The best hiking routes in Nordland

Nordland offers a choice between raw coastal granite and gentle, limestone-carved inland plateaus. In the west, Sjunkhatten nasjonalpark and Rago nasjonalpark present steep, glacier-scoured valleys where you walk on bare rock slabs and rough gravel. These coastal parks are defined by sharp elevation changes and deep fjords, meaning paths are often steep and require steady footwork over wet moss and exposed roots.

Further inland, the landscape softens into wide, rolling highlands. Láhko nasjonalpark is a distinct limestone plateau where the underfoot terrain consists of karst formations, natural stone bridges, and deep crevices rather than typical granite slopes. Nearby, Saltfjellet-Svartisen nasjonalpark combines massive glaciers with wide, open valleys where the trails cross soft peat, low willow scrub, and occasional boardwalks over the wettest ground.

For those seeking isolation without marked trails, Børgefjell nasjonalpark in the far south has no cabins or signposts, requiring navigation across open tundra and birch forests. In contrast, Junkerdal nasjonalpark is known for its rich, lime-loving vegetation and clearer paths, making it a more accessible option for walkers who prefer to focus on the subalpine flora rather than demanding route-finding.