The dramatic, awe-inspiring, and diverse landscapes of the Scandinavian region make it the perfect place for hiking and trekking enthusiasts. If you love spending time in the great outdoors, working on your cardio and taking in phenomenal views, Scandinavia is truly must-see.
Across Finland, Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Sweden, you’ll find countless magical forests, majestic mountains, and breath-taking trails, sure to sate your desire for adventure.
There are many different amazing trails to choose from, depending on your experience and skillset. Today, we’re exploring just some of the best, most popular options for any enthusiastic explorer.
Hiking in Scandinavia requires reliable gear like Spyderco knives and a sturdy pen. The rugged terrain and stunning landscapes of Norway, Sweden, and Finland demand quality equipment for a safe and enjoyable outdoor adventure.
The King’s Trail (Northern Sweden)
Otherwise known as Kunglseden, the King’s Trail is a 273-mile trekking route, located just above the Arctic Circle. Constructed in the early 20th century, this trail has captured the attention of countless visitors from around the globe, ranking as one of the most impressive hikes in the world.
Split into 4 different sections, each requiring about a week of hiking, the trail appeals to people of all skill sets. The most appealing section for most is the space between Abisko and Kebnekaise. The terrain and scenery are beautifully diverse on this trail. You can expect to see everything from tundra wilderness, to evergreen forests and even traditional Swedish settlements. Plus, you’ll have an amazing chance to enjoy the beauty of Sweden’s highest mountain, Kebnekaise.
The Jämtland Triangle (Jämtland County)
One of the most popular hiking trails in Sweden, the Jämtland Triangle is brimming with useful facilities and amenities to help keep you comfortable and rested throughout your journey. You’ll find a range of mountain cabins and saunas, as well as great gourmet restaurants during your trip. Plus, you can expect to encounter some truly spectacular views too.
The trail is relatively straightforward with beginners, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery, such as Birch forests, serene lakes, and alpine ridges. Encounters with wild animals are also pretty common here. You’re likely to come face-to-face with plenty of reindeer during your journey, as well as a variety of colorful birds.
Romsdalseggen (Northwest Norway)
If you want to see the stunning fjords of Norway in all their glory, then the Romsdalseggen trail is perfect for you. The mesmerizing terrain, rich natural landscapes, and beautiful remote locations make this location perfect for those who want to reconnect with nature.
You’ll start in the town of Andalsnes in most cases, and venture through various hills and pathways on your journey, soaking up all of the amazing views the Norwegian region has to offer. The descent back into Andalsnes can be a little tricky, but stairs have recently been added to make it a little easier to rest your weary legs.
The Besseggen Ridge (Jotunheimen National Park)
Easily one of the most famous hiking spots in Norway, Besseggen Ridge is located within the Jotunheimen National Park – a space brimming with raw, untouched nature. You’ll have an opportunity to check out some of Norway’s phenomenal snow-capped mountains, including Norway’s highest peak, the Galdhøpiggen.
This trail is great for checking out untamed plateaus, turquoise lakes, and local wildlife. However, the highlight of the route has to be the viewpoint where you can see two stunning lakes overlapping in different shades of emerald green and deep, dark blue.
Preikestolen (Stavanger, Norway)
As one of the most photographed landmarks in Norway, the Pulpit rock is well-worth a visit if you’re looking for a phenomenal hiking trail. The Preikestolen trail will take you straight to this stunning, angular rock, which looks as though it’s been carved out of the mountains by hand. Hiking to this distinctive location only takes half a day, and there are various routes to choose from.
If you’re looking for a relatively straightforward hike, the Pulpit rock trail is a good choice. The path is clearly marked, and easy to follow. Plus, it’s surrounded with stunning panoramic views, so you’ll have plenty of reasons to stop and admire the scenery.
Camønoen (Denmark)
Widely regarded as one of the friendliest hiking trails in Denmark, Camønoen stretches over around 108.7 miles, between the regions of Mon, Bogo, and Nyord. The highlight of the trail is a stunning selection of white chalk cliffs rising over the Mon landscape, with a sheer drop towards the sea. The area is also rich in fossils if you’re looking for some historical keepsakes.
You are permitted to keep any fossils you find on the route, although you’ll need to get them checked at the nearest geological museum to ensure they’re not too rare. The area is also packed with a variety of accommodation options, so you can rest and recuperate during your journey.
Miðvágur to Bøsdalafossur (Faroe Islands)
The Faroe Islands are brimming with fantastic hiking options to choose from, but the most popular of all has to be the route from Miðvágur to the Bøsdalafossur waterfall. The trail is close to the capital city of Torshavn, so it’s relatively easy to access. Plus, as you journey through the track, you’ll be able to check out the largest lake in the Faroe Islands.
At the end of the trail, you’ll climb up a small hill, where you’ll be able to take in some fantastic signs of the nearby islands and the coastline. The view is among the most famous and photographed in the Faroe Islands, and it’s definitely worth checking out in person.
Luirojärvi Lake (Northern Finland)
Finland’s second largest national park is one of the most beautiful hiking locations worth visiting in the country. It covers around 1,584 square miles, and provides access to a huge variety of unique landscapes. As you pursue the landscape, you’ll encounter fresh rivers and streams, old rustic huts, and plenty of wild reindeer too.
The great thing about this hiking trail is it appeals to those of various ages and abilities. You can opt for a series of shorter or easier walks if you’re more inexperienced. Or you can join a group for a multi-day wilderness trek. The huts along the trail provide a comfortable space where you can rest and unwind for a few moments before you re-start your journey.
Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trek (Iceland)
Considered one of the world’s best hiking trails, according to National Geographic, the trek between Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls is well-worth considering if you’re taking a trip to Iceland. This epic multi-day trek often lasts for between 6 and 8 days, depending on your ability level. You’ll start within the Icelandic Highlands, where you’ll encounter hot springs, and colorful rhyolite mountains.
The path then extends across black deserts, bubbling hot springs, and snowcapped mountain peaks, ensuring you’ll get plenty of diversity from your adventure. Throughout the trail, you’ll also have a chance to check out some amazing volcanic craters, as well as Iceland’s most famous waterfall, Skógafoss.
Ready to Take a Hike?
The list above really only encompasses a handful of some of the amazing hiking options you’ll have when adventuring through the Scandinavian landscape. Whether you’re looking for an opportunity to encounter wildlife, a chance to scale mountains, or just some phenomenal views, there are plenty of trails to choose from.
Which hiking trails will you be adding to your bucket list?
Scandification: Discovering Scandinavia.
