How to hike Norway’s Fjordland like a local

1. Hike even if the weather isn’t optimal

We visited Norway in September at the tail end of the Norwegian hiking season. The hiking season lasts from when the snow melts in June to early September. This is the only window to hike in Norway as the rest of the year the trails are covered in snow.  Since we were at the tail end of the hiking season, the majority of the weather during our trip consisted of ominous clouds, hints of blue sky, rain, and temperatures in the high 50s. All this being said, while you shouldn’t expect perfect weather when you hike in Norway,  use common sense if weather is extremely bad and would put you in danger.

For Alex and I, we started the Buarbreen hike to the Folgefanna glacier in pouring rain and it was one of the most fun hikes I’ve done despite getting soaked.

Parts of the trail had become rushing streams–which made the trail more difficult to navigate, but also more adventurous. At the last leg of the hike we encountered a river crossing where the surging waters had carried away the bridge put in place for hikers. At this point we used common sense, and decided to turn around rather than risk getting swept away by the water. (Post on Buarbeen hike coming soon!)

A view of Buarebeen Glacier, near Odda, Norway from the trail head. The torrential rains had created an impressive waterfall from the glacier rock.

Alex navigating the trail/river.

Moss covered stones on the walk up the road leading to the trailhead.

2. Layer up

Always wear layers when hiking in Norway. You’ll end up taking them on and off as you hike into and out of varying climates based on your elevation change. Wool socks are also fantastic, especially if it starts raining. Wool will keep you warm even if it gets wet. (More about the science behind that here).

Pro-tip. Norway has mosquitos! Layers that cover your skin can help protect you from bites, but I can’t promise you won’t get bitten. Unfortunately, sometimes even a shirt can’t protect you from the pestilent Norwegian mosquito–we got bitten even through t-shirt material.

3. Broaden your horizons

There’s more than just Trolltunga and Pulpit Rock (the touristy, overly- instagrammed hikes). Our first hike was up to the Hardangervidda plateau and goes by the name of 4 waterfalls hike (photo story on this hike soon!) Unlike nearby Trolltunga, it had very few people hiking, yet equally impressive views, and challenging uphill portions.

Moss covered trail rocks reminiscent of Lord of the Rings.

Plateau view overlooking the Hardangerfjord in the background. During the spring, these smooth rocks are covered by a rushing waterfall.

Hiking across giant rocks to the 4th waterfall. You can still see snow that never melted in the summer.

Overlook to the 2nd waterfall.

Be prepared for 45 degree + uphill portions.

4. Hike for a long time

Norway is a hikers paradise. In California, a lot of the hikes are short 1-2 hour hikes. Embrace the 10+ mile day hike, or multi-day hiking expedition while in Norway. There are a number of cabins along most hiking routes, including many on Hardangervidda Plateau. Every hike Alex and I did in Norway was 12+ miles with significant uphill.

Map that shows in pink house icon the many cabins in Hardangervidda Nasjonal Park.

Birch trees, ferns, and green grass at the beginning of the 4 waterfalls hike welcome you to an enchanting hike. One of my favorite photos from the hike–this one is completely unedited.