Phone off, out-of-office reply on. When it comes to long-distance hikes, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better country than Norway. With cozy, for-public-use cabins dotting the hills and a landscape that just won’t quit, this could be the excuse you’ve been waiting for.
As the warmth of summer embraces Norway, the landscape transforms into an adventurer’s paradise, beckoning explorers from across the globe. The spirit of allemansretten, or “the freedom to roam,” comes alive, encouraging you to wander freely, to gather the sweet, wild blueberries, and to pitch your tent wherever your heart desires. However, amidst this freedom, there lies a collection of extraordinary trails, each offering a unique and unforgettable journey. Some of these trails venture beyond the borders of Norway, while others transport you back through the annals of history, offering a glimpse into centuries past. Let us embark on an exploration of these remarkable trails, each promising an unparalleled experience.
Hiking Trollheimen: A Realm of Mythical Beauty
If there exists a region in Norway that reigns supreme in the realm of epic hiking, it is undoubtedly Trollheimen, a land steeped in folklore and known as the home of the trolls. Situated southwest of the vibrant city of Trondheim, this region presents a breathtaking panorama of glacial-carved valleys, where crystal-clear, blue lakes mirror the sky above. Soaring, snow-capped mountains pierce the heavens, while lush greenery blankets the landscape, stretching as far as the eye can perceive. Envision the majestic grandeur of Glacier National Park or Banff National Park, but with the added allure of solitude, where your only companions are your trusty backpack and the whispering winds.
Your adventure commences in the charming town of Oppdal. Here, it is essential to consult the weather forecasts, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the conditions ahead. Gather your belongings, meticulously packing everything you will need for your journey. If time permits, consider a visit to Vang, one of the largest Viking cemeteries in existence, where you can delve into the region’s rich history. Then, embark on a short and scenic drive to Storlidalen, where you will find yourself immersed in the very heart of Trollheimen. As you traverse a gravel road, you will be guided towards the serene Lake Tovatna and the well-marked trail that leads to Kårvatn, surrounded by the towering peaks that define this majestic landscape. As the sun begins its descent, casting a warm glow upon the land, you will find yourself nearing your cozy cabin in Kårvatn, ready for a well-deserved rest.
Day two marks the beginning of your ascent, as you embark on a journey that will challenge your physical endurance and reward you with unparalleled vistas. Following the trail towards Todalen, you will climb up Bjøråskaret, a steep ascent that will test your mettle. However, even the most seasoned hikers will find themselves compelled to pause frequently, to absorb the breathtaking panorama that unfolds before them. The Innerdalen valley, widely acclaimed as the most picturesque valley in the entire country, will captivate your senses with its vibrant colors and serene beauty. As you descend into this lush greenery, you will eventually arrive at the summer farm of Rennsdølsetra, a tranquil oasis where you can reflect on the wonders you have witnessed.
Day three presents the ultimate crescendo of your Trollheimen adventure, surpassing even the beauty of the previous days. Your journey begins in the lower, marshier areas, as you gradually ascend through the gate of Innerdalen, leading you to your highest peak: Meskaret. From this vantage point, you will be able to gaze across a vast expanse of 12 miles, deep into the heart of the Storlidalen valley. As you descend, you will make your way back to Lake Tovatna, but on the opposite side from where you began. Here, the trek concludes, but if you so desire, you can extend your adventure by dedicating another day to climb the nearby tower of Innerdalstårnet, a challenging but rewarding endeavor.
Duration: Approximately 3 to 4 days.
Hiking from Finland to Norway’s Arctic: An Unforgettable Transnational Journey
Imagine embarking on a hiking adventure in the Arctic Circle during the summer months, where the sun never sets, granting you the freedom to explore at any hour. The untouched wilderness of multiple countries unfolds before you, pristine and captivating. This is a journey of superlatives, a trip that will leave an indelible mark on your soul. Your adventure begins in the remote village of Kilpisjärvi, Finland, where you will spend the first couple of days traversing the Arctic tundra, a landscape that evokes the spirit of the high-altitude areas above the treeline in Rocky Mountain National Park, rather than the icy plains of Antarctica.
As you journey onward, you will encounter a verdant oasis, a low valley adorned with shimmering lakes, forests of birch trees, and an abundance of ripe, juicy berries, ready to be savored. Take a moment to relish this respite, for the terrain will soon transform into a rocky landscape as you approach Finland’s highest peak, Halti. However, your motivation will remain unwavering, as the promise of Norway and a descent into the valley lies just beyond.
Once you have crossed into Norway and descended into the valley towards Goulasjávri, a quick drive will transport you to the stunning Lyngenfjord, where you can relax and reflect on your incredible journey. For those seeking further exploration, Reisa National Park is conveniently located nearby. Should you be inclined to continue your adventure, the Nordkalottleden trail passes through this park. The entire landscape is adorned with spectacular waterfalls, river-carved canyons, and even ancient Stone Age rock art, offering a captivating glimpse into the region’s rich history.
