Hiking in Western Norway: The most beautiful tours between fjords and mountains

Western Norway is a region of contrasts – and a paradise for hiking enthusiasts: Deep blue fjords and rugged mountains, blooming meadows, swampy moors, and dense forests characterize the diverse landscape. Those who explore here on foot or by bike experience uniquely beautiful nature in its most pristine form. Even in peak season from mid-July onwards, the paths are often deserted, the trails quiet and lonely.

Whether relaxing walks along the UNESCO-protected Nærøyfjord, challenging day trips across impressive plateaus, or hikes right outside the city gates: we present six different hikes in Western Norway.

In Norway's second-largest city, a hiking holiday can be perfectly combined with a city trip – and one of the most scenic routes begins with one of Bergen's most spectacular views. From the city center, the Fløibane cable car takes you to the viewing platform at the top of Mount Fløyen in just a few minutes.

The panoramic cabin with its glass roof offers impressive views of the steep railway line and the harbor even while traveling. Once at the top, the view sweeps over Vågen Bay, the fish market, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bryggen.

The approximately four-hour hike begins at the mountain station on easy gravel paths through dense forests and past small lakes like the idyllic Nedrediket. Then, for about two kilometers, the trail, with its partially swampy moorland, stone steps, and tree roots, requires some surefootedness. You pass bleating sheep and a stunning view of the mountains behind you, before finally reaching an open plateau with a mountain lake and some deserted alpine pastures at Rundemanen.

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From there, the route descends at a leisurely pace, past a mountain landscape reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands and the Tarlebøvatnet dam to Svartediket at the foot of Ulriken – the view across the “Black Ditch” is pure Norway.

Starting point : Bergen center / Fløibanen mountain station

Length : approximately 11 kilometers circular route

Away from the tourist crowds and not far from the famous Vatnahalsen Hotel, the Sjebergsnuten rises around 1166 meters above the Aurland region in western Norway.

For hikers starting from the hotel, the elevation gain is approximately 490 meters. The first steps from the starting point lead over the Flåm Railway line, through marshy meadows and small forests, past the imposing Kjosfossen waterfall and red holiday cabins right next to Reinungavatnet.

Shortly thereafter, the trail climbs, the vegetation becomes sparser and rockier, and the wind harsher. The largely clearly marked path leads across green plateaus and past shimmering mountain lakes toward the summit in about two hours. But be careful: sections of the trail run over loose rock or narrow ridges, and the path occasionally disappears between the muddy meadows – small cairns then point the way.

Along the way, it's always worth taking a look back: the view over the Reinungavatnet lake and the winding Flåm Railway and Bergen Railway lines is unique. At the summit, a nearly limitless panoramic view of lakes, waterfalls, and mountain ranges awaits – the panorama more than makes up for the effort of the climb. It's the perfect spot for a picnic!

Starting point : Vatnahalsen Hotel

Length : about 10 kilometers there and back

The Rallarvegen is one of Norway's most famous cycling and hiking trails – and its scenic charm is particularly evident on foot. Originally built at the end of the 19th century as a supply route for the construction of the Bergen Railway, today it attracts nature lovers and active holidaymakers from all over the world along the well-developed, approximately 80-kilometer route from Haugastøl via Finse and Hallingskeid to Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord.

The stage from Hallingskeid to Vatnahalsen is particularly impressive: From the Hallingskeid train station, the path winds for several kilometers through a wind-beaten plateau; tiny alpine flowers, countless waterfalls, and passing sheep break up the rugged landscape.

After passing through a tunnel about halfway along the trail, the landscape suddenly changes: You pass tranquil lakes and roaring rivers, small meadows invite you to rest in the sunshine against a beautiful backdrop, and information boards along the trail tell the exciting history of the Rallarvegen. The destination is Vatnahalsen after about 16 kilometers.

Tip: Shortly after Vatnahalsen, the path winds steeply down towards the Flåmsdalsvegen road, offering stunning views. If you'd like, you can rent a bike at the bottom and cycle along the Flåmsbana railway to Flåm.

