Nordfjord offers some of Norway’s most spectacular summit hikes – from easy mountain walks for the whole family to demanding expeditions toward the 2,000-metre mark. Here you’ll find 10 of the most beautiful and wild mountain hikes, with views of glaciers, fjord and coast.
For years, the people of Nordfjord have escaped to the mountains to get away from everyday hassle and stress. And with good reason – the mountains in Nordfjord are something special. For many, breathing in the fresh mountain air is the very definition of happiness.
Nordfjord consists of narrow valleys, where waterfalls plunge down steep mountainsides and the mountains tower above the green villages with bustling community life. The view is beyond reproach, offering a magical panorama of the green lakes, the deep fjord, and snow-covered mountain peaks.
The mountains in Nordfjord are a powerful symbol of part of our national identity. The Right to Roam ensures that everyone has the right to travel freely in uncultivated land. Read more about the Right to Roam.
The mountains in Nordfjord rise to well over 2000 m.a.s.l., so there are countless summit touring opportunities here. Some of the most spectacular mountains can be found in and around Jostedalsbreen National Park. We strongly recommend bringing a guide on the trip – both to find the best snow, the best peaks, and to ensure safety. Weather and conditions can change quickly in this part of the country. Be aware of avalanche danger! Check out varsom.no and talk to experienced mountain people.
A reminder of the mountain safety rules:
Oldedalen is a true fairy tale for those who want to hike in magnificent surroundings. In Oldedalen, there are hiking options for absolutely everyone. The valley is surrounded by high mountains, waterfalls, and Jostedalsbreen National Park. In the valley you also find the emerald-green lake Oldevatnet, which is a full twelve kilometers long. Here you can enjoy water activities from sunrise to sunset. In magical Oldedalen you’ll find fantastic summit hikes such as Kattanakkjen, Klovane, Flatsteinbu and Oldeskaret. Read more about Oldedalen - the most adventurous hiking valley in Norway.
Take the Loen Skylift to the top and head out into the high mountains with fresh legs. Well-built trails that are signposted and marked provide safety and energy to experience the high mountains. Finish your mountain hike with a meal at Hoven Restaurant, and perhaps even a sunset.
The mountain area around Hoven offers a wide range of hikes with varying levels of difficulty and length. The hikes range from easy gravel paths to trails in more rugged terrain. You can hike on your own, or join a guided tour. Around 70 km of trails have been mapped out from Hoven, and work is underway to improve and develop more of them. High quality and sustainability are key words. The trails are signposted and marked to international standards. From Loen Skylift you can, for example, hike to Skredfjellet, Staurinibba, Aarheimsfjellet and Rakssetra.
The hiking season on Hoven is usually from May/June to October/November. This depends on when the snow arrives and recedes. Read hike descriptions at Loen Skylift.
Loen Skylift to Hoven is perfect for families. Take the cable car to 1011 m.a.s.l. in 5 minutes, and choose between easy, waymarked trails from the top. The hikes range from 30 minutes to full-day trips, and you finish with food at Hoven Restaurant.
The summer season (June–September) is best for most summit hikes. The ski touring season is March–May. Autumn (September–October) offers great colors and fewer people. Always check varsom.no for weather and avalanche warnings before you set off.
For easy hikes like Hoven, Rakssetra and waymarked trails in Oldedalen, you’ll manage fine on your own. For demanding summit hikes above 1500 m.a.s.l., winter summit hikes, or hikes near glaciers, it’s smart to use a guide. Local knowledge provides both better experiences and safer travel.
Skåla in Stryn (1848 m.a.s.l.) has Norway’s greatest elevation gain from fjord to mountain. Other demanding hikes are Hornelen in Bremanger (860 m.a.s.l. straight from the sea), Eggenipa in Gloppen, Ålfotbreen (glacier hike) and Gjegnen in Stad. These require good fitness and experience.
Can I combine a summit hike with other activities the same day?
Yes – this is Nordfjord “all in one fjord”! Short distances make it possible to combine a summit hike with swimming in Lovatnet, surfing at Hoddevik, a visit to Briksdalsbreen, or Sagastad Viking Center. From the high mountains to the sea it’s only 1–1.5 hours by car.
