Norway

Lofoten islands are the best known location in Northern Norway. The archipelago is world famous for its red wooden houses built on tall poles in water, called ‘rorbuer’ or ‘rorbu’. The islands are equally loved for their natural beauty – rugged mountains towering over narrow emerald-watered fjords, and spectacular white sandy beaches.

We spent 4 weeks in Lofoten archipelago; on two different occasions, in July and end of August. Each visit provided different experience in terms of number of visitors and weather. In our posts, we share the experience and thoughts from both visits.

If you plan to visit Lofoten, read our article 13 things to know about visiting Lofoten to find out what to expect and how to prepare for your adventure on the arctic islands!

Need a hand planning your road trip in Lofoten? Check out the 7 day Lofoten Itinerary to make sure your visit is unforgettable! We’re listing top Lofoten destinations, beaches, hikes and scenic routes!

Are you looking for hiking ideas in Lofoten? Pick your favourites from the selection below, listed from West to East

We recommend checking our compilation of 16 best hikes in Lofoten!

Day trip to Værøy island on the western end of Lofoten archipelago is highly recommended. The island offers several short hikes and fine local cuisine. Accessible by ferry from Moskenes, it can be explored on foot or by bike.

Discover Norway’s youngest national park Lofotodden Nationalpark in Lofoten!

Tindstinden is a great viewpoint to village Å and the westernmost tip of Moskenesoya island. This hike provides so much more excitement than anticipated – from use of ropes on the initial section, to a short, but amazing ridge walk just below the summit (total time 3 hours; total distance 5 km; level of difficulty: medium)

Hike to Munkebu Hut and Munken will see you discover some of the most beautiful, mountainous areas of Moskenesoya island. View to wild fjords and mountains will leave you speechless (total time 5-6 hours; total distance 10 km; level of difficulty: demanding)

Experienced hikers may also continue from Munkebu hut to the top of Hermannsdalstinden, the highest peak of Moskenesoya, which will take you thru spectacular wild mountains and over pristine lakes. It’s a hard hike, best divided over 2 days with sleepover near Munkeu hut (total time 12-13 hours; total distance 23 km; level of difficulty: hard)

Hike to Kvalvika Beach and nearby mountain, Ryten near Fredvang, on the easternmost end of Moskenesoya (total time 5 hours; total distance 7.5 km; level of difficulty: moderate)

Enjoy the shortest and easiest hike to a viewpoint in Lofoten – discover Roren, the best viewpoint over Yttersand Beach, near Fredvang (total time 2 hours; total distance 2 km; level of difficulty: easy)

Spend a day discovering two of Lofoten’s most beautiful beaches, Haukland and Uttakleiv! Turn two short beach visits into a great day adventure:

• add a short hike to top of Mannen (total time 2-3 hours; total distance 4 km; level of difficulty: easy)
• or Veggen, being a bit steeper, it is less popular than its neighbour Mannen (total time 3 hours; total distance 3 km; level of difficulty: moderate)

A challenging hike to Fløya and Djevelporten provides breath-taking views to Svolvær. Extend the adventure by adding another 2 peaks, Blåtinden and Tuva for a stunning full day hike (total time 3-8 hours; total distance 6-12 km; level of difficulty: demanding-hard)

Matmora is located a little bit off the main Lofoten tourist route, therefore provides a quieter experience. Nonetheless, this hike is well worth the attention, as it explores beautiful northern part of Austvagoya island, with amazing views to surrounding mountains and fjords (total time 6 hours; total distance 13 km; level of difficulty: medium)

Senja is an island located just north of Lofoten and Vesteralen archipelagos. Its spectacular scenery and nature made it one of our top destinations. Majestic, steep rocky mountains literary growing out of the ocean, hidden narrow fjords provide some of the best experiences one could ever hope for. We spent fantastic 2 weeks exploring many of in Senja’s best hikes and share them with you, below. So, don’t hesitate to visit the paradise of Senja’s mountain hikes that will leave you speechless!

Check out the adventurous 7-10 days road trip in Senja itinerary and let us inspire you to visit this beautiful arctic island. The article includes hiking ideas, viewpoints, remote villages to visit, accommodation and camping information as well as a guide how to capture northern lights!

Segla and Hesten are probably the best known mountains on Senja. Segla, also known as the ‘Sail of Senja’ is a steep, tower-like rocky mountain rising directly from crystal waters of Mefjorden. Whereas Hesten is mostly known as the best viewpoint to Segla, although it’s a fine hike itself. Despite being two separate mountains, the duo can be conquered within one day.

