Southern Norway is, in my opinion, a true hiking paradise. Think deep fjords, powerful waterfalls, steep cliffs and sometimes just… total silence. Because the locals are also huge fans of hiking, most trails have marked paths or designated parking areas. Tourists (like me) are happy to make use of them! In this blog I’m sharing the 12 most beautiful hikes in Southern Norway. I walked most of them myself – together with my father – during a 6-day trip in May.
- All hikes can be done without hut-to-hut trekking.
- Most hikes start directly from a parking area.
- Plenty of variety: from easy to challenging.
Contents
1. Månafossen
- Distance: 2.9 km return
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Level: short but steep
- Starting point: Månafossen Parking on Google Maps
- Highlight: 90-metre waterfall
A classic to start with! You climb up using chains to reach a mighty waterfall. The view at the top is fantastic – and if you still have energy, continue walking to the old mountain farm. With its 90-metre height, this waterfall is the largest in the Rogaland region. The fun part: you’ll reach the waterfall within about 15 minutes. You’ll need to climb a bit and hold onto chains at some sections, but that makes it even more exciting!
Read my blog about the Månafossen hike.
2. Sollifjellet
- Distance: 5.6 km return
- Duration: 2 hours
- Level: moderate
- Starting point: Sollifjellet Parking
- Highlight: View of Preikestolen, but from the opposite side
A peaceful hike with a fantastic view of Preikestolen. Not many people know this route, and that’s exactly what makes it so enjoyable. This nearly 6-kilometre hike offers a beautiful view of the famous Preikestolen and the Lysefjord. The trail is well marked with red dots, although sometimes you’ll need to look carefully for the next one. We only encountered a handful of other hikers here – quite the contrast with the crowds we faced the next day!
Read my blog about the Sollifjellet hike.
3. Preikestolen
- Distance: 8 km return
- Duration: 3 hours
- Level: challenging
- Starting point: Preikestolen Basecamp
- Highlight: Iconic cliff 604 metres above the fjord
The most famous hike in Norway. Start early and wear proper hiking shoes. Tip: walk past the viewpoint for an even better perspective. We left at 8 a.m. after spending the night at the Preikestolen Basecamp, which turned out to be a smart choice. The hike is 8 kilometres long and takes about 3 hours. At the top, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of the Lysefjord, 604 metres below. Preikestolen is a flat rock that juts out above the fjord.
Read my blog about the Preikestolen hike.
4. Bondhusvatnet
- Distance: up to 10.5 km return (but easy to shorten)
- Duration: 3.5 hours | Level: easy
- Starting point: Bondhusvatnet Parking
- Highlight: Glacier lake with turquoise water and views of the Bondhusbreen
An accessible trail leading to a crystal-clear glacier lake. Suitable for all ages. You’ll walk along babbling streams between fjord and mountains. This is an easy hike by Norwegian standards: the hike to the glacier lake Bondhusvatnet. You can take beautiful photos here and the trail is fairly flat. A nice change of pace, especially since we combined it with Buarbreen in the afternoon.
5. Buarbreen
- Distance: 5.5 km return
- Duration: 3 hours
- Level: challenging
- Starting point: Buarbreen Parking
- Highlight: Spectacular view of a glacier, ropes and climbing sections
Scrambling, chains, meltwater and a glacier as the final reward. This is an adventurous hike for those who aren’t afraid of heights. The trail is quite demanding – you need to pull yourself up using ropes and chains. But the view of the blue glacier makes it all worthwhile. Unfortunately, we were not able to complete this hike in May. Close to the glacier there was too much snow to safely continue the route, especially because water was melting underneath the ice. Visiting in late May or June? Then you’ll most likely reach the end of the trail!
Read my blog about the Buarbreen glacier hike.
