Hiking in Voss: The Best Walks and Mountain Trails

From a gentle gorge walk and gondola-assisted viewpoints to demanding summit hikes, Voss offers outdoor adventures for almost every ability.

Voss may be best known as Norway’s extreme sports capital, but you don’t need to jump from an aeroplane or paddle through white water to enjoy its spectacular surroundings.

The town of Voss sits between mountains beside the lake Vangsvatnet, with hiking trails beginning close to the centre.

The Bergen Railway provides direct connections from both Bergen and Oslo, while the Voss Gondola carries passengers from the railway station to the mountains in less than nine minutes.

This makes Voss an unusually convenient base for a Norwegian walking holiday. Some routes require a car and considerable mountain experience, but others can be reached directly from a hotel or the railway station.

Here are six of the best hikes in and around Voss.

Bordalsgjelet: An Easy Walk From Voss

Bordalsgjelet is the best choice for anyone looking for an easy walk without leaving Voss.

The route begins in the town centre and follows the shore of Vangsvatnet through the recreational area of Prestegardsmoen. After crossing the river Vosso, signs lead towards the narrow gorge.

Water and ice have gradually carved deep channels and potholes into the rock. A purpose-built path provides access to viewpoints inside the gorge, although visitors must remain behind the barriers and stick to the marked route.

The complete walk from central Voss is approximately 5km and takes around 90 minutes. With just 50 metres of ascent, it is suitable for most visitors.

The path into the gorge is normally accessible from May to November but should not be entered when covered by snow or ice.

Hanguren Panorama: Mountain Views Without the Climb

Not every mountain walk needs to involve hours of climbing.

The Voss Gondola runs directly from the railway and bus station to Hangurstoppen, approximately 820 metres above sea level. From the upper station, the Hanguren Panorama trail provides an easy introduction to the mountain landscape.

This gravel loop is around 800 metres long and passes several viewpoints overlooking Voss, Vangsvatnet and the surrounding mountains. It is designed to be accessible to pushchairs and many wheelchair users, although the gravel surface may present some difficulties for smaller wheels.

The route also passes the Hangurshusko mountain swing, which has become a popular photography spot.

Although this is more of a scenic stroll than a hike, it is a useful option for families, visitors with limited mobility or anyone with only a few hours to spare.

The Voss Day-Trip Cabin

For a longer walk that remains close to town, consider the Voss day-trip cabin.

Known in Norwegian as a dagsturhytte, the small red cabin is open for anyone to use as a rest stop. There are several ways to reach it, allowing you to adjust the walk according to your fitness and available time.

From Voss Folk Museum at Mølster, the marked route is approximately 4km and climbs 450 metres. Alternatively, take the gondola to Hangurstoppen and follow the signs for around 2km through the mountain terrain.

It is also possible to walk up from the museum, continue to Hangurstoppen and take the gondola back down, creating a varied one-way excursion.

The cabin has views across the Voss countryside and makes a good destination for a picnic. Remember that it is a shared public facility, so take all rubbish away with you.

Gråsidetoppen: A Demanding Summit Above Voss

Gråsidetoppen rises to more than 1,300 metres on the southern side of Vangsvatnet. From the summit area, hikers are rewarded with an expansive view over Voss and the mountains beyond.

The usual starting point is Gjelle, reached by a toll road a short drive from the town centre. From there, the route climbs past Rosethytta and continues into exposed mountain terrain.

Expect approximately 7km of walking each way and around 900 metres of ascent. Visit Voss recommends allowing at least six hours, although the trip will take longer in difficult conditions or when starting on foot from the town centre.

This is a demanding full-day hike rather than a casual walk. Good footwear, suitable clothing and experience of navigating Norwegian mountain terrain are essential.

Lønahorgi: The Classic Voss Summit Hike

At 1,410 metres above sea level, Lønahorgi is one of the most recognisable mountains around Voss.

Traditional routes begin at either Voss Folk Museum or Bavallen at Voss Resort. The climb is substantial, with approximately 1,200 metres of ascent from the museum or 1,100 metres from Bavallen.

It is now also possible to take the gondola to Hangurstoppen and join the marked route from there. This avoids the initial climb from Voss, although the remaining journey is still a long expedition through high mountain terrain.

The standard return hike is approximately 20km and takes between six and eight hours. On a clear day, the summit provides views towards four glaciers: Fresvikbreen, Hardangerjøkulen, Vossaskavlen and Folgefonna.

The summer route is marked, but hikers should still carry a map and compass. Weather conditions can change quickly and snow may remain in places well into the hiking season.

Bakkanosi: A Spectacular View Over Nærøyfjord

Bakkanosi offers the most dramatic reward of any hike on this list, but it also requires the most preparation.

The summit stands high above the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord landscape, providing a remarkable view down towards one of Norway’s narrowest and most imposing fjords.

The hike begins at the community hall in Jordalen, well outside central Voss. The 20km return route takes approximately eight hours and climbs from around 580 metres to the 1,398-metre summit.

Unlike the other major hikes in this guide, the route is unmarked and sometimes indistinct. It should only be attempted by hikers who are comfortable navigating with a proper map and compass. The usual season runs from July to September.

Take particular care near the edge of the plateau. Snow cornices can remain above the fjord even during summer and should be given a wide berth.

Bakkanosi lies within a wild reindeer habitat, so dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the hike.

Is Tvindefossen a Hiking Destination?

Tvindefossen is well worth seeing, but it should not really be considered one of the best hikes near Voss.

The 110-metre waterfall lies beside the E16 approximately 13km from the town. From the parking area, it is only a walk of a few hundred metres to the base of the falls.

Older descriptions sometimes recommend following local roads towards the top of the waterfall. However, this is not promoted as an official hiking route. Treat Tvindefossen as a scenic stop rather than a mountain excursion.

Planning a Hiking Trip to Voss

The main mountain hiking season around Voss generally begins towards the end of June and lasts until late October. The actual season varies considerably according to altitude, snowfall and weather conditions.

Bordalsgjelet, Hanguren and the day-trip cabin can all be visited without a car. Gråsidetoppen is more convenient with a car or taxi, while reaching Jordalen for Bakkanosi requires advance transport planning.

Before attempting one of the longer routes, check the latest weather and trail information. Carry warm and waterproof clothing even when conditions appear settled in Voss, together with sufficient food, water and basic emergency equipment.

Most importantly, be prepared to turn back. The mountains will still be there tomorrow. Check out our guide to hiking in Norway for much more information.

Have you made any of these hikes? Which one is your favourite, and why? Let us know in the comments.