Grytetippen and Keipen are the most majestic peaks on Senja island and provide an unforgettable hiking experience (in our opinion – the best on Senja). Views from both summits will leave you speechless and stay in your heart forever (total time 7 hours; total distance 6 km; level of difficulty: demanding)

Find out why Barden is locals’ favourite mountain and enjoy spectacular views to the highest summits of Senja, as well as pristine fjords (total time 4.5 hours; total distance 7 km; level of difficulty: moderate)

Hike to one of Senja’s best viewpoints, Husfjellet! This easy hike will see you enjoy view over 2 fjords as well as to ‘the crown of Senja’- island’s finest mountains (total time 4 hours; total distance 8 km; level of difficulty: moderate)

Vesteralen archipelago is located just north from Lofoten, but is less known and visited. These islands are just as attractive nature-wise, however much quieter, and are perfect for those seeking peaceful ambience and quiet places. Mountain hikes and scenery in Vesteralen are just as fine as in Lofoten.

Find out why you should visit Vesteralen archipelago: learn about Andøya scenic tourist route, places and towns to visit, as well as recommended hikes!

The most famous hike on Vesteralen islands is Dronningruta. The Queen’s Route runs along ridges of rugged mountains of northern Langøya and provides great views to nearby mountains as well as coastline and a boutique sandy beach (total time 6 hours; total distance 15 km; level of difficulty: medium/demanding)

Steigen municipality is an area in Nordland, Northern Norway. Despite being located only a stone throw from world-famous Lofoten and having just as much to offer, Steigen and its islands are rather unknown, and off beaten track destination in Norway. It’s quite incredible that this stunning region remains under the radar of most visitors to Norway! The most obvious and best attractions of Steigen are golden-sanded beaches and dramatic mountain hikes.

Rago nasjonalpark is located near the border with Sweden. It is a perfect gate for exploration of some of Europe’s wildest areas, a true ‘off the beaten track’ hiking destination! We completed a fine 2 day hike in Rago National Park, which includes a visit to famous Litlverivassforsen waterfall, lake Storskogvatnet and Storskogvatnethytta wilderness hut.

Rago is connected with Swedish Padjelanta, Sarek and Stora Sjofallets national parks by a web of solitary paths and trails, a dream come true for seasoned hikers, wanderers and confident solitude seekers.

Lyngen peninsula is a home to Lyngen Alps, the most spectacular alpine area in Northern Norway. These rocky mountains are very well known by climbers as well as winter sports enthusiasts, however they also provide fine hiking experience for ‘an average walker’.

Enjoy a short hike to Blavatnet, a crystal clear lake hiding in the shadow of high rocky ridges and ominous glaciers (total time 3 hours; total distance 7 km; level of difficulty: easy)

We also recommend a stunning coastal walk to Lyngstuva, at the northernmost tip of Lyngen peninsula. Discover ancient Sami sites and enjoy tranquil sea views along the way (total time 2 hours; total distance 3 km; level of difficulty: easy)

Fin out how to plan your perfect road trip in Lyngen fjord. We’re sharing places to see, easy walks and the northern lights experience!

Helgeland offers spectacular coastal and mountain walks, its peaceful ambience is second to none. If you’re looking for amazing scenery and nature but without crowds of tourists, Helgeland is for you!

We especially recommend exploring Helgelandskysten (Helgeland National Tourist Route) to enjoy some of the most amazing scenery and nature of the region, or why not take a day trip to Lovund – one of Helgeland’s stunning Arctic Circle Islands?

Finnmark is the most remote area of continental Norway and not many travellers reach this far north! However, for those seeking wild scenery and off the beaten track locations, Finnmark provides unforgettable experiences and out-of-this-world sights.

We spent 2 weeks exploring this god-forgotten land; seeking hiking trails, visiting small villages, wildlife spotting and struggling with the elements of far north.

We were very fond of Alta area, which is best known for grey slate rocks, never ending tundra and a fine hike to Alta Canyon. As we visited Finnmark in autumn, we completely fell in love with tundra in autumnal attire, carpets of red and orange. It’s also the best area in Norway for reindeer watching. These laid back animals can be easily spotted at almost every corner of Finnmark.

Nordkapp, or North Cape, is known as the northernmost point in Europe, a destination for countless adventure seekers, but not everyone knows that the well known Nordkapp point (with a globe) was specially made for increasing tourist traffic and is not actually the northernmost point of Europe! The REAL most northerly point of Europe is called Knivskjelodden and can only be reached on a 9 km hike. Another interesting fact about Nordkapp – it is located on an island (tunnel connection) inhabited by Sami people, the legendary nomadic reindeer herders. Find out how best explore Nordkapp and hike to the real northernmost point of Europe, and what else to see and do in the northernmost place of continental Europe!

Varanger is a name of the most remote European peninsula as well as tourist scenic route. Located at the eastern end of Norway it’s literary the end of the world. This remote area is surprisingly densely populated, and there are two larger towns, Vadso (the capital of Varagner area) and Vardo, both built on islands. Nevertheless, whomever visits Varanger peninsula will experience lunar scenery, rough tundra, sharp rocky coasts, ominous waves hitting the shores with such power that one can get goosebumps. There is a lot to see and do in Varanger, why not visit forgotten villages at the end of the world & hike thru tundra with eagles circling over your head!

