Vestland is Norway's fjord county, home to Bergen, the Sognefjord, the Hardangerfjord, the Nærøyfjord, Europe's largest mainland glacier and a coastline of islands and surf beaches.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Trolltunga
Long, steep climb above Ringedalsvatnet to the famous rock ledge hanging 700 m above the lake. Marked with red T and a trail number system; no shelter on the plateau.
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2
Mount Fløyen Walk
Walk up through the Skansemyren neighbourhood to the 320 m viewpoint over Bergen harbour, then continue into the Fløyen forest trails and Trollskogen.
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3
Ulriken Summit Hike
Stone-stepped path up Bergen's highest of the seven mountains (643 m) with views across the city and Byfjorden, ending at the Ulriken643 cable car station.
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4
Vidden Ridge: Ulriken to Fløyen
Classic ridge walk across the plateau above Bergen from Ulriken to Fløyen, passing lakes, heather and marshes. Marked cairns with red T posts.
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5
Vøringsfossen Fossli Trail
Stone steps lead from Fossli Hotel to viewpoints facing the 182 m Vøringsfossen waterfall as it drops into the Måbødalen valley.
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6
Briksdalsbreen Glacier Walk
Walk along the Briksdalselva river to the front of the Briksdalsbreen arm of Jostedalsbreen, mainland Europe's largest glacier.
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7
Nigardsbreen Glacier Walk
Walk the Nigardsvatnet shoreline (or take the boat) to the blue-ice front of the Nigardsbreen arm, 4 km from the car park. Guided glacier hikes available in summer.
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8
Brekkefossen Waterfall Climb
Steep stepped path climbing beside the Brekkefossen waterfall above Flåm with views of the Aurlandsfjord.
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9
Bondhusbreen Glacier Walk
Easy trail along the milky Bondhusvatnet lake to the Bondhusbreen arm of the Folgefonna glacier in Folgefonna National Park.
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10
Aurlandsdalen Valley Trek
One of the Norwegian Trekking Association's signature routes, leading through the canyon of Aurlandsdalen with waterfalls and abandoned farms.
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11
Rallarvegen: Finse to Flåm
The old railway construction road over Hardangervidda, with views of Hardangerjøkulen glacier and a descent along Flåmsdalen.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Vestland.
- Summer
- Mid-June to mid-September: all high routes snow-free; Trolltunga open without a guide
- Shoulder
- May and late September to October: city mountains and low glacier walks fine; high routes may hold snow
- Winter
- November to April: only Fløyen and Ulriken suitable; Trolltunga requires a guide and winter gear
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Fast-changing weather above 600 m
Hazard: Slippery wet rock and moss on Atlantic-side trails
Hazard: Glacier ice-fall and meltwater near glacier fronts
Hazard: Snow patches on high routes into early July
Hazard: No mobile coverage in valley sections
Hazard: Ticks in summer in Bergen forest