Long-distance hikes in Norway

Norway is the longest country in Europe and has a number of breathtaking long-distance hiking trails that lead through its spectacular landscape. The best-known long-distance hiking trails include:

• European long-distance hiking trail E1 - the 8,000 km long E1 starts at the North Cape in Norway and stretches across several countries.
• Finnskogleden - 210.5 km long hiking trail leads in 15 stages from Morokulien in Sweden to Trysil in Norway. You hike through the dense Finnskogen (Finnish forest) past forests, lakes and rivers.
• Femundsmarka - the 92.6 km long long-distance hiking trails lead in five to six day stages through the varied landscape of the Femundsmarka National Park.
• Grensesømmen - the long-distance trail runs along the border between Norway and Sweden through a varied landscape of forests, lakes and mountains. It is also part of the E1.
• Jotunheimstien - the trail leads through the impressive mountains of Jotunheimen and allows you to explore some of Norway's highest mountains, glaciers and lakes.

The North Cape is a spectacular viewpoint on the northern coast of Norway on the island of Magerøya. Although the slate plateau is not the northernmost point of mainland Europe, the North Cape offers breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and is a popular destination for nature lovers and hikers. Birdwatchers are particularly in their element here, as thousands of puffins, turtles and cormorants gather on the bird cliff at Gjesværstappan.

Today there is a road to the North Cape, but you can also hike through the beautiful nature. Particularly impressive is the old King's Path, which takes you by boat from the fishing village of Skarsvaring;g to Hornvika, a bay on the North Cape gateau, and the rest of the way back on foot.

The European Long Distance Trail E1, one of the most famous long-distance trails in Europe, starts at the North Cape and stretches for about 8,000 km through seven European countries. The best time for long-distance hiking in Norway is summer. Not only because the weather is pleasant then. Many hiking trails and cabins are open from the end of June or beginning of July.

While the North Cape undoubtedly has its own fascination, Knivskjellodden offers an authentic and challenging experience for adventurous hikers. The headland lies some 1,400 metres further north than the famous North Cape, making it the true northernmost point of the island of Magerøya. In contrast to the impressive cliffs of the North Cape plateau, Knivskjellodden juts out flatly into the sea, promising an intimate encounter with the rugged Arctic.

Over a distance of 210.5 km, the hike takes you through a breathtaking landscape that will enchant you with its unspoilt beauty. With an ascent of 3,933 metres of altitude, this tour is undoubtedly a challenge for experienced hikers. But when you re hiking long-distance you will be rewarded with incomparable panoramas and magical moments.

Tip: The best time to go on this hike is from May to September, when pleasant temperatures and sunny days make the experience perfect. In winter, on the other hand, the Northern Lights shine in the sky and bathe the landscape in a magical play of light.

With 47 designated national parks, 40 of which are on the mainland with offshore islands and seven on Svalbard (Spitsbergen), Norway is a dreamland for long-distance hiking.

One of the national parks is the fabulous Jotunheimen National Park. It covers an area of 1,151 km and protects a unique mountain landscape with glaciers, deep valleys, picturesque mountain lakes and majestic peaks. Here you can fish in huge mountain lakes and be enchanted by hiking in barren high mountain landscapes.

The region around Jotunheimen, also known as the "home of the giants" in Norse mythology, is full of waterfalls, rivers and lakes that will captivate you. Venture on the mountainous hike over the Besseggen ridge and enjoy the emerald-green Lake Gjende, which captivates many visitors.

Tip: The Everyman's Right in Norway allows everyone to freely explore nature and enjoy outdoor activities. It applies in most national parks, but it is important to follow local regulations, as access to certain areas may be restricted to protect wildlife.

The most beautiful natural sites in Norway:

• North Cape - Norway's most famous landmark.

• Preikestolen - the rock pulpit towers above the Lysefjord and is a popular photo spot with a fantastic view, it can only be reached via long-distance hiking trails.

• Jotunheimen National Park - offers a variety of hiking trails, including the mountainous Besseggen. The landscape is characterised by majestic mountains, glaciers, lakes and deep valleys.

• Lofoten - group of islands with picturesque, colourful fishing villages in front of sometimes steep mountains.

• Vesterålen - group of islands where you can combine hiking with whale watching.