Hiking in Norway - South

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.

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

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