We spent over a month exploring the wilderness of Western Norway and are keen to share some of the best locations with you. We hiked/visited all the below ourselves and loved them, therefore all the information given is first-hand and based on our own experience.

Preikestolen is one of the most iconic hiking destinations in Vestlandet. The Pupit Rock is a stunning viewpoint over Lysefjorden, but reaching it requires a bit of effort. Being very well known and located close to Stavanger, it’s also incredibly busy, especially in summer. However, with a bit of forward planning we managed to enjoy the hike in relatively peaceful atmosphere. In our article we share how to be smart about visiting Preikestolen! (total time 4-5 hours; total distance 7 km; level of difficulty: demanding)

With its reputation of being one of the finest ridge walks in Norway, Romsdalseggen does not disappoint! This straight forward hike is plentiful in stunning views to Troll Wall, as well as other alpine peaks. Easily accessible by public transport, it’s a popular day-hike destination from Andalsnes (total time 6-8 hours; total distance 10.5 km; level of difficulty: demanding)

Hike to Troll Wall, or Trollveggen is demanding, but well worth the effort! Beginning at the viewpoint to hairpins of Trollstigen road, the hike will take you thru moon-like landscape of grey rock and blue lakes. You will be rewarded with view to the highest vertical rock face in Europe. Will you dare to look down?

We explain all Troll Wall hiking routes. (total time 6 hours; total distance 6 km; level of difficulty: demanding)

Slogen is the king of Sunnmore Alps, near Alesund. All three hiking routes to its summit are just as demanding and provide a hard day out experience. Prepare for lots of sweat and thigh burn, challenge yourself to the highest peak of Sunnmorsalpane!

If climbing Slogen proved to be too much of a challenge, nearby mount Saksa may be just perfect. Hiking trail to Saksa is much easier than Slogen, however provides just as many unforgettable moments and the panoramic summit views are second to none! We felt that Saksa, located just over village Oye and Hjorundfjorden, is one of the best hiking experiences in Sunnmore Alps (total time 5 hours; total distance 6 km; level of difficulty: demanding)

We thoroughly enjoyed a short hike to Nidardsbreen glacier. Easily completed within couple of hours, the walk to Nigardsbreen allowed us stand eye to eye with the glacier (total time 1.5 hours; total distance 3 km; level of difficulty: easy)

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Located along the most spectacular part of Norway’s Atlantic coast, Vestlandet is home to the longest, deepest and most beautiful fjords. The ones we loved the most were Hardangerfjorden, Hjorundfjorden, Sognefjorden, Romsdalsfjorden and the world famous Geirangerfjorden included on Unesco World Heritage List.

But Vestlandet is not only about these wild, turquoise or sapphire watered fjords. It is also home to some of the highest mountains of Scandinavian Peninsula and can easily be named a Hiker’s Paradise. We recommend visiting Sunnmore Alps (Sunnmorsalpane), Lysefjorden area, Romsdalen and Trollveggen/Trollstigen for unforgettable hiking adventures.

Hikes of Vestlandet will undoubtedly satisfy the most adrenaline-seeking, demanding and keen walkers. If you think you’ve seen it all already, think twice!

It doesn’t come to anyone’s surprise that Norway is Europe’s number 1 destination for glacier hikes and exploration, as there is abundance of glaciers in the region. Not only that – glaciers located in Vestlandet are some of the easiest accessible! Especially Jostedalbreen National Park is worth a mention – the glacier (Jostedalbreen and its tongue Nigardsbreen) is only a short walk away; there are easy hiking paths taking visitors to the very ice edge (near Gjerde village) where we could almost touch the mighty glacier itself! It was an incredible experience.

Exploring other glaciers in Vestlandet often requires a bit more effort and a longer walk. Let’s take Folgefonna, for instance. It takes about 3-4 hours to hike high enough to see the glacier closer, but the advantage of such hike an unforgettable experience where a person actually has space and silence to contemplate and connect to nature undisturbed.

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Northern Norway is hikers’ paradise in any season, however walking in wintry conditions requires some preparation, training and expertise. Read our article Winter Hiking Tips to find out what to expect on your wintry hiking adventure and how to prepare for one.

If you’re visiting Northern Norway in autumn, winter or early spring, you’re probably well aware that the chances of seeing the northern lights are great! Are you a newbie to Aurora Borealis? Don’t miss our guide for savvy travellers- See the Northern Lights for the first time.

Would you like to capture Aurora Borealis but are unsure how? Don’t worry, we’ve got it covered! Read our ultimate photo guide How To Photograph Northern Lights and learn about the techniques, camera settings as well as essential information about the phenomenon (in plain English!) to increase your chances of spectacular polar lights photographs!

Hiking in Europe Series:

Less visited summer hiking destinations, featuring Stabbursdalen National Park in Finnmark, at the foot of Porsanger Peninsula.