Here are the 5 most stunning hiking routes in Norway

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Norway is a country that's best explored on foot, particularly thanks to the hiking trails letting you cross breathtaking natural landscapes.

Norway, with its breathtaking landscapes of majestic fjords, rugged mountains and vast plateaux, is a veritable paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a just a beginner looking for an adventure in the wilderness, the country has a multitude of varied routes to offer sure to will leave you with lasting memories. Here are five of the most beautiful hiking routes to explore Norway.

Interested in visiting Norway?Here are some articles to help you plan out your trip:

• Norway’s most beautiful villages, between craggy mountains and icy waters
• The 5 most beautiful fjords in Norway
• The most beautiful city in Norway, where the fjords meet the sea

The 5 most beautiful hiking routes in Norway

Trolltunga, an iconic landscape

Trolltunga, which literally means the “Troll's Tongue,” is one of Norway's most iconic hiking sites. This spectacular rock formation overlooks the Ringedalsvatnet lake, at an altitude of almost 700 metres. The 28km round trip route is a demanding one and takes around 10-12 hours, but you are granted an unrivalled sight there: breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. It's an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike.

Key features:

• Spectacular panoramic views of Lake Ringedalsvatnet and a full 360-degrees vantage point of the surrounding mountains.
• A physical challenge on a 28 km round trip, this hike is a real test of endurance, perfect for experienced hikers looking for a challenge.
• Trolltunga is one of Norway's most photographed sites, with a “tongue” of stone jutting out into the void.

Preikestolen, one of the most iconic

Preikestolen, or “the Preacher’s Chair,” is another of Norway's most iconic hikes. Rising 604 metres above Lysefjord, this rocky plateau offers spectacular views of the fjord below. The relatively accessible route makes for an 8km round trip and can be completed in 4-5 hours. Although the trail can be steep at times, it is accessible to most hikers, including families with children. Climbing up to Preikestolen is a must for anyone visiting the Stavanger region.

Key features:

• An accessible 8 km hike, suitable for a wide range of hikers, including families.
• A breathtaking view of the Lysefjord from the plateau.
• Easily accessible from the town of Stavanger, it's a great option for a day trip.

Besseggen, from lakes to mountains

Located in Jotunheimen National Park, the Besseggen trail is famous for its breathtaking views. This 14km hike takes you along a ridge between two lakes, emerald-green Lake Gjende and deep-blue Lake Bessvatnet. The striking contrast between the lakes and the surrounding mountains creates a unique visual spectacle. The climb takes around 6-8 hours, and despite some steep sections, it is relatively accessible even for casual hikers.

Key features:

• The trail follows a ridge between two lakes of spectacularly contrastinghues.
• This hike takes you through a wide diversity of landscapes, ranging from steep mountains to vast plateaux.
• Located in Jotunheimen National Park, this trail offers a morerelaxedexperience, away from the crowds and perfect for nature lovers.

Romsdalseggen, the giants’ ridge

The Romsdalseggen hike is one of the most spectacular in Norway. This ridge trail offers incredible views of Romsdalsfjord, the town of Åndalsnes and the surrounding mountains, including the famous Trollveggen, Europe's highest vertical rock face. The 10 km trail can be completed in 6 to 7 hours, and although it has some bare rock sections, it is considered doable for experienced hikers. The scenery’s sheer diversity and the exciting experience of a ridge walk make it an extraordinary hike.

Key features:

• The trail offers incredible views of Romsdalsfjord, the town of Åndalsnes and the dramatic rock face of Trollveggen.
• Walking along the ridge gives you the unique sensation of walking “on top of the world,” with scenery as far as the eye can see.
• The grandeur of the surrounding mountains and the depth of the valleys create an immersive experience oftheNorwegian natural environment.

Kjeragbolten, the famous “hanging rock”

Kjeragbolten is a hike running up to one of Norway's most impressive and most dramatic sites: a rock wedged between two cliffs above Lysefjord, at an altitude of 984 m. The 10 km return hike takes around 5-6 hours and includes some steep sections, but its is practicable for hikers in good physical condition. Once at Kjeragbolten, the bravest can stand on the rock above the abyss for a memorable photo, with the immense fjord as an impressive backdrop.

Key features:

• Kjeragbolten is one of Norway's most famous rock formations, a huge boulder wedged between two cliffs, almost 1,000 metres above the surface of the fjord.
• Standing on Kjeragbolten for a photo takes guts, but makes for a one-of-a-kindphoto souvenir.