The best hiking routes in Breheimen nasjonalpark

Breheimen nasjonalpark is defined by its extreme contrasts, where massive glaciers meet dry, rain-shadowed valleys. Unlike the flatter plateau of Hardangervidda, this terrain is steep, rugged, and heavily shaped by ice. The western slopes receive high precipitation, feeding lush green valleys and active glaciers like Jostedalsbreen on the border, while the eastern valleys around Lom are remarkably dry and dominated by scree, sparse birch woods, and light-coloured reindeer lichen. Underfoot, you will find few prepared gravel paths; the routes here are mostly rough, natural tracks marked by stone cairns, requiring constant attention to loose rocks, wet bogs, and slippery moraine clay.

Walking here means navigating a landscape in transition. As you ascend from the valley floors, the vegetation thins rapidly from dense mountain birch to dwarf willow, eventually giving way to bare rock and permanent snowfields. You will frequently cross unbridged meltwater rivers, which can swell significantly by afternoon in July as the glaciers melt. The presence of these ice sheets keeps the high-altitude air cool and means that snow patches persist on the high passes well into August, requiring solid route-finding skills when the red T-markings on the rocks are covered.

This is a demanding area that lacks the gentle, rolling terrain of some neighbouring parks. It is best suited for walkers who prefer rugged, self-reliant route-finding over manicured trails. While the valleys near the staffed mountain lodges see regular foot traffic, the high-altitude passes and glacier edges remain quiet, offering a stark, rocky environment where the physical challenge of the terrain is the main feature of the journey.