Embark on an unforgettable trekking adventure through the breathtaking mountains and fjords of southern Norway with 10 of southern Norway’s most rewarding short treks, ranging from 3 to 8 days (41–152km), with options to link routes for longer expeditions. Explore Norway’s highest peaks, deep fjords, and vast wilderness south of Trondheim.

Whether you’re an experienced trekker or looking for your next big challenge, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook takes you deep into Norway’s most renowned hiking regions, including Jotunheimen, Rondane, Dovrefjell, Trollheimen, and Ryfylke. Each trek is divided into manageable daily stages and features awe-inspiring highlights, from the world-famous Besseggen ridge and the iconic Kjeragbolten to the 4444-step Flørli staircase and the majestic summits of Galdhøpiggen and Glittertinden.

• Experience hiking highlights including challenging scrambles, exhilarating vertigo hikes, and the remarkable hospitality of Norway’s mountain huts, set amidst some of Europe’s most pristine natural beauty.
• Benefit from detailed 1:200,000 Norwegian Kartverket mapping, stage-by-stage elevation profiles, downloadable GPX files, and up-to-date route descriptions, ensuring confident planning and navigation across southern Norway’s demanding and varied terrain.
• Choose from suggested itineraries for different durations and abilities, with expert advice on combining routes, using Norway’s excellent public transport, and making the most of the short but magical hiking season from mid-July to late September.
• Find comprehensive listings for mountain huts and lodges, along with tips on booking, packing essentials, safety, weather, and what to expect from hut-to-hut life in Norway’s mountains.
• Get invaluable guidance on the skills required for these routes, including navigation, stamina, and a head for heights, plus practical advice on gear, weather preparedness, and enjoying the unique camaraderie of the southern Norwegian outdoors.

Plan your hiking adventure in southern Norway with confidence, and experience the wild beauty of fjords, peaks, and mountain hospitality with this definitive Cicerone guidebook.

Hiking in Norway – South – Quick Facts

Guide name: Hiking in Norway – South: The 10 best multi-day treks
Location: Southern Norway (south of Trondheim), Jotunheimen, Rondane, Dovrefjell, Trollheimen, Ryfylke
Routes covered: 10 point-to-point or combinable treks exploring Norway’s national parks, fjords, and highest peaks, including Galdhøpiggen, Glittertinden, Besseggen ridge, Kjeragbolten, and Flørli
Typical trek length: 3–8 days per route (manageable daily stages)
Total route range: Treks range from 41–152 km (25–94 miles) each; longer expeditions possible by linking routes
Trail type: Challenging multi-day mountain hikes on marked trails, with some scrambling and exposed sections
Terrain: Mountain paths, ridges, glacial valleys, and fjord landscapes; rocky and occasionally steep
Accommodation: Norwegian Trekking Association mountain huts and lodges, with some wild camping possible
Navigation & mapping: 1:200,000 Norwegian Kartverket mapping, elevation profiles, downloadable GPX files, and clear route descriptions
Best season: Mid-July to late September (long daylight hours, huts open, trails accessible)
Highlights: Norway’s highest peaks, dramatic fjords, vertigo-inducing ridges, glacial scenery, and the welcoming atmosphere of Norwegian mountain huts

Author Highlight

“Relaxing together with local Norwegian hikers in the mountain huts adds another dimension to your hiking experience. Exchanging stories and sharing the passion for the natural surroundings over a game of cards or a cup of tea often forms a convivial end to the day. The treks in this book cover major hiking areas of Southern Norway and as a whole give an overview of the finest multi-day hiking adventures, be they well-known classic treks or lesser-known gems. Hopefully, they will entice you to discover this wonderful country for yourself."

- Ute Koninx, author of Hiking in Norway - South

Preface
Map key
Overview map
Route summary table

Introduction
Norway – a hiker’s paradise
Geography and geology
Heritage and outdoor culture
Climate and when to go
Getting to Norway
Getting around Norway
Hiking in Norway
Waymarking and access
Maps and navigation
Accommodation
Equipment
Water, food and supplies
Money
Language
Phones and Wi-Fi
Safety
Emergencies
Using this guide

Jotunheimen
Route 1    Jotunheimen Besseggen route
Route 2    Jotunheimen classic route
Route 3    Jotunheimen traverse route

Rondane
Route 4    Rondane summits
Route 5    Rondane traverse route

Dovrefjell
Route 6    Dovrefjell traverse route

Trollheimen
Route 7    Trollheimen Trekanten triangle route
Route 8    Trollheimen SignaTur route
Route 9    Trollheimen fells to fjord route

Ryfylke
Route 10    Lysefjord circuit

Appendix A    Overview of routes and daily stages
Appendix B    Table of mountain huts and key services provided
Appendix C    Useful websites and transport schedules
Appendix D    Norwegian berries

Seasons

The hiking season in mid-Norway runs from mid-July to the end of September (from early July in the Lysefjord area). Snow cover is likely outside of this season.

Centres

Stavanger, Otta, Hjerkinn, Kongsvoll and Oppdal are the key bases

Difficulty

The graded hikes require a good level of fitness, some experience of mountain hiking, the occasional head for heights and good waterproof hiking gear.

Must See

Norway's highest peaks, Galdhøpiggen and Glittertinden, in Jotunheimen's wild glacial landscapes; the harsh beauty of Snøhetta and Dovrefjell; Rondane's rugged moonscapes; the shimmering Lysefjord; world-famous 'vertigo hikes' including the Besseggen ridge and Kjeragbolten; the 4444-step staircase at Flørli; Trollheimen's lush valleys and unforgiving peaks; the unrivalled hospitality of Norway's mountain huts

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