The best mountain and glacier hikes in Norway

If you are sailing through Vestfjorden, a firth in the North Sea, you will invariably pass what is well-known as Lofotveggen (the Lofoten Wall) – a series of granite and volcanic mountain peaks rising straight up from the sea.

Treks here range from easy hikes for beginners along the beach for a couple of hours to more challenging exploration of the back country spanning a full day.

Shaped like the horns of a goat, you can’t mistake the two famous rock formations of Svolværgeita, standing at almost 2,000 feet above sea level. Those adventurous enough to tackle the climb – a challenging experience that begins with a steep hike to the base – are treated to an incredible view of Svolvær and the sea beyond.

It’s possible to combine this with a trek to Svolvær Fløya on the same day – a particularly enjoyable experience in summer, when the sun never sets.

The trailhead for this unique hike leads to a unique geological formation – a massive hole that cuts right through the 850-foot-tall granite mountain. Though a naturally formed tunnel due to sea erosion millennia ago, there is, of course, a story. The legend of Torghatten involves trolls, a horse chase, and an arrow piercing a king's hat.

Hikers can reach the hole via a path up the east side of the mountain in about 30 minutes, and the view and the photo opportunity making it more than worthwhile.

The North Norwegian coast of Helgeland is often cited as one of the most beautiful stretches of a Hurtigruten voyage, thanks in part to the legend of the Seven Sisters – Botnkrona, Grytfoten, Skjæringen, Tvillingene (the twins), Kvasstinden, and Stortinden.

Experienced hikers can traverse them all as a day hike, but it is no easy task – covering 16 miles in about a dozen hours. Or simply choose Stortinden, the easiest, and immerse yourself in the thrill of the myth.

A landmark for seafarers near the island of Hestmona, Hestmannen rises 1,873 feet above sea level. This iconic rock formation resembles the shadow of a petrified knight on his horse – a disobedient one, if you believe the legends.

Though this mythical mountain presents a true hiking challenge, the trails are well-marked (though you will need a rope to reach the top). Once conquered, you’ll be rewarded with beautiful scenery and incredible views stretching out in all directions.

Rising 1,300 feet above the cosmopolitan city of Bergen, the park trails in the forested Mount Fløyen are accessible by funicular from the city center. A favorite of locals and visitors alike, it offers multiple hiking trails – both up or down – and gorgeous views of the city below.

You can choose a short, easy stroll or follow the longer routes across Vidden to nearby Mount Ulriken.

Ships enter Holandsfjord for a view of Engabreen, a low fjord glacier near the Svartisen Glacier. From there, our excursion to Svartisen Glacier offers you the chance to get even closer to Norway’s frozen beauty – all 230 square miles of it.

It’s possible to take advantage of the marked trails to the famous caves in the limestone mountains here, too. The region is also home to a glaciological research lab.

In southern Norway, not far from Bergen, lies the Jostedalsbreen Glacier – the largest in Europe and home to a number of short and long glacier-hiking routes. The surrounding national park is great base for a ski trip, where skiers carry on the traditions of those who used the glacier as a transport route between fjord settlements.

The park also has three visitor centers, where you can learn more about the community and the climate. The area around Jostedalsbreen offers well-documented trail maps, essential for navigating the glacier’s extensive and varied terrain.