Foto: Ulriken643

Norway Mountain Hikes Where Everyone Can Reach the Top

Mountain Hikes Where Everyone Can Reach the Top

Travelling to Norway with young children or not quite up for strenuous hikes with steep climbs? Don’t worry! Norway offers plenty of opportunities to reach the top of breathtaking mountains with minimal effort. Here are five tips for family-friendly summit adventures.

Nos in Hovden

At Hovden Alpine Centre, you can reach the summit of Nos mountain via one of the area’s chairlifts.

From the top, you’ll be treated to stunning views from an altitude of 1,183 metres, offering breathtaking panoramas of the highlands – and on clear days, you can even see as far as the Hardangervidda plateau.

The best views are found at the designated viewpoint, just 200 metres from the chairlift’s drop-off point. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panorama and use the onsite maps and binoculars to identify the surrounding peaks.

Mosetertoppen in Hafjell

In Hafjell Ski Resort, the gondola operates year-round, making it easy to ascend to Mosetertoppen, 781 metres above sea level.

Even prams and wheelchairs can reach the summit via the gondola. Once at the top, you can enjoy the spectacular views before treating yourself to a delicious lunch or a cinnamon bun at Skavlen restaurant.

Voss Gondola

Foto: Foap - VisitNorway.com

In Voss, the Voss Gondola offers a truly unique nature experience. As the largest and most modern gondola in Northern Europe, it takes you to Hangurstoppen – 820 metres above sea level – in just nine minutes. Along the way, the landscape unfolds before you as you ascend.

At the top, you can choose from several hiking trails or simply explore the scenic terrain near the gondola station. There are cosy paths suitable for young children and more challenging routes for experienced hikers.

For something extra special, follow the “Panorama Loop,” which features photo frames, a cairn, and several Hangurshusko – which, despite the name, are not shoes but swings – offering perfect opportunities for unique holiday photos. Finish your trip with lunch, coffee, and cake at Hangurstoppen restaurant, or enjoy a picnic in the open air with panoramic views.

Fløyen and Ulriken in Bergen

Foto: Foap - VisitNorway.com

A visit to Bergen isn’t complete without exploring some of the seven mountains surrounding the city. Fløyen and Ulriken are particularly popular – and accessible to everyone.

The journey to Fløyen’s summit (320 metres above sea level) is made via the Fløibanen funicular, which departs from the city centre. The views only improve as you ascend. At the top, soak in the panoramic scenery, let children enjoy the playground or explore the Troll Forest. We also recommend stopping by the café or restaurant before returning to Bergen’s city centre.

The highest of Bergen’s mountains, Ulriken, can be reached via a gondola that takes you to the summit of the 643-metre peak. At the top, you’ll be greeted by a spectacular view of Bergen, the sea, archipelagos, fjords, and mountains. There are plenty of well-maintained trails and hiking routes of varying lengths if you wish to explore more of this beautiful terrain.

When hunger strikes, visit the Skyskraperen Restaurant, recently expanded to include even more seating and an exciting menu featuring local ingredients.

Gaustabanen at Gaustatoppen

Foto: Ian Brodie - VisitNorway.com

For a summit experience like no other, head to Gaustatoppen. Here, you can reach the top by taking the Gaustabanen – a unique railway built inside the mountain. Originally constructed as transport for a secret NATO facility, it now carries thousands of tourists annually to the iconic peak.

At the summit, reward yourself with coffee and waffles at the century-old tourist cabin while enjoying the panoramic views. Gaustatoppen is said to offer Norway’s most beautiful vista, and on a clear day, you can see one-sixth of the country!