Top 5 fjord hikes in Norway

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Norway’s fjords with these top 5 hikes. Each trail offers a unique perspective and a chance to connect with nature in a profound way. From the rugged peaks to the crystal-clear waters, you’ll be swept away by the majesty of these natural wonders. Lace up your hiking boots and embark on an unforgettable adventure through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.

We at Wild Voss are thrilled to share some tips with you that will help you make the most of your outdoor adventures in Norway! By following our advice, you’ll be able to spend more time exploring the stunning trails and breathtaking wilderness, and less time worrying about rental car logistics. Are you eager to start exploring? Let’s get started on your next unforgettable adventure!

Jump directly to: -Kiellandbu -Oksen -Rimstigen -Breiskrednosi -Sverrestigen

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Kiellandbu

The hike to Kiellandbu is accessible, moderate in terms of difficulty, sees limited traffic, and has varied mountain scenery and immensely beautiful views. This makes Kiellandbu the perfect introduction to Fjord hiking. During this trip, we pass lovely rivers, and mountain farms, colourful mountain flowers accompany us along the way, and sheep graze peacefully in the meadows. At the top, you will have a breathtaking view of the Hardangerfjord and the Folgefonna glacier. Kiellandbu – read the full description here

The enchanting Kiellandbu cabin is an absolute treasure! Nestled on the precipice of a majestic hill, this cosy retreat boasts an unparalleled perspective of the untouched, breathtaking fjord landscape. Sleeping arrangements are available inside, making it the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate. Managed by the prestigious Bergen Utferdslag touring club Bergen Utferdslag, demand for Kiellandbu is understandably high during peak season, so advanced reservations are a must. Although locating a reliable English booking source may prove challenging, fear not! Simply reach out to the touring club via their email address.

Kiellandbu – trip details Total distance: Around 12 km. Estimated time: Around 6h car to car. Total elevation gain: 350 meters. Difficulty: Medium (Blue). Family-friendly: Yes, for kids over eight years old.

Find the ut.no/kart hiking map to the cabin here.

Oksen

Standing tall and proud, the mountain named Oksen (1241) provides the best view of the whole Hardanger region. From its peak, we get an exceptional birds-eye perspective of four surrounding fjords, two glaciers, the impressive Hardanger bridge and the Hardanger villages. Oksen – read the full description here.

Oksen boasts a truly breathtaking location at the convergence of not just one, but four fjords – Sørfjorden, Granvinsfjorden, Eidfjorden and the illustrious Hardangerfjord. Words cannot do justice to the sheer majesty of the views from atop Oksen, which are simply unparalleled. The journey to the hike’s starting point is an unforgettable experience, with idyllic fruit farms and quaint settlements dotted along the winding road. While the ascent to Oksen’s summit is undeniably challenging, every step is worth it for the unparalleled natural beauty that awaits.

Oksen trip details in short. Estimated total distance: 10-12 km (depending on route alternative). Estimated duration: 6 hours from car to car, including breaks. Total ascent: 1000 – 1200 meters, depending on route alternatives. Trip grading: Moderately strenuous (Red). Some steep sections in rough terrain. Patches of snow. Family-friendly: To the mountain farm at Vindhovden: Yes. Complete trip: No.

Find the ut.no/kart map here for the hike to Oksen.

Rimstigen

Nærøyfjorden, also known as The Narrow Fjord, is an absolutely breathtaking wonder in western Norway. The snow-capped mountains tower majestically over the stunningly beautiful greenish-blue waters, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. The meltwater cascading down the sheer cliffs is a sight to behold, leaving you feeling utterly enchanted. This incredible region has rightly earned a spot on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites due to its unparalleled natural scenery and rich cultural landscape. Embarking on the historic Rimstigen trail will take you on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the fjord, far away from the typical tourist routes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the unique and pristine natural environment. Rimstigen – read the full description here.

Rimstigen is a truly magical and enchanting ancient trail, once used by the hardworking farmers of the fjords to reach their beloved mountain pastures in the summertime. This awe-inspiring path is short, but every step you take brings you from one wonder to another. From the very bottom of the fjord, at sea level, you’ll embark on an exhilarating journey up a steep forested mountain side that will take your breath away. As you climb higher and higher, you’ll be rewarded with the most stunning views of a Garden-of-Eden-like hanging valley called Rimstigbotnen, which sits majestically at over 700m above sea level.

Although the hike is short in kilometres, it’s a true test of endurance and willpower. If you’re up for an even more daring and breathtaking version of Rimstigen, then look no further – this trail has it all. So come and experience the sheer beauty and wonder of Rimstigen – it’s an adventure you’ll never forget!

Read the Breiskrednosi description below. Find the ut.no/kart map here for this hike.

For those family members who are less active, there are plenty of activities and attractions nearby to enjoy. Just a short distance away is the Viking Village in Gudvangen, where you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history and culture of the Vikings. Or, head over to Flåm and take a ride on the world-famous Flåm Railway, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and fjords. With so many options to choose from, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this beautiful and captivating region. The Viking Village in Gudvangen or Flåm with its famous railway.

Rimstigen basic trip details Estimated total distance: 7 km. Estimated total duration: 5 hours car to car, including breaks. Total ascent: 750 meters. Trip grading: Challenging (Red).  Family-friendly: Yes, suitable for kids aged 9 and above.

