Off-the-beaten-track islands: hiking accessible only by express boat
The fjords are absolutely teeming with satellite islands, each a hidden gem waiting to be explored! The only way to get there is by hurtigbåten, a high-speed ferry that runs a couple of times a day – so you can't miss it! The moment you disembark onto the pier, you'll be amazed to find yourself completely away from the tourist buses! No more noisy ship horns, just the cries of kittiwakes and the delicious smell of dried cod.
These incredible "island fjord hikes" are a rare and unmissable opportunity to combine an express cruise with a hiking route that rivals the best national park hikes in Norway, without the hassle of sharing the trail with crowds. A fresh deck, an hour of sea breeze, and the trail opens up from the very first rock. Get ready for the experience of a lifetime, because below are seven stunning islands where hiking trails in Norway start right at the boat dock! Imagine hiking away with nothing but the sound of the sea and the wind in your ears, and the most breathtaking views of the fjord you can imagine, with not another person in sight!
Træna (Nordland) — "Atlantic spikes" at the edge of the shelf
How to get there Hurtigbåt Sandnessjøen → Husøya (1 hour 20 minutes).
Route Trail to Kirkhelleren Cave (6 km/+290 m): the site of the summer solstice in the Bronze Age.
Fact The deck of the boat is often accompanied by paper kites — live ornithology.
Værøy (Lofoten) — hiking along the edge of an Instagram-worthy cliff
How to get there Hurtigbåt Bodø → Værøy (1 hour 50 minutes, bike 0 NOK).
Route Håheia Trail (4 km/+400 m): viewpoint above the emerald Nordlandshagen Bay.
Fact The plateau of the former heliport offers 360° views and zero people — all the selfie hunters stay on Reinebringen.
Rødøy (Hellesund) — the "lion's head" among a thousand skerries
How to get there Hurtigbåt Bodø → Rødøy (2 hours 40 minutes).
Route Climb Rødøyløva (4 km/+440 m) with views of the Svartisen glacier and the chaos of granite islands.
Fact The pier is equipped with a ramp – the route is accessible by hand bike to the first viewing platform (see p. 22).
Ona (Sea of Romdal) — "lighthouse + fishing gum"
How to get there Hurtigbåt Ålesund → Ona (2 hours 20 minutes).
Route: Spiral trail to the Ona Fyr lighthouse (2 km/+95 m) and a loop around the island on wooden walkways (3 km).
Fact The Ona Hav café bakes seaweed brioche — a slow-release carbohydrate boost before the hike.
Fedje (Hordaland) — marshy heathland with zero noise
How to get there Hurtigbåt Bergen → Fedje (1 hour 40 minutes).
Route Fedje Light loop (7 km/±110 m) between two lighthouses, the trail runs through heather moorland.
Fact Click on the Statnett Kyststi app: the trail is marked "silent zone" — max 15 people/day.
Kinn (Vestland) — a "turtle" island with a 12th-century stone church
How to get there Hurtigbåt Florø → Kinn (25 min).
Route The winding Kinnaklova trail (3 km/+280 m) to the ridge that splits the island in two.
Fact In June, the historical play "The Coral Coffin" is staged here — you can combine the performance with a solo hike.
Utsira (Rogaland) — Norway's windiest "front post"
How to get there Hurtigbåt Haugesund → Utsira (60 minutes, operates year-round).
Route The only paved road (7 km loop) + dirt track to the North Lighthouse (2.5 km).
Fact Sola Bikes leaves e-bikes right at the gangway: you will receive a PIN code via SMS before disembarking.
🌴 What to Take: Island Hiker’s Checklist (≤ 7 kg)
| Category | Must-have | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Navigation | GPX in Norgeskart offline | Trails have few signs; LTE coverage is spotty. |
| Clothing | 10K membrane, 80 g down vest | Wind can be chilly even in July. |
| Footwear | Lightweight trekking boots with Michelin soles | Decks get slippery from algae. |
| Food | Snack 600 kcal + 0.7 L water | Some islands have no shops. |
| Protection | Seagull spray + cap | Birds fiercely guard nests in June. |
Frequently asked questions (short answers)
- Can I take a bike on the boat?
Yes, if the length is less than 1.8 metres; additional charge of 0–60 NOK. E-bikes are allowed, but the battery must be disconnected when boarding. - Where can I stay if I miss the return trip?
All islands have campsites or rorbu keys available from a vending machine in the local shop. Price: 350–750 NOK/night. - Does Allemannsretten work?
Yes, but pitch your tent at least 150 metres away from houses and lighthouses; space is limited on Træna and Ona, so book your spot online.
The express boat is like a magic carpet that whisks you away to a parallel fjord: as soon as the gangway touches the pier, the horizon clears of people, and you are there! Steps lead straight from the harbour, and the flapping of seagulls becomes the soundtrack to every metre of the ascent.
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! All you need to do is choose an island, download the Hurtigbåt timetable and check the wind forecast. Then, all you have to do is head out to the cliffs — where your film will remain blank until you take your first shot. We would absolutely love to hear from you about your GPX tracks, wild camping coordinates and island breakfast recipes featuring dried halibut. Your stories will help expand the outdoor adventures Norway catalogue, proving that the most beautiful fjords begin where the road ends.