Duration: Approximately 6 to 8 days.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Hiking Finland to Norway to Sweden: A Scandinavian Trifecta
Embarking on a hiking adventure across Scandinavia is the kind of accomplishment that deserves a prominent place on your resume, a testament to your adventurous spirit and physical prowess. This journey also commences in Kilpisjärvi, Finland, quickly forging a path through the Malla Strict Nature Reserve and around the picturesque end of Lake Goldajärvi. As you traverse the landscape, you will encounter a succession of breathtaking river gorges, eventually arriving at the enchanting Insdalen Valley.
From this point onward, the elevation gains gradually, offering a less strenuous ascent. You will find yourself surrounded by towering cliffs, with snowcapped peaks in the distance and mountain streams gurgling all around. Rostahytta cabin awaits you as your destination for the night, providing a cozy haven after a day of exploration. The following day will lead you through wide, open valley plains, until you reach the imposing shadows of Pältsa, a peak that rises approximately 5,000 feet into the air, now within the borders of Sweden. Your next cabin, Pältsastugan, boasts a sauna, inviting you to soak in the soothing steam before embarking on your return journey up the fell to Lake Kilpisjärvi. A quick jaunt across the tundra will bring you back to civilization, or you can choose to extend your stay in Kilpisjärvi, where no one would fault you for succumbing to the allure of this captivating region.
Duration: Approximately 7 days.
Hiking the Nordkalottleden: Europe’s Northernmost Hiking Trail
If the Appalachian Trail seems too tame for your adventurous spirit, consider embarking on a journey along the Nordkalottleden, the northernmost hiking trail in all of Europe, entirely within the Arctic Circle. This epic trail stretches for just under 500 miles, traversing a wild and desolate terrain, crisscrossing borders 15 times through Norway, Sweden, and Finland. Wide valleys of birch and pine trees give way to barren plateaus, which in turn descend to mountain streams and pristine lakes, from Kautokeino (Finnmark, Northern Norway) in the south to Sulitjelma (Norway) or Kvikkjokk (Sweden), offering you a choice of final destinations. The trail also meanders through four national parks: Øvre Dividal National Park, Reisa National Park, Abisko National Park, and Padjelanta National Park, each offering a unique and captivating landscape.
Several other distinguished trails form part of this extensive route, including the Nordlandsruta, the Nordkalott, the Padjelantaleden, and the Kungsleden. This interconnectedness means that you will find a network of cabins dotting the entire path. Most of these cabins are unstaffed, so it is essential to bring your own food and supplies. However, along the sections that intersect with the Kungsleden and Padjelantaleden, staffed cabins are common, offering meals and available provisions, providing a welcome respite and opportunity to resupply. For those planning this epic adventure, it is helpful to know that the respective associations for each country are the DNT (Norway), the STF (Sweden), and the Finnish Forest Administration (Finland).
Duration: Up to approximately 45 days.
Hiking the St. Olav’s Ways: A Pilgrimage Through History
If you desire to infuse your hiking adventure with a rich dose of history, then the St. Olav’s Ways are the perfect choice. These ancient pilgrim paths, all converging at the magnificent Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, offer a journey through time, steeped in lore and tradition. The concept of these pilgrimage routes dates back 1,000 years, rooted in religious devotion, as Christians from around the world once embarked on this journey. Today, people undertake the trek for a multitude of reasons, similar to the Camino de Santiago, but with a more understated reputation. Whether you seek education, wish to immerse yourself in the stunning natural scenery, or embark on a personal spiritual quest, the St. Olav’s Ways promise an incredibly personal and transformative experience, regardless of your motivations.
The six paths that comprise the St. Olav’s Ways span a total distance of over 2,000 kilometers, or nearly 1,250 miles. You are not obligated to traverse every single inch of these routes! They do not form one continuous line, but rather a network of paths that originate in different locations, such as Oslo, Lillehammer, Dovrefjell, or on the Swedish border. As you journey along these paths, you will encounter a diverse range of landscapes, from open terrain that showcases the natural beauty of Norway, to ancient villages, small farms, and centuries of captivating lore. The sheer distance of these routes ensures that you will experience a taste of everything that Norway has to offer, including the agricultural Hamar region, where a visit to the glass cathedral of Hamar is highly recommended. You will also traverse the Gudbrandsdalen valley, the mighty Dovre mountain plateau, the deep woods of Trøndelag, and the quaint, often historic, farms, cabins, and inns that dot the landscape along the way. (Hint: Consider taking a short and rewarding detour to sample the renowned “moose tacos” at the Budsjord farm in the Gudbrandsdalen valley.)
St. Olav’s Day, celebrated on July 29th, is a significant date for those interested in the pilgrimage, and many aim to complete their journey by this day. However, you are free to embark on the St. Olav’s Ways whenever you desire, although the summer months are obviously recommended due to the favorable weather conditions. The magnificent Nidaros Cathedral, the burial site of St. Olav, remains open year-round, allowing visitors to pay their respects and immerse themselves in the history and spirituality of this sacred site.
Duration: Approximately one month.
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