The Tallest Mountains in Norway for Adventure Seekers
Mountains are fascinating, aren’t they? I am no climber, yet I have long wondered what it might be like to successfully summit a major peak. I can’t ski, either, but that doesn’t stop me from dreaming of hurling myself down a snowy mountain on a pair of carbon-fiber planks.
Mountains have long fired my imagination, and maybe that’s what draws me over and over again to Norway, a country studded with miles and miles of craggy mountains that, even if I never ascend them, I enjoy being surrounded by.
It is often said that mountains are Norway’s defining feature, and they are an important part of Norwegian culture and leisure time. Mountain treks are common in Norway; in western Bergen for example, the seven-hour, 15 kilometer Vidden hike between Mount Ulriken and Mount Fløyen is a popular recreational activity.
Skiing, too, is not only popular, it’s a way of life there; there’s a reason Norway carries home a fair bushel of Winter Olympic medals every four years! And of course, there’s hytte culture–most Norwegians have access to a simple cabin tucked up on a mountainside somewhere, and they visit them often.
Whether you prefer to hike the mountains during a glorious Norwegian summer, glide down them in snowy winter, or simply photograph their majesty from a distance, Norway has a wealth of peaks on offer.
Pro Tip: The DNT (Norwegian Tourist Association) manages a network of cabins across the country that’s available to all, with services ranging from complete room and board to just a cabin with space for you to throw down a sleeping bag. This is an invaluable resource for climbers, hikers, and park visitors, and it’s worth getting an annual membership to have priority access and discounted pricing.
8 Tallest Peaks in Norway
We’re covering the top eight very tallest ones here–but know that the country boasts nearly 200,000 named peaks alone, so if the tallest ones don’t sing to your heart, no worries, there are plenty more to choose from.
1. Galdhøpiggen
The reigning queen of Jotunheimen National Park in south-central Norway, Galdhøpiggen leads the tallest Norwegian mountain charge at a majestic 2,469 meters not only in Norway but also the heightest in Scandanivia and Northern Europe. It’s extremely popular with experienced hikers thanks to the incredible views and unique challenging trails. If you’re up for it, the best one is the Juvasshytta trail, which does require a guide for safety, but takes you literally across the Styggebreen glacier, and that’ll be a story you can tell at dinner gatherings for years.
2. Glittertind
Also located in Jotunheimen (spoiler alert: all of the top eight are part of the Jotunheimen Mountain Range!) is Norway’s second tallest mountain, Glittertind. Now, it wasn’t always running in second place; there’s a glacier cap on top of the mountain that once upon a time, had it in first. Alas, ice melts, and Glittertind is now a smidge shorter than Galdhøpiggen at 2,452 meters. It’s still an iconic peak, though, and boasts hiking trails with gorgeous scenery and interesting terrain.
3. Store Skagasølstind
Though it runs behind the top dog mountains in height, clocking in at 2,405 meters, Store Skagastølstind comes in first in challenging trails, making it super popular with more ambitious mountaineers. Storen, as it is popularly called, requires rope climbing and nerves of steel if you want to summit. Into rappelling? Dangling over ancient glaciers? Traversing narrow rock ridges? Then Store Skagastølstind is your Norwegian mountain soulmate.
4. Store Styggedalstind
Storen’s neighbor Store Styggedalstind–2,387 meters above sea level–offers similar climbing challenges to Storen, and in fact the two peaks together form part of the trickiest yet most rewarding mountain trek in Norway: the Styggedal traverse. The journey takes several days and a staunch constitution to complete, but allows you to climb across multiple summits in Norway’s top 20 tallest mountains list.
5. Skarstinden
For those who like a trek that kind of straddles the line between a climb and a hike, 2,387 meter Skarstinden is perhaps the perfect medium. It’s still a challenge, but you wouldn’t be abseiling around to get to the summit. Or summits, rather–Skarstinden has three distinct summits, the main one, then Nåle (the Needle) at 2,310 meters, and finally, a smaller unnamed western summit at 2,215 meters. The views from Skarstinden are said to be some of the finest in the Jotunheimen Range.
6. Vesle Galdhøpiggen
What the sixth-tallest mountain in Norway lacks in height–coming in at 2,369 meters–it makes up for in difficulty in terms of climbing, making Vesle Galdhøpiggen a fun adventure for those who enjoy a challenge. There is one path that can be hiked with only a minor scramble during part of the journey, but the other paths should be left to those experienced with glaciers and their special equipment. Are you up for it?
7. Surtningssue
Only just behind Vesle Galdhøpiggen in height is Surtningssue at 2,368 meters. This mountain is a gorgeous day hike for somewhat experienced hikers. There’s no climbing involved, but you’ll need some stamina and maybe some hiking sticks for the approximately 10 hour roundtrip. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views, though, and there’s a DNT cabin selling iconic Norwegian waffles to help replenish your energy at the end of your journey.
8. Store Memurutinden
Norway’s eighth-tallest mountain is 2,367 meters tall and it’s one for the boulderheads. The hike/climbs here can be quite a challenge thanks to the terrifically rocky landscape, and some of the paths include a glacier crossing. But it’s a really, really pretty area–carpets of flowers in the spring, scampering marmots in summer, fall colors galore, and Elsa-levels of picturesquely snowy landscape in winter. If you aren’t interested in climbing to the summit, just hiking around the base of the mountain can be a truly lovely experience.
Reaching New Heights
Though they don’t soar quite as high into the heavens as Everest or Denali, Norway’s eight tallest mountains still offer incredible and challenging experiences with big rewards for hikers and climbers. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast looking for beautiful views, incredible landscapes, and an unforgettable mountain experience, then set your compass due north and head for Norway. The memories you make will last a lifetime.
