So you’re planning a hiking trip to Norway but not sure what you want to see or do. Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten, and Pulpit Rock are 3 hikes in Norway you should definitely consider depending on how long you’re going for. These trails offer breathtaking views of the fjords, glaciers, and mountains that make Norway such an epic country. It is possible to tick all 3 of these hikes off in 1 trip by flying to Bergen and driving a rental car around to drop it off at Stavanger on the way back.
Cheap car hire in Norway
I always use Discover Cars where possible. They will search through hundreds of providers and find the cheapest rates going. Always book a month in advanced to get their best prices.
If you are doing all 3 hikes on the same trip you can easily pick a car up from Bergen Airport then drop it off at Stavanger. Book here.
Cheap flights to Norway
WayAway searches the web for the cheapest flights possible. It also currently offers cash back on travel expenses when you book through them.
If you plan to do all 3 hikes on the same trip you can book a flight to Bergen and back from Stavanger.
Driving route: Best 3 hikes in Norway
- Trolltunga
- Kjeragbolten
- Pulpit Rock
Trolltunga
Trolltunga, or you guessed it “Troll’s Tongue” in English, is an incredible hike that guides you to a rock formation that sticks out from the mountain, like a tongue! It provides an incredible view of Lake Ringedalsvatnet and personally, it’s my favourite from this list.
The hike is approximately 8-12 hours there and back, covering a distance of 22 kilometres depending on where you’re able to park. There are 3 areas that are open to park in and unless you want to start your hike walking up a very steep hairpin road, you’re best off pre-booking a slot at P3 – Magelitopp. It will cost NOK 600 (£46 or $57) but is worth every penny as it puts you straight on the trail. More information here.
Trolltunga is a challenging hike that is best attempted in the summer in dry weather but be aware, Norway is not a very dry or warm country so take layers and waterproofs. We went in the middle of July and were throwing snowballs at each other!
Whether you’re hiking in the sunshine on a clear day or in the rain and clouds, you’ll be able to appreciate the scenery either way. The Trolltunga hike offers varied terrain, consistently great scenery and the well deserved epic view at the end makes it and easy contender for one of the best hikes in Norway.
Where to stay near Trolltunga
Trolltunga Studios is a good cheap option. Free parking. Free Wifi. Family rooms available. Walking distance to town centre. Book here.
Fjordside Panorama House Trolltunga. An entire apartment suitable for groups or families. Sleeps up to 8 people. Free parking. Free Wifi. Mountain views. Book here.
Trolltunga Hotel. Speaks for itself. Triple rooms available. Free Parking. Free Wifi. Great breakfasts. On site restaurant. Packed lunches can be ordered for your hike up Trolltunga. Book here.
Kjeragbolten
Kjeragbolten is not for the faint-hearted. This hike takes you to a giant boulder wedged between two cliffs, hanging 1,000 meters above the fjord below and to put it bluntly, its sketchy as hell!
The hike is roughly a 10-12 hour round trip, covering a distance of 20 kilometres. This trail is a fun one! There are quite a few steep ascents that will require a degree of scrambling but many have a chain that you can grab onto and pull yourself up. Your hands will hurt by the end of this!
Parking is NOK 300 (£23 or $28). I know, why is Norway so expensive? But yet again, it’s worth it, there’s a toilet block there as well as a cafe that overlooks Lysebotn. Post-hike you can chill out with a coffee or even a full meal and enjoy incredible mountainous views across the hairpin road that runs next to the cafe.
Ideally you will want a dry day for this hike, after all, your task at the end is to stand on a giant boulder with a big drop underneath you. That being said, it absolutely hammered it down when we went. We actually ended up getting to the boulder and then standing still in the rain waiting for it to stop and the clouds to clear so we could get some cool pictures. Worth it!
Where to stay near Kjeragbolten
Sirdal Skisenter & Sommerpark. Sleeps up to 5 in an apartment. Free Parking. Free Wifi. Close to Beachfront. Affordable prices. Book here.
Furasen 278. 2 bedroom holiday home. Sleeps up to 5. Free Parking. Free Wifi. Outdoor dining area for warm days. Fireplace for cold days. Book here.
Holiday Cottage, Tjorhom. Entire Villa sleeping up to 8. Balcony access including mountain views, hot tub and trampoline. Free parking. Free Wifi. Book here.
Pulpit Rock
After the previous 2 strenuous hikes, you’ll want something a bit easier. Pulpit Rock, or “Preikestolen” in Norwegian, is a much easier and quicker hike that takes you to a flat rock that protrudes from a steep mountain. It provides great views of the Lysefjord below and is easily accessible.
The hike is around 4-5 hours round trip and about 8 kilometres long. The trail is still challenging but it’s a walk in the park compared to Trolltunga and Kjeragbolten. As this is an easier hike and is much closer to a city centre (Stavanger) than the other 2, it does get very busy! I’m afraid it will be one of those ‘Instagram vs reality’ moments at the top.
We went on a Friday and it was heaving, that being said people still managed to form an orderly queue. Pre-plan what pictures/videos you want to take and don’t let anyone jump the queue! Parking is very easy to find and will cost you NOK250 (£19 or $24).
Where to stay near Pulpit Rock
Preikestolen BaseCamp. Very affordable. Right at the start of the trail. Great views. Sleeps up to 5. Great breakfasts. Free parking. Free Wifi. Book here.
Apartment with a view, close to Pulpit Rock. Exactly what it says on the tin again. Great Views. Sleeps 2. Free parking. Free Wifi. Pets allowed. Book here.
Beachfront 4 bedroom home. Ideal for large families or groups. Beachfront. Sea view. BBQ facilities. Free parking. Private entrance. Book here.
Conclusion
So there you have it, my top 3 hikes in Norway. All should be taken seriously and respected. Good fitness levels are required, appropriate gear and a respect for the outdoors.
Make sure you check the weather forecast before you go and if it’s really that bad, come back another day. Remember, the mountains will still be there tomorrow. Ensure that you take the correct gear such as hiking boots, multiple layers, and waterproof jackets. If you can get some waterproof socks then do so, you’ll need them in Norway!
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an exciting outdoor adventure in Norway, Trolltunga, Kjeragbolten and Pulpit Rock should be up there on your list. All 3 hikes offer absolutely stunning views of the Norwegian scenery and will leave you feeling accomplished, and probably hungry!
Please do bear in mind that these 3 hikes are not close to each other. We rented a car for the week we were there and stopped in multiple locations to be able to fit them all in.
Not sold on Norway? Check out Madeira instead.
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