6. Husedalen (4 waterfalls)
- Distance: 11.6 km return
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Level: moderate to difficult
- Starting point: Husedalen Parking near Kinsarvik
- Highlight: Four stunning waterfalls, all close enough to admire properly
This might just be my favourite hike. Norway has many beautiful hiking trails, but the trail through the Husedalen valley is truly special: you’ll encounter four waterfalls along the way. The Husedalen waterfalls are a must-visit destination. The hike is manageable from May onwards. I walked it myself in early May together with my father, and I can tell you: it was an amazing experience!
Read my blog about the 4 Husedalen waterfalls.
7. Vøringsfossen
- Distance: 1.8 km return
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Level: easy
- Starting point: Vøringsfossen Parking
- Highlight: Suspension bridge above a deep gorge with Norway’s most famous waterfall
A short stop with a big reward. Spectacular viewpoints and easy accessibility. With a total drop of 182 metres, the water plunges from the Hardangervidda plateau into the Måbødalen valley. The waterfall is easy to reach and can be viewed from the brand-new platform. You can also hike closer to Vøringsfossen if you want. Plenty to do here!
Read my blog about Vøringsfossen.
8. Himakånå
- Distance: 6 km return
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Level: moderate
- Starting point: Joker Nedstrand Supermarket
- Highlight: Cliff viewpoint above the fjord
Often called the little sister of Preikestolen – and definitely not overrun by tourists! It’s also known as the mini Trolltunga because you can take a similar photo there. Himakånå is located in Southern Norway, in the Rogaland region, near the small village of Nedstrand in the Tysvær municipality. From the starting point you hike to a rock formation at 357 metres above sea level, with views over fjords, forests and the shimmering Lysevatnet lake. Rogaland is a region with fewer tourists, but it’s a great stop if you’re travelling to or from Stavanger via the west coast.
Read my blog about the Himakånå hike.
9. Brufjell Potholes
- Distance: approx. 4 km return
- Duration: 2 hours
- Level: adventurous
- Starting point: Roligheten Parking at Åna-Sira
- Highlight: Unique sea potholes carved into a cliff wall
You descend using chains into a surreal landscape. Not recommended in wet weather!
This hike in Southern Norway is on my list for when I return to Norway!
10. Flørli (4444 steps)
- Distance: 4.4 km uphill (one way)
- Duration: 2–3 hours
- Level: difficult
- Starting point: Flørli ferry dock
- Highlight: Longest wooden staircase in the world with fjord views
Climbing 4444 steps along an old water channel. Tough, but awesome!
This hike in Southern Norway is on my list for when I return to Norway!
11. Trolltunga
- Distance: approx. 27 km return
- Duration: 8–10 hours
- Level: difficult
- Starting point: Skjeggedal Parking near Odda
- Highlight: The famous tongue-shaped rock above the lake
Trolltunga is tough, long, and incredibly beautiful. Check the weather, start early, and prepare well. Do not underestimate it!
This iconic rock formation sticks out like a tongue 1100 metres above Lake Ringedalsvatnet. It’s probably one of the most photographed spots in Norway – and I totally understand why! The hike is a real challenge though: 28 kilometres (return) and about 10–12 hours of walking.
We visited Odda in May and decided not to do Trolltunga. In winter (October to March) and often still in May there is a lot of snow on the route. In that case, you are required to hike with a guide.
12. Romsdalseggen (outside the region)
- Distance: 10 km
- Duration: 5 hours
- Level: difficult
- Starting point: Romsdalseggen Shuttle Start
- Highlight: Spectacular ridge hike with views of the Romsdalshorn
Okay, technically not Southern Norway, but so spectacular that it deserves a spot on this list!
This hike is on my list for when I return to Norway!
Route & practical tips
Many of these hikes are easy to combine during a 6-day road trip through Southern Norway. I started in Stavanger, stayed at Preikestolen Basecamp, drove via Odda to Ullensvang, and finished in Tysvær. A rental car is essential – and so are hiking boots!
Planning to go hiking in Southern Norway? Use this blog as inspiration and create your own route. Whether you choose the classics or prefer the lesser-known trails, Southern Norway will not disappoint when it comes to hiking.
Happy hiking!
