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Valleys in Norway are important places where people live, farm, and enjoy spending time. Many people visit the best valleys in Norway because they are peaceful and full of natural beauty. They often have rivers, walking paths, and open spaces to explore. What makes them special is how they connect land, water, and everyday life. Visitors enjoy slow walks, taking photos, or learning about farming. Each valley has its own way of life, with local food and stories. The best time to visit is between late spring and early autumn, when the weather is mild, and the trails are clear.
Top 10 Valleys In Norway
Let’s explore some of the most beautiful valleys in Norway that you should not miss:
1. Innerdalen Valley
Photo: Ola Njå / Wikimedia Commons
Innerdalen is often considered one of the best valleys in Norway for outdoor activities. Located in Møre og Romsdal, it features sharp peaks, clear lakes, and traditional farm buildings. Popular with hikers and climbers, the valley also draws visitors interested in wildlife and photography. Many trails are suitable for different skill levels. Reindeer sightings are not uncommon here. The landscape shifts with the seasons, offering different scenes throughout the year. Basic lodges are available for overnight stays in this well-preserved natural area.
Location: Sunndal Municipality, Møre og Romsdal County
Best Time To Visit: June to September
2. Norangsdalen Valley
Photo: Bosc d’Anjou / Wikimedia Commons
Norangsdalen is one of the narrowest and most famous valleys in Norway, found in the Sunnmøre region. Its winding road passes through steep cliffs and quiet farmlands, creating an isolated yet scenic route. The lake Lyngstøylvatnet hides an old village submerged after a landslide in 1908, and parts of the buildings are still visible underwater. This valley attracts cyclists, drivers, and history lovers. Remains of summer farms also dot the landscape, giving visitors a look at rural life from past centuries.
Location: Ørsta Municipality, Møre og Romsdal County
Best Time To Visit: May to September
3. Romsdalen Valley
Photo: Ximonic / Wikimedia Commons
Romsdalen stretches from Åndalsnes to Bjorli and is one of the great valleys in Norway for scenic drives and rail travel. The valley is flanked by some of Norway’s tallest peaks, including Trollveggen, Europe’s highest vertical cliff. The Rauma River flows through the valley and offers fishing and rafting. The Raumabanen railway provides panoramic views and stops along the way. Hiking routes range from casual walks to full-day climbs. It’s a good choice for people combining sightseeing with outdoor activity.
Location: Rauma Municipality, More of Romsdal County
Best Time To Visit: June to August
4. Gudbrandsdalen Valley
Photo: Fredrik Bruno / Wikimedia Commons
Gudbrandsdalen is a large valley in Eastern Norway known for its long history and traditional culture. It runs between Lillehammer and Romsdalen and features historic farms, folk museums, and local festivals. It’s one of the more popular valleys in Norway for skiing, rafting, and hiking. Seasonal events highlight Norwegian food, crafts, and music. The region also includes national parks and offers both cultural and outdoor experiences. This valley plays a central role in Norwegian history and modern tourism.
Location: Innlandet County
Best Time To Visit: All year
5. Oldedalen Valley
Photo: shogun / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Oldedalen is found in the Nordfjord region and is one of the more popular valleys in Norway due to its close proximity to the Briksdal Glacier. The area includes lakes, waterfalls, and mountain views. Visitors often take boat rides on Lake Oldevatnet or hike towards the glacier, which is part of the larger Jostedalsbreen ice cap. Small cabins and local farms add to the scenery. The roads are quiet, and the area is suitable for walking or short drives between stops.
Location: Stryn Municipality, Vestland County
Best Time To Visit: May to September
6. Setesdal Valley
Photo: Marthe Bjørseth Nilsen / Wikimedia Commons
Setesdal runs through Agder County and mixes outdoor activities with local culture. The Otra River flows through it and is popular for canoeing and fishing. Visitors can find folk music festivals, museums, and examples of old-style Norwegian crafts. The area is suitable for relaxed hikes, cycling, and learning about traditional ways of life. It’s also one of the great valleys in Norway for combining nature and history. There are small villages along the way, each with its own local character.
Location: Agder County
Best Time To Visit: June to August
7. Dalen Valley
Photo: Pexels / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Dalen is located in Telemark and is closely linked with the Telemark Canal. The valley is lined with wooded hills and has a mix of natural features and old Norwegian architecture. The historic Dalen Hotel stands out with its 19th-century design and is often used as a base to explore the area. Boat trips along the canal are available, passing through manual locks and lakes. This area draws travellers interested in engineering, local history, and slow-paced sightseeing.
Location: Tokke Municipality, Vestfold og Telemark County
Best Time To Visit: May to September
8. Aurlandsdalen Valley
Photo: Aconcagua / Wikimedia Commons
Aurlandsdalen is known as one of the best valleys in Norway for long-distance hiking. The full trail stretches from Østerbø to Vassbygdi and passes waterfalls, gorges, and abandoned farms. The valley offers both demanding and moderate sections, making it popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Along the route, hikers often stop to explore ruins or rest by riverside spots. The lower valley narrows into dramatic canyon-like terrain. With every turn, the scenery changes, making it a well-loved area for walking and landscape photography.
Location: Aurland Municipality, Vestland County
Best Time To Visit: June to September
9. Boverdalen Valley
Photo: tsvetomit_lazarov_isky / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Bøverdalen is a valley in Lom, often used as a gateway to Jotunheimen National Park. It’s one of the most famous valleys in Norway among mountaineers heading to Galdhøpiggen, Norway’s highest peak. The valley has old farms, riverside trails, and cabins for overnight stays. In summer, sheep graze freely in open fields. The valley also includes cultural stops like Lom Stave Church. For those wanting to combine nature and history, Bøverdalen is a convenient base with strong ties to traditional Norwegian life.
Location: Lom Municipality, Innlandet County
Best Time To Visit: June to September
10. Mabodalen Valley
Photo: Knut Arne Gjertsen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Måbødalen is one of the popular valleys in Norway, especially for those visiting the famous Vøringsfossen waterfall. The valley lies between the Hardangervidda plateau and Eidfjord, and it features steep, winding roads with hairpin bends. Historic stone bridges and short walking trails lead to waterfall viewpoints. It’s a short valley but packed with natural and historical interest. Visitors often combine a trip here with drives across Hardangervidda or visits to the Hardangervidda Nature Centre nearby. It’s well-suited to scenic drives and short hikes.
Location: Eidfjord Municipality, Vestland County
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Exploring valleys in Norway is a quiet way to enjoy the land and learn how people live close to nature. These valleys are important not just for their views but also for farming and local life. The charm of these places lies in their simplicity and natural elegance. Book your Norway trip with TripXL and enjoy the aesthetic beauty of the Valleys in Norway.
Cover Photo: Remi1977 / Wikimedia Commons