For the brave, take the zipline down into the valley: The Vatnahalsen Zipline is Scandinavia's longest zipline, zipping at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour over 1.3 kilometers from the mountain plateau at Vatnahalsen over the treetops down into the Flåmsdalen valley. At the end of the ride, you land directly on the Flåmsdalsvegen Road – from here, you can continue on foot or by bike to Flåm.

Starting point : Hallingskeid

Length : about 16 kilometers to Vatnahalsen

The diverse Flåmsdalsvegen trail starts at the zipline finish line just below the Vatnahalsen Hotel. From here, the approximately 18-kilometer-long trail leads through the wild and romantic Flåmsdalen valley down to Flåm on the Aurlandsfjord.

The route can be covered both on foot and by bike and leads (mostly downhill) past several waterfalls, including the mighty Kårdalsfossen, which plunges into the depths right next to the path, and along the turquoise Flåmselvi lake.

The trail is easy to walk and cycle, but caution is advised: the route is steep and winding. To enjoy the beautiful panorama, you'll want to dismount and take a break. At the end of the trail, Flåm, with its small cafés, restaurants, and bustling harbor life right on the fjord, invites you to take a stroll.

Tip: For a relaxing cup of coffee away from the crowds of cruise ships, visit " The Fjord Farm " on Vikjavegen, about a five-minute walk from the bike drop-off point. Surrounded by grazing animals, this small farm on the edge of the Flåmsdalen valley serves regional specialties, fresh goat cheese, and homemade bread.

Starting point : Mrydal/Vatnahalsen

Length : about 17 kilometers to Flåm

The challenging day hike to Bakkanosi is one of the most spectacular viewpoints of a Norwegian fjord – the round-trip route is around 18 kilometers long and begins in the remote Jordalen.

From here, the trail initially zigzags steeply uphill before reaching a green plateau after about a kilometer. The fell landscape is largely easy to hike through, despite several small streams to cross and some swampy sections. After about six kilometers, you finally reach the ascent to Bakkanosi.

From here, depending on the season, the trail climbs for approximately two kilometers over snowy plateaus or rocky terrain – surefootedness, fitness, and concentration are required! A good sense of direction (or alternatively, a reliable GPS) is also helpful, as the trail is poorly marked in places; only small cairns guide hikers, although these are sometimes difficult to spot against the scree.

The arduous climb is definitely worth it: At the summit of Bakkanosi, a majestic panoramic view of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Nærøyfjorden opens up. Incidentally, the actual summit isn't the final destination: If you continue hiking for another five minutes, you'll reach a small, albeit unguarded, viewing platform.

Once there, the Nærøyfjord stretches out before you – one of Norway's most beautiful and narrowest fjords, measuring only about 250 meters wide at its narrowest point. A picture-perfect Norwegian panorama!

Starting point : Jordalen

Length : approximately 18 kilometers there and back

The hike from Gudvangen to Bakka isn't a tour for summiteers, but rather a relaxed stroll that immerses you in the magic of the fjord. Only a few kilometers long and with no significant inclines, the route is ideal for a leisurely excursion.

The starting point is the small fjord village of Gudvangen at the southern end of the Nærøyfjord – from where you can travel from Flåm to Gudvangen in about two hours with the sustainably operated ships “ Future of the Fjords ” and “Vision of the Fjords”.

From Gudvangen, a narrow path winds directly along the water, accompanied by the constant view of the steep green cliffs rising almost vertically from the fjord, and the stand-up paddleboarders and kayakers leisurely passing by. At the end of the route, the small village of Bakka awaits below Bakkanosi, with its picturesque wooden houses and the small, white, wooden church from the 19th century, picturesquely situated on the shore and considered one of the landmarks of the Nærøyfjord.

Tip : Just behind the church, a narrow path leads through a gate to a wooden walkway. It's the perfect place for a break—the view of the fjord, the mountains, and the neighboring village of Tufto is uniquely beautiful.

Starting point : Gudvangen

Length : about 10 kilometers there and back

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