Inside Loop - Dispatch #7 | Hiking Road Trip in Norway
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Despite my unintended summer hiatus, I am back! Turns out planning a wedding really does send you off-track. Apologies to my subscribers, but I promise to make up for it with the future editions. This month’s is dedicated to my grandmother’s country of Norway, where I round up some unmissable hiking spots which should help anyone book a summer hiking trip in this glorious country!
1. Marifjøra
This part of Norway is definitely not well-trodden by tourists and was recommended to me by a Norwegian friend from university. I decided it was wroth the trip since it’s on a stunning fjord and has some unbelievable hiking. I drove here from my family’s hytte in Nesbyen which is 3 hours from Oslo, I would recommend driving from Oslo to Marifjora via the same fjords and spending a night here at this charming hotel. You’d then continue onto Marifjora via a stunning car ferry and arrive at the base of Molden Mountain. The Torvis Hotel is only open in the summer and is stunning. The trail starts at the base of the hotel, but make sure you start early the next day - enjoy a delicious candlelit dinner at the hotel the night you arrive.
The trail begins on a gravel road, ascending steeply after 1.5 km into the forest to Steinkveane, where tables and benches offer a rest spot. It continues through varied woodland to the abandoned Svolsete pasture farm with more seating. Beyond Svolsete, the trail leads through steep mountain terrain to the summit at 1118 meters. It doesn’t sound high, but this is a steep climb!!
At the top, enjoy panoramic views: north to Gaupne, Jostedal Glacier, and Hesten mountain; east to Engjadalen, Nes fields, and Lustrafjord; and south to Urnes with Norway's oldest stave church, Store Haugmelen, and Hafslovatnet lake.
🧡 This should take between 5-6 hours to reach the summit and come back down again.
2. Nigardsbreen Glacier
Photo Credit: Go Fjord
From Hotel Torvis, after breakfast drive to Nigardsbreen Glacier Welcome Center (45 mins drive). It is well worth getting a guide and crampons and completing the glacier hike. They have several routes and lengths you can choose from - with more info here. We signed up for the 4 hour hike and it was well worth it! This same day, drive 2.5 hours to the iconic Røisheim Hotel, which sets you up for hiking the tallest peak in northern Europe the following day. Truth be told, I only did this hike so I could stay in this hotel. The food, the hike alone, and the wooden style soaking tub in your room will prepare you for a big hike!
🧡 Make sure you order a picnic for the next day too. You will need it!
3. Galdhøpiggen
Photo Credit: Visit Norway - Galdhøpiggen on a clear day at the summit.
Galdhøpiggen is the highest mountain in Norway, Scandinavia and North Europe. When planning the hike, make sure you climb Galdhøpiggen to summit from the base (from the east, NOT the short Styggebrean glacier walk to summit from Juvashytta) Your hike will start at the Spiterstulen base, which is a short drive from the Roisheim hotel. This is a super challenging approx. 13km, 9 hour return trip. You may need equipment for snow and ice (if not hiking in July and August) You will see 6-7 year olds doing this and wonder WHAT IS GOING ON - but Norwegians love hiking with their childnre from a young age, which is why they are all so incredibly fit.
🧡 Leave very early to give yourself plenty of time, even if the days are long in summer, you will want to have a night’s rest at Roisheim after your hike. Another accommodation option are the hyttes at Juvashytta but the hike from there to the top is super easy across a glacier.
4. Flåm
Photo Credit: Visit Norway
Flåm is the heart of Norwegian fjord land - from Roishem drive here (2.5 hours) via the Stegastein Lookout. While there is less proper hiking to do in this area, there are lots of outdoor activities like kayaking on the fjord and taking the famous train. It’s a great way to break up your road trip before the final hike. It may be small, but there is plenty to do in Flåm - and as a town of only 200-300 locals, it offers up a lot in hospitality. If you do still feel like hiking, there is the UNESCO Nærøyfjord hike nearby which is an 8 hour round trip expedition. There is also the famous Flåm railway, which you can take there and back to Myrdal for the day and experience one of the most scenic train rides of your life.
🧡 Spend the night at the Flåm Marina Hotel and have dinner at the oldest brewery in town, Aegir.
5. Trolltunga
Photo Credit: Me in 2015!
Perhaps the most famous of all hiking spots in all of Norway, Trolltunga (Troll’s Tongue in Norwegian) does not disappoint. We drove here from Flåm early in the morning (3 hours) and began our hike that same day. In hindsight, I would have probably spent the night here before to ensure I was well rested. The hike through high-mountain terrain up to Trolltunga (1,180 metres above sea level) is long and demanding, both physically and mentally. You need to be properly equipped and in good shape if you want to embark on this hike. You will be SO shocked how many tourists show up in flip flops off tour buses and attempt the hike, and turn around after 5 minutes. I was here 10 years ago, but I believe they now check at the park entrance if you are wearing adequate hiking gear. From the main trailhead in Skjeggedal, the round-trip hike is 27km with an ascent of almost 800 metres, so you have to be prepared for a hike of 10–12 hours, including breaks. Make sure to pack a packed lunch! You will see snow at the top, even at the peak of summer, so do wear comfortable waterproof hiking boots.
🧡 Stay at Tyssedal Hotel, it is by far the nicest in the region and very close to the mountain base, with a great restaurant. From here, you could then carry on the road trip to Bergen for a few days of relaxation, before heading back to Oslo.
…and that’s all! If you enjoyed reading this newsletter, please do encourage friends to also subscribe. And don’t hesitate to reach out if you want tailored travel tips on any upcoming trips!
🧡 Camilla