Breiskrednosi

The Breiskrednosi hike is undoubtedly the most technically challenging, physically demanding, and visually stunning hike on this list. Once you reach the top of the trail, you’ll be rewarded with what is likely the most spectacular views overlooking the fjords in all of Norway. This epic trek begins with the aforementioned Rimstigen trail and continues all the way up to the steepest and wildest mountain peak overlooking the Nærøyfjorden, towering 1189 meters above the fjord.

At Wild Voss, we are pleased to offer guided tours for all of the mountains on this list, both as summer hikes and as ski trips. So why not join us and experience the thrill of this incredible adventure for yourself? Breiskrednosi – read the full description here

As we continue on beyond Rimstigen, the trail begins to fade away and we are immersed in the wild and untamed beauty of nature. All around us, there are splashing creeks, waterfalls, and rivers, creating a symphony of sound that echoes through the mountains.

Undoubtedly, the Breiskrednosi hike will be the highlight of your visit to Norway. It’s here that you’ll truly understand what Norwegian nature means to us. So come and experience the breathtaking beauty of this majestic mountain for yourself, and let its wild and unbridled nature leave an indelible mark on your heart and soul.

Breiskrednosi trip details Total distance: About 18 kilometres. Estimated total duration: 9-10 hours. Elevation gain: 1450 meters. Trip grading: Expert – black. Steep paths, rough terrain, river crossings, snow fields. A couple of exposed sections. Exposed during bad weather. Suitable for families: No.

Bonus hike: Sverrestigen

Sverrestigen is an exciting bonus hike that, in a way, doesn’t quite fit in with the other hikes on this list. That’s because it’s not a Fjord hike. However, it is located very close to Voss and is easily accessible by train, making it an excellent option for those looking for something a little different.

The trail itself is a lot of fun, with a section that is steep and playful. You’ll need to scramble along a fixed rope and cross some exposed slabby sections in the first part of the hike. While any experienced hiker should be able to manage this trek, you may find yourself feeling a bit airy at a couple of places along the way.

While you won’t be treated to any fjord views from the top, the hike offers a beautiful way to discover the valley of Raundalen and the steep gorge over the Raundals river. So why not take a break from the fjords and explore this lesser-known but equally beautiful part of the Norwegian wilderness?

Sverrestigen – Full description

The Raundalselvi river is widely regarded as the most spectacular river in Norway, not just by hardcore kayakers on YouTube, but by anyone who’s seen its exceptional turquoise waters and plenty of potholes, which are perfect for swimming under the right conditions. In some places, the water is so clear that you can even see the trouts swimming several meters below you.

While you may have come to Voss for the fjords, the valley of Raundalen and its river system have some serious wow potential. And, if you choose to hike Sverrestigen, you’ll be able to take in some of the best views of the river from above. The hike can be managed in half a day, which leaves you plenty of time to enjoy the river in the afternoon.

But that’s not all. Sverrestigen has an exciting backstory that dates all the way back to Viking times, which is why we’ve named this hike the Viking trail. The trail reaches the top of a mountain with a lower elevation than the other hikes, making it more suitable for hiking early and late in the season when the other peaks are still covered in snow.

So, whether you’re interested in experiencing the incredible Raundalselvi river, exploring Viking history, or simply enjoying breathtaking views from the top of a mountain, Sverrestigen has something to offer.

Looking to avoid the tourist trap:

Are you looking for an unforgettable hiking experience in Norway? You may have noticed that Trolltunga and Preikestolen, two of the most popular hikes in the country, aren’t on our list. But don’t be discouraged – this is because we want to offer you something truly special. Our small local guiding company believes that hiking should be a chance to connect with nature and escape the crowds, and that’s exactly what our top 5 fjord hikes offer. You won’t have to compete with masses of tourists or wait in long queues like you would at those over-hyped trails. Instead, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of the Norwegian wilderness and even have the trail to yourself. Look no further than our expert guiding company. We believe that travel should be about more than just checking off a list of popular destinations. Our unique approach offers a chance to truly connect with the beauty and wonder of Norway. Don’t settle for the crowded and overrated tourist spots – let us show you the real Norway, the one that will stay with you forever. Join us for an unforgettable adventure off the beaten path.

Where to start your trip:

Are you planning a trip to Norway and looking for the perfect starting point? Look no further than Voss. Situated between the stunning Hardanger and Sognefjord fjords, this mountain town is easily accessible from the two main airports in Norway via a reliable and comfortable train ride that is considered one of the most spectacular in the world. From Voss, you can access some of the best hiking in Norway without needing a car. But that’s not all – Voss is also known as the extreme sports capital of Norway, offering a wide range of activities such as kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, mountain biking, and paragliding. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or looking for a family-friendly activity, Voss has something for everyone. And let’s not forget about the stunning natural beauty of the area, with its impressive waterfalls, river systems, dramatic cliffs over the fjords, farming landscapes, and accessible glaciers. In short, Voss is the perfect gateway to experience the very best that Norway has to offer.

We hope you found this list of the best fjord hikes in Norway informative and inspiring. We would love to hear about your experiences and which hike was your favourite. Have you had a chance to explore the stunning fjord hikes around Voss yet? We value your feedback and look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey through Norway’s natural wonders. Takk for turen!