Known for its natural heritage, Norway is the perfect country for those who seek adventure. It offers many different locations for extreme sports, such as hiking, rafting, skiing, climbing or biking. 44 national parks, most located in the centre of the country, have an intense activity during high season, from May to end of October. This article contains some tips for mountain and nature lovers. If you are looking for an adventurous experience in Norway, take your backpack, trekking shoes and a bottle of water and come discover the stunning Norway.

The Pulpit Rock. Close to Stavanger, by the Lysefjord in Ryfylket, it is one of the most popular attractions in Norway. This cliff situated 604 meters above sea level and the Lysefjord offers the visitor one of the most beautiful views in the world. The reason it is rated one of the world’s natural wonders. The best way to get there is from the city of Stavanger by bus. This way you reach the parking lot of Preikestolen. From there the walk is about 6km. Because of the steep way, the whole hike takes about 4 hours. Also, if you want to experience the Pulpit Rock from the bottom, you can take one of the boat rides offered through the fjord. The departure point for boat is from Skagenkaien in Stavanger.
Stay at Stavanger St.Svithun Hostel in central Stavanger, or alternatively at Preikestolen Hostel at the start of the walking path.

Trolltunga Rock. Available only for those who don’t fear extreme heights. The cliff is 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, in Odda. It makes one of the most spectacular walks in west Norway. Starting in Skjeggedal (Odda), with a 3 hours drive South from Bergen. The whole walk is about 20km and it takes approximately 12 hours there and back. From the top, the “tongue of the troll” gives a spectacular overview of the Hardangerfjord, the third biggest in the world. Please, take care on the top and keep in mind that a good picture sometimes cost you a lot.
Stay at Bergen Hostel Montana and drive down on an unforgettable day trip!

Galdhøpiggen. The peak of Scandinavia. With 2.469 metres Galdhøpiggen is the highest mountain in Norway, but not the only one. It is also the highest peak in Scandinavia and Northern Europe. Located in municipality of Lom -centre Norway-, in the Jotunheimen -Home of the Giants- National Park. If you want to get to the top, you have two different routes. The access to the top of Galdhøpiggen is not too hard. One of the most famous routes starts from Juvasshytta and includes an itinerary through the Styggebreen glacier. Guides are needed to cross the glacier, but no worries, they are available every morning in Summer. For coming back from the top, it takes 2 hours. The other, easier, hike starts from the Spiterstulen lodge in Visdalen. This route, which is available during all the summer, takes 4 hours walk up and 2 hours down. You will not have to cross the Styggebreen glacier thus guides are not needed.
Stay at Bøverdalen Hostel, a perfect starting point for climbing Norway’s highest peak.

Besseggen Ridge. As Galdhøppingen, this ridge is situated in one of the most famous national parks in Norway, the Jotunheiem National Park. The way to get there is about 22.5 km and it starts from Memurubu Hut. From there, you can take the ferry boat cruise up Gjende. Afterwards, you head up 1.200 feet until you reach the top of the ridge. The whole way takes from 5 to 7 hours to and back. The ridge grants you a great view over Gjende Alps and Bessvatnet lake with its particular green colored water. Not only the view is amazing but you will also perceive the purity of the air which is by the way rated as one of the cleanest air in Europe.
After a good night’s sleep in Sjoa Hostel, a beautiful old building from the 18th century, you are ready for the drive and then hike across the Besseggen Ridge.

Gaustatoppen. It is the most beautiful mountain in the county of Telemark with an altitude of 1.883 meters. From the summit you can enjoy a view of one sixth of Norway (more than 60.000 km2). The mountain is popular for downhill skiing in winter. During the spring and the summer you can also hike to the top as well as take an elevator system inside the mountain which was used in the past for military purposes. It is a family-friendly hike and it is about 8.5km going and returning. It takes from 5 to 12 hours.
Spend the night at Gaustatoppen Hostel before starting the hike.

Article written by Gordana Bulić
                                  Marcos Doespiritusanto
Marina Lisnic