Western Norway is known for some of the best travel destinations for tourists visiting Norway. Hikes such as pulpit rock, kjeragbolten and trolltunga are some of the most instagrammable hikes in the world. However, these hikes are challenging and considered suitable for those that actually have hiking experience and are in a generally good level of physical fitness.
What about the hikes that can offer you those instagrammable views but won’t break your back? There are a TON of easy hikes in Rogaland where Stavanger is the nearest city. Read on below for 5 of the easiest, best hikes in Norway within Rogaland county.
When is the best time to hike in Norway?
Summer time is going to be the best time to experience the trails. Usually between May-September is when the weather will be the best and the daylight hours are long.
Weather in Norway can change in an instant and you could experience all 4 seasons in one day! Be prepared for all weather, check the forecast before setting out and have the necessary items with you on your hike.
What to wear/bring on your hike in Norway?
You will want to bring a day-pack that is big enough to carry extra clothing layers, food, water and other first aid items in case of an emergency.
- Day pack
- Enough water for the hike (have some extra in your car for when you return)
- Lunch, snacks (also doesn’t hurt to have some extra snacks in the car when you return)
- Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Waterproof or repellent hiking boots
- Extra layers: small jacket, etc.
- Rain jacket
- Waterproof or repellent hiking pants
- Phone, car charger or portable charger
- Basic first aid kit
- Tennis shoes/extra pair of socks in the car (I like to change into my tennis/clean socks after a hike)
Easy, best hikes in Norway with incredible views
Dalsnuten
An easy 30-minute drive from Stavanger, this is a go-to place for spending time outdoors with great views of all Stavanger/Sandnes!
Season: All year!
Miles: 3.9 km round trip
Elevation gain: 235 meters
Difficulty: UT.no labels this hike as Blue = medium. These are trips that are suitable for you who have basic hiking skills and are in normal physical shape.
Route: Return the same way you hike up or a circular trail
Time: About 1.5 hours on the trail but can increase depending on how much time you spend at the top!
Dog friendly: Yes! But please keep your dog on a leash
Bathrooms at trailhead: Yes! Close to the car park is the Stavanger Tourist Association’s outdoor center at Gramstad.
Picnic tables at trailhead: Yes! And Gramstaftunet cafe is open every Thursday and Sunday 12:00-17:00.
Stroller Friendly: No
Cost: parking is free
Rennesøyhodnet
Rennesøyhodnet is a beautiful hike on the island of Rennesøy just north of Stavanger. You have a beautiful panoramic view of the islands around Stavanger. This is one of my favorite hikes in Rogaland.
Season: April-September
Miles: 5.7km round trip
Elevation gain: 217 meters
Difficulty: UT.no labels this hike as Green = simple. These are mostly short and easy trips that are suitable for everyone, with no requirements for special skills or equipment.
Route: Return the same way you hike up or a circular trail
Time: About 3 hours on the trail. Add in time for many snack breaks, photo stops, and a lunch break.
Dog friendly: Yes! But please keep your dog on a leash
Bathrooms at trailhead: No
Picnic tables at trailhead: There are picnic tables along the trail in the scenic spots.
Stroller Friendly: No
Cost: parking is free
Taurafjellet
A short, but steep walk up gives you beautiful views of Taw and out into the ocean. A nice, quick hike with very rewarding views up top. After, enjoy some ice cream on your way back down at the Circle K (a Norwegian must)!
Season: All year!
Miles: 1.3 km
Elevation gain: 107 meters
Difficulty: UT.no labels this hike as Green = simple. These are mostly short and easy trips that are suitable for everyone, with no requirements for special skills or equipment.
Route: Return the same way you hike up
Time: About 45 minutes + time spent at the top!
Dog friendly: Yes! But please keep your dog on a leash
Bathrooms at trailhead: Yes! There is a Circle K you park at before heading on the trail
Picnic tables at trailhead: Yes! There are some picnic tables at the Circle K
Stroller Friendly: No
Cost: parking is free
Himakånå
Himakånå, aka “little trolltunga,” is a rock formation that hangs over Lysevatnet and gives you great views of the lake and Boknafjorden. In 2020, a new gravel trail was put in, making this a short, well groomed trail with very rewarding views.
Season: All year!
Miles: 2.1 km
Elevation gain: 318 meters
Difficulty: UT.no labels this hike as Blue = medium. These are trips that are suitable for you who have basic hiking skills and are in normal physical shape.
Route: Return the same way you hike up
Time: About 1.5-2 hours round trip + time spent taking breaks and photo opportunities along the way and at the top!
Dog friendly: Yes! But please keep your dog on a leash
Bathrooms at trailhead: There is a Joker where you park.
Picnic tables at trailhead: No
Stroller Friendly: No
Cost: Parking is at the Joker. Short-term parking <6 hours: 145 kroner; Long-term parking 6> hours: 200 kroner
Moldhesten and Ormakammen
Head to Ryfylke to hike up to Moldesten and Ormakammen peaks to get an amazing view of all the islands north of Stavanger. This trail has a ton of berries you can pick and enjoy along the trail too!
Season: March through October
Miles: 6.6 km
Elevation gain: 252 meters
Difficulty: UT.no labels this hike as Green = simple. These are mostly short and easy trips that are suitable for everyone, with no requirements for special skills or equipment.
Route: Circular trail. Moldhesten and Ormakammen peaks are like small detours from the circular trail, but they are marked, so it does not offer any problems to get out of the main trail.
Time: About 2 hours round trip + time spent at the top, breaks, photo ops.
Dog friendly: Yes! But please keep your dog on a leash
Bathrooms at trailhead: no
Picnic tables at trailhead: no
Stroller Friendly: No
Cost: parking is free
