🏞️ Which routes in Norway's national parks are ideal for beginners?
We start with three ‘friendly’ parks: Jotunheimen, Hardangervidda and Rondane. Below are ready-made easy tracks with clear logistics and vivid views.
🧭 ‘Parks to start with’ tabs (easy trails, distances and time)
🌲 What routes are available in Hardangervidda for beginner hikers?
The Hardangervidda plateau offers simple, windy and very spacious landscapes. For starters, choose short ‘loops’ and promenades.
- Finså (Rallarvegen + lake walkways): 6–8 km, 2–3 hours, almost no elevation gain.
- Vøringsfossen (upper viewing platforms): 1–3 km, 1–2 hours, family-friendly.
- Høgasstøl/Ustaoset: loops along the southern edge of the plateau, 5–8 km, 2–3 hours, gentle terrain.
🧩 ‘Today's choice’ — Hardangervidda selector
🗻 Jotunheimen: the most picturesque trails
- Besseggen (Memurubu ↔ Gjendesheim): the cinematic contrast between Lake Gjende and Lake Bessvatnet. A classic route — 14–16 km, 6–8 hours, rocky sections; for beginners — a ‘light’ route to the lower viewing points (2–4 hours).
- Gullhøpigen (2469 m): the highest peak in the country. Via Juvasshytta 5–7 hours (often with a guide and rope across the glacier), via Spiterstulen 7–10 hours without the glacier, but longer.
- Styggebreen: short ‘ice’ walk with a guide — supervised ice experience and great panoramas.
🧩 Choose a route in Jotunheimen (time/experience)
🏕️ Multi-day hiking routes with overnight stays: where to start
For your ‘first’ multi-day hike, well-marked trails and the DNT hut network (some with staff, others self-service) are a good choice.
- Hardangervidda: gentle terrain, long distances without steep climbs. Classic huts and 12–18 km/day walks.
- Jotunheimen: combinations of Gjendesheim — Memurubu — Gjendebu (2–3 days) with a boat trip on Gjende.
- Lofoten: coastal trails with overnight stays in tents/rid hotels/rorbuer, access to beaches and mountain passes.
🧩 Multi-day trip planner (park/days/overnight stays)
🥾 Rondane: routes for beginners
- Ring around Rondvatnet from Rondvassbu: 5–8 km · 2–3 hours. Smooth trails, lake views of Småbelgen.
- Spranget ↔ Rondvassbu: ≈12 km RT · 2.5–4 hours on a flat road — ‘a walk in the mountains’.
- Høvrangen → Formokampen (Rondane panorama): 4–6 km · 1.5–2.5 hours. The route is easy and very scenic (on the edge of the park).
🧩 Rondane: choose a circle by time/family
🏞️ Top 3 mountain valleys in Norway — where to go for ‘valley’ beauty
- Gudbrandsdalen: classic farms, wooden churches, gentle views; convenient to combine with Lillehammer.
- Sognalsdalen (near Sognefjord): birch slopes, turquoise rivers, access to glaciers and scenic lakes.
- Aurlandsdalen: a dramatic valley with the Østerbø → Vassbygdi trail (6–7 hours; for experienced hikers) and short ‘family’ sections at Østerbø; at the top is the Stegastein viewing platform.
🧩 Valley builder (peaceful/views/hiking)
🌳 Family excursion routes (without difficult trekking)
- Oslo: Vigeland Sculpture Park + Bygdøy Museum Peninsula (Kon-Tiki, Viking ships).
- Flåm and Nærøyfjord: Flåmsbanen railway + cruise along the narrow fjord (2–3 hours).
- Lillehammer: Hunderfossen — a fairy tale and amusement park with good family trails nearby.
🧩 3 family days (stepper)
Vigeland Sculpture Park and Bygdøy museums. Lots of green space — playtime in the park.
Flåm Railway and Nærøyfjord cruise (2–3 h on the water). Bring warm layers and snacks.
Hunderfossen Family Park and short family-friendly trails.
⏱️ Track time calculator based on the Neismith rule (guideline)
🎒 Checklist for easy tracking
Conclusion: start with Finses and Vøringsfossen in Hardanger, the circles at Rondvatnet in Rondane, and the easy trails at Gjende in Jotunheimen. Then add the ‘stars’ — Besseggen and Gullhøpiggen — depending on the weather and your readiness. For adventures ‘to grow into’ — multi-day trips with DNT huts and dramatic valleys, and for family holidays — our block with ready-made excursions.
❓FAQ
From late May to September: dry trails, long days, open huts and viewing platforms. October is already cool and windier, but beautiful; in winter — only with experience/a guide and winter equipment.
The full classic route has rocky ‘steps’ and requires confidence. If in doubt, take the light version to the viewing platforms or a coastal walk along Gjende. Set out on the full route in ideal weather and start early.
For your ‘first time’ — Hardangervidda (Finses/Vøringsfossen), Rondane (Spranget ↔ Rondvassbu, a loop around Rondvatnet) and easy loops in Jotunheimen near Gjende. They are flatter, and the views are the most ‘Norwegian’ .
Use the Neusmith rule (our calculator above): time = distance/speed + (elevation gain/600) + breaks. Always add 15–20% ‘just in case’.
Poles make it easier on your knees and descents — they are useful. Crampons/spikes are not necessary in summer, but in the early season, the trail may be icy — take light spikes ‘just in case’.
Yes, with the right clothing. Norwegian trails are often rocky and paved; after rain, be careful on the slabs, as the views can be even more dramatic. A membrane and gloves are a must-have.
There are serviced and self-service huts. The former provide staff and meals; the latter require you to cook for yourself in the kitchen. Plan your accommodation in advance during high season; be mindful of supplies and rules.
Wild reindeer/sheep can be found on the Hardangervidda plateau and in Dovrefjell (in Dovrefjell). Observe them from a distance and do not stray from the trails to take photos.
Yes. Many routes start at railway stations (Finså, Oslo → Jotunheimen with transfers, district buses to Rondane). Check the timetables in advance and allow a buffer of 30-60 minutes between transfers.
They overestimate the time/energy required, ignore the wind, set off late and queue for ‘iconic’ views. The solution is to start early, wear layers, bring water/snacks, and set a realistic pace.
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