Hidden Gems of Norway

Norway is a country of dramatic landscapes, deep fjords, and towering peaks. While many travelers flock to famous spots like Trolltunga and Preikestolen, there are countless hidden gems waiting to be explored. This guide will take you through some of Norway’s lesser-known, but equally stunning, natural wonders.

Before we begin, it's important to emphasize responsible travel. These places remain beautiful because they have been respected and cared for. Please follow the Leave No Trace principles: take only pictures, leave only footprints, and if possible, leave the place even better than you found it.

1. Børtind – The Iconic Peak of Nordland

📍 Location: Bodø, Nordland

A lot of people have heard about Måtind, but not so many has heard about its brother hike Børtind. Børtind is a majestic mountain that offers breathtaking panoramic views over the fjords and the sea. A relatively short but steep hike takes you to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in northern Norway.

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Moderate to challenging
📌 Why visit? Fewer crowds, spectacular scenery, and a true sense of adventure.

2. Mikaelshulen – A Cave with a Mystical Past

📍 Location: Rogaland

This hidden cave, once used as a medieval chapel, is an eerie yet fascinating place to visit. The hike up is steep but relatively short, and the cave itself offers stunning views over the valley below.

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Moderate
📌 Why visit? A mix of history and nature, with an almost mystical atmosphere.

3. Bakkanosi – The Secret Fjord Viewpoint

📍 Location: Nærøyfjord, Vestland

If you’re looking for a jaw-dropping view without the crowds of Preikestolen, Bakkanosi is the perfect alternative. The summit gives you an incredible vantage point over Nærøyfjord, a UNESCO-listed site.

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Moderate to challenging (long hike)
📌 Why visit? One of the best fjord views in Norway, without the tourist rush.

4. Bordalsgjelet – A Hidden Gorge Near Voss

📍 Location: Voss, Vestland

A short walk from Voss takes you to this stunning natural gorge. Moss-covered cliffs, deep rock formations, and waterfalls make this a peaceful yet dramatic spot.

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Easy
📌 Why visit? A quick but rewarding detour for nature lovers.

5. Trollkirken – The Magical Marble Caves

📍 Location: Hustadvika, Møre og Romsdal

Trollkirken (The Troll Church) is a series of marble caves with underground waterfalls. It’s a magical and unique experience that few visitors know about.

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Moderate
📌 Why visit? Underground waterfalls and an almost fantasy-like setting.

6. Hovdsundet – Norway’s Tropical-Looking Beach

📍 Location: Bodø, Nordland

With crystal-clear water and white sand, Hovdsundet looks like something out of the Caribbean. The hike to get there is stunning, with coastal cliffs and incredible ocean views.

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Moderate
📌 Why visit? A secluded, paradise-like beach in northern Norway.

7. Torghatten – The Mountain with a Hole Through It

📍 Location: Brønnøysund, Nordland

This legendary mountain is famous for its massive hole, which you can hike through for an unforgettable view of the coastline. According to Norse legend, the hole was created by a troll’s arrow.

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Easy to moderate
📌 Why visit? A one-of-a-kind natural wonder with a great local legend.

8. Blåisvannet – The Bluest Glacier Lake

📍 Location: Lyngen, Troms

Blåisvannet (The Blue Ice Lake) is famous for its unreal, almost neon-blue color, caused by glacier sediment. The hike is relatively easy, making it accessible for most visitors. (I am not sure this is a hidden gem anymore, but not to many people know about it and it is truly breathtaking)

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Easy to moderate
📌 Why visit? One of the most stunning glacier lakes in Norway.

9. Iskjørkja – A Natural Ice Cathedral outside Lillehammer

📍 Location: Fåvang, Innlandet

Iskjørkja is a breathtaking natural ice formation that appears during winter, typically from January to March, depending on precipitation and weather conditions. The formation, resembling an ice cathedral, was first discovered in 1905 and remains a hidden gem for adventurous visitors. The hike is short (about 20 minutes one way) but can be challenging due to snow and ice—good footwear and possibly crampons are recommended.

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Moderate (icy and steep in parts)
📌 Why visit? A spectacular winter phenomenon where nature creates its own frozen cathedral, offering a magical and ever-changing sight.

⚠️ Be cautious during thawing periods—the large icicles inside can be dangerous when melting.

10. Fjellhaugvatnet – A Hidden Mountain Gem

📍 Location: Kvinnherad, Vestland

Fjellhaugvatnet is a secluded, breathtaking mountain lake, perfect for those seeking solitude and stunning nature. Unlike more popular destinations, this spot remains undisturbed by mass tourism, making it a true hidden gem.

🛤 Hiking difficulty: Moderate (not the most child-friendly trail)
📌 Why visit? A peaceful, off-the-beaten-path destination with crystal-clear water and scenic surroundings—perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

🚗 How to get there:

• Enter coordinates "59.8708450, 6.0703744" into Google Maps to find the exact parking spot.

• From there, it's a 5-minute walk along a trail.

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📌 Tip: Save these spots for your next trip to Norway—you won’t regret it! 😍