe’s narrowest fjord and a World Heritage site.
Days 2-3 Solvorn
Travel by ferry through Nærøyfjord Trek up Molden, passing old mountain seter (farms) and enjoying uninterrupted views of fjordlands - this is quintessential Norway! Ferry from Solvorn to the Urnes Stave Church, a World Heritage site built in the 12th century with Christian and Viking architecture Get ready for an unforgettable hike at Nigardsbreen Glacier with our private guide.
Day 4 Fjærland
Shuttle to the charming fjord-front community of Fjærland, one of the world’s official "Book Towns" Savor pastoral scenery as you tackle a steep trek to a fantastic panorama of fjordlands and glaciers Soak in views of the Jostedalen Glacier while enjoying your packed lunch.
Days 5-7 Balestrand
Choose between a challenging hike to the foot of Flatbreen Glacier or a trek through the peaceful Mundal Valley Take a break beside a magnificent waterfall Visit the world-famous Norwegian Glacier Museum Ferry across Sognefjord, Norway’s longest fjord, to picturesque Balestrand Enjoy a walking tour of this historic artist's village with a local guide In the afternoon, embark on an invigorating hike to Balestølen, a lookout point with panoramic views of Sognefjord’s sparkling blue waters and the surrounding snowcapped peaks Take a post-hike dip in the crisp waters of the glacier-fed fjord Feast on a delectable picnic at the home of local artists Complete your adventure with a morning ferry to Bergen.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
The landscape of Norway is probably the most beautiful I have ever seen. This trip really captured the essence of the geography as well as Norway's culture. From the hikes to the ferry rides through the fjords, the beauty of Norway was always present. Both of our leaders were great. They were part Mother ("don't forget to hydrate"), part Doctor (bandaging blistered feet), great leaders, but most of all, our friends. I definitely would be more than happy to see them again on another Backroads trip.- Swansea, IL More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Norway Hiking
A ROOM WITH A VIEW: Casual Inns
Stalheim Hotel
Stalheim (1 night) With stunning views of the Næroyfjord Valley and Norway’s highest waterfall, this historic hotel has its own folk museum.
Walaker Hotel
Solvorn (2 nights) This small family-built inn dating back more than 300 years offers charming guest rooms and a lovely setting along the Sognefjord.
Hotel Mundal
Fjærland (1 night) This simple country hotel, steeped in history, provides a wonderful base from which to explore the glorious surroundings.
Kviknes
Balestrand (2 nights) Gaze at one of the world’s longest fjords from the rambling verandas of this Swiss-style inn, operating since 1752.
Norway Hiking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 4.3 miles
- 400 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 4.2, 5.9 miles
- 300 - 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- Guided Glacier Hike 2 hours
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 5, 5.6 miles
- 0 - 1900 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 4.2, 6.8 miles
- 900 - 3200 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- 6.6, 7.3 miles
- 1300 - 1600 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Conclusion of Trip
We hike on mountain trails with uneven terrain and steep drop-offs. During wet weather these trails can be boggy and wet.