🥾 Norway's most famous trails and why they are at the top of the list
Preikestolen, Trolltunga and Kjeragbolten are three ‘icons’ that offer different types of landscapes and emotions: a grandiose cliff above the Lysefjord, a fantastic ‘tongue’ of rock and a boulder suspended over an abyss. All routes are well marked, have prepared sections, and seasonal transfers/parking are available. Their popularity is due to both guaranteed ‘wow shots’ and understandable logistics for independent travellers.
🧭 Top 3 trails — comparison in tables (distance, elevation gain, time, season)
🚶 Short hike from Stavanger: the perfect choice — Preikestolen
Why this one: compact logistics, spectacular views of the Lysefjord and a well-maintained trail.
What to expect: 8 km RT, elevation gain ≈500 m, 3.5–5 hours, stone steps and smooth slabs; panorama 604 m above the fjord.
Tips: start early/late, bring a raincoat and non-slip shoes; keep your distance at the edge.
🧩 Quick selection ‘from Stavanger’ (if you're short on time/need an alternative)
🚶♂️ One-day route from Bergen: climb to Fløyen
Why it's ideal: starts from the centre, convenient trails and viewing points overlooking the whole of Bergen. At the top, there is a café, children's areas and walking loops.
Minimum route: Fløyen — Skomakerdiket — Brushytten — Fløyen loop (≈5–8 km, 2–3 hours).
A more challenging alternative: the Vidden ridge (Ulriken ↔ Fløyen) — 13–15 km, 5–7 hours (only in good weather and with plenty of time).
🧩 Fløyen: easy / medium / long
🏔️ Top 3 peaks in Norway for hiking: postcard-perfect panoramas
- Gullhøpigen (2,469 m, Jotunheimen) — the highest point in the country.
- Classic route via Juvasshytta: ≈5–7 hours RT, ≈11 km, elevation gain ≈700 m, often in groups via the Styggebreen glacier (with a guide).
- Alternative via Spiterstulen: ≈7–10 hours RT, ≈13–15 km, ≈1400 m elevation gain, no glacier, but longer.
- Snøhetta (2286 m, Dovrefjell) — spacious views and a chance to see musk oxen on the plateau.
- From the Snøheim hut: ≈5–7 hours RT, ≈12–13 km, elevation gain ≈700–800 m; in summer there is a transfer to Snøheim.
- Gausta Toppen (≈1883 m, Telemark) — ‘southern panorama’; in clear weather, you can see most of the province.
- From Stavsro: ≈4–6 hours RT, ≈8–9 km, elevation gain ≈700 m. There is a mountain tunnel funicular (as an alternative to ascending/descending depending on the season).
⏱️ Time calculator according to the Neismith rule
🛡️ Safety and seasonality (important)
- The weather changes quickly: even in summer, prepare layers and a membrane, and in the off-season, a hat/gloves.
- Daylight hours: in spring/autumn, a headlamp is essential; in winter, many routes are only possible with a guide/winter equipment.
- Edges and photos: on Preikestolen/Kjerag, keep a safe distance from the edge. The rocks can be wet and slippery.
- Queues for photos: arrive at Trolltunga very early and allow plenty of time for photos.
- Markings and communication: the trails are marked, but fog can obscure landmarks; an offline map and an external battery are essential.
🎒 Checklist for a day hike
Conclusion: for your first visit, choose Preikestolen (especially from Stavanger) and Fløyen (from Bergen). If you want the ‘icons’, add Trolltunga and Kjerag, depending on the weather. For panoramic views from above, go to Gullhøpiggen, Snøhetta or Gaustatoppen. With the right equipment, an early start and a realistic assessment of your strength, you will get both the shots of your dreams and enjoy the trail itself.
❓FAQ
Yes, if you have experience hiking in rough terrain and have the right footwear. Plan for more time, take frequent breaks, and keep children away from the edge.
Trolltunga is longer and more exhausting, but offers a ‘picture-perfect’ view. Kjerag is shorter, but has steep ascents and descents and windy conditions on the plateau. If in doubt, start with Preikestolen and save the ‘iconic’ hike for a day with perfect weather.
Yes. During the season, there are buses/shuttles to Preikestolen; Fløyen is directly from the centre, part of the way can be travelled by funicular and returned on foot.
This is Norway — it happens often. Rain does not cancel the hike, but take a membrane and gloves, and walk more slowly on stone slabs. After rain, visibility can be ‘cinematic’.
Very early in the morning or in the afternoon: there are fewer people and the light is softer. At Trolltunga, allow extra time for the queue to the ‘tongue’.
Only in dry weather and with shoes that have excellent traction — and even then, it's risky. Wet rocks and wind make the area very slippery. A photo is not more important than safety.
Some routes are possible, but only with winter hiking experience, the right equipment (crampons/ice axes, poles, warm layers) and often with a guide. Daylight hours are short, and avalanche conditions change.
On Preikestolen — slightly away from the ‘platform’, with a view of the fjord and people for scale (but safely!). On Fløyen — on the boardwalks above the city and at Lake Skomakerdiket with reflections.
For a 4-6 hour trek, take 1.5-2 litres of water per person, a thermos with hot drinks, and high-calorie snacks (bars, nuts, sandwiches). Take extra supplies for the ‘iconic’ shots.
On many trails — yes, but only on a leash. Be aware of steps and slippery slabs; in hot weather — protect your dog's paws.
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