3 incredible lesser-known hikes in Norway you MUST try

Norway is a hiker’s paradise. The landscape is awe-inspiring, with plenty of well marked trails throughout the country. Norwegians themselves love being outdoors and walking is a pasttime whole families enjoy. Maybe that’s why they’re so high up on the list of happiest countries in the world! There’s plenty of info out there about the most well known hikes. Trolltunga, Pulpit Rock, and Reinebringen on the Lofoten Islands are popular examples. But below are 3 incredible lesser-known hikes in Norway which perfectly showcase the varied terrain of this incredible country. Just remember to leave no trace. Norwegians really know how to look after their land, and we should do the same.

For an epic fjord viewpoint: Himakana, Nedstrand

Himakana is also known as ‘mini trolltunga’ thanks to the rock jutting out of the mountain over the fjords below, much like its namesake.

Trolltunga demands a lot from hikers – it’s a 8-12 hour round trip with 3600ft of elevation. And on top of that it’s incredibly popular, which means you will likely have to queue to access that famous viewpoint. Himakana will take you just 1 hour to reach the top, and you are likely to have it all to yourself when you do!

We did this hike at lunchtime on a beautiful summer’s day and there was only one other group at the top. When we arrived they moved on so we could take our time getting photos.

Park at the Joker supermarket in town and then head East along the road until you come to a sign on the left. That’s where you’ll begin your steady ascent. It’s steep, but the path is well maintained and there are plenty of opportunities to stop and take in your surroundings (and some air!)

At the top the views are incredible. Even if you don’t want to inch out onto that precipice, there are flat areas to sit and enjoy the winding fjords below. It’s a great picnic spot as well, so don’t forget to pack snacks!

For 4 beautiful waterfalls: Utladal, Jotunheim National Park

Set in the spectacular Jotunheim National Park, this walk is perfect for most abilities as it only gets difficult towards the end. So depending on your fitness level you can see 1, 2, 3 or 4 waterfalls! If you choose to see all them, expect the round trip to take you around 4-5 hours.

Starting off at the Hjelle car park, your first waterfall will be right there in front of you. Snap some photos from the car park or from the bridge, just beware of the spray!

Following the trail you’ll come across some traditional Scandinavian buildings, with turf roofs. These are remains of a farming settlement, but one also houses a lovely little tea room where you can enjoy coffee and a waffle after your walk.

The next waterfall is Avdalsfossen. As it’s further away, you’ll be able to better appreciate its size and force as it cascades down the cliff. There’s an option to take a detour here to the Avdalen Farm, a 16th century settlement above the falls.

A little further on up the main trail is the 3rd easily accessible waterfall – Holjafossen. It’s smaller than the other 3 but opens up into a beautiful emerald pool. The water seems very inviting although i’m sure its absolutely freezing! When we did this hike in June there were a few other people on the trail. But after the third waterfall, most people seemed to turn back.

The final stretch

The path is still well maintained all the way up to the Vetti settlement, though it does become a little steeper. Once you pass the houses, you’ll be met with a choice: take the route to the bottom or the top of Vettifossen. Both are a little bit hair-raising, and require steep ascents/descents and some scrambling.

The bottom hike was hard going thanks to the rain making the boulders and ground wet and slippery. Once you get down to the river there is also quite a lot of skree to navigate, so take care.

Once you lay eyes on Vettisfossen all that hard work would have been worth it. At 275m it is Norways tallest single drop waterfall, and reminds me of a few Icelandic waterfalls. It’s a rugged, unforgiving landscape but beautiful. Try find somewhere to sit and enjoy the view before making your way back to the car park. If you’re staying in the area, the National Park website is useful for finding other nearby hikes.

For a unique wildlife experience: Musk Ox Trail, Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park

Probably my favourite hike in Norway and so many people pass it by! Located in Dovrefjell-Sunndalsfjella National Park (say that 3 times fast) in the heart of Norway, this spot is one of few left in the world where you can come face to face with a musk ox.

What on Earth is a musk ox?

Looking like something out of a Star Wars film, musk oxen have been around since the last Ice Age. They have thick shaggy coats and long curved horns, and look a lot like prehistorical cows, but are actually more closely related to modern day sheep and goats! Musk oxen have a ‘fight not flight’ instinct so it’s important to keep at least 200m away if you spot one. They will 100% charge you if you get too close!

Although you aren’t guaranteed to see a musk ox (the National Park is 654 square miles) the Musk Ox trail gives you the best possible chance. It’s a 15km circular route, starting at either the Kongsvoll or Gronbakken car park. The scenery is breathtaking. Barren heathland with snow capped mountains in every direction. Sections of birch woodland. Fast flowing rivers you’ll have to cross.

We were lucky enough to spot several animals during our hike, including a mother and baby. But we also saw one right on the side of the E6 motorway which runs through the heart of the National Park, along with a moose on the same road. So if you aren’t much of a hiker, don’t despair – just keep an eye out and drive slow! For more info on the National Park visit their website.

Wherever you go in Norway, and whatever your abilities, you are bound to find a hike well suited for you. Although I completely understand people’s need to tick off the popular spots, I hope this post inspires you to explore a little further afield and take on one of the incredible lesser-known hikes in Norway. Let me know which one you’d like to tackle first.And if you are thinking of travelling to Norway with your dog, check out this post on what documentation you’ll need.