🏔️ Scandinavian mountains: where to go for beginners and where to find "wow" trails
Why go to the Scandinavian mountains at all?
If you want to go to the mountains, but the thought of crowds in the Alps and queues for ski lifts gives you a slight allergy, Scandinavia is a very worthy plan B. The mountains here are different: less show, more space; less glamour, more sky and silence.
In this article, you will find out where to go in 2026 if:
● you are a beginner who is afraid of the word "pass" but wants your first real trek;
● you have already been to the Carpathians, the Caucasus or the Alps and want that northern "wow" factor — fjords, tundra, Lapland;
● you are not sure whether to choose Finland, Sweden or Norway, and how to combine them in one trip.
We will talk about easy routes near cities, long trails such as Sweden's Kungsleden, Norwegian "postcards" such as Preikestolen and Besseggen, Finnish fells and national parks, seasons, weather, safety and equipment. At the same time, we will show you how to fit the mountains into a 10-day itinerary in Scandinavia so that it is a holiday and not a survival quest.
Where are the mountains in Scandinavia (and how do they differ)?
When people talk about "Scandinavia," they usually mean Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, but in real mountain life, there's a fourth member of the club — Finland. Although the mountains here are called "tundra hills" and fells, they feel very mountainous: open ridges, tundra, long valleys.
A very rough map looks like this:
● Norway — the most dramatic mountains: fjords, cliffs, trails hanging over the water.
● Sweden has a long mountain arc along the border with Norway, especially Lapland and Kungsleden.
● Finland has the northern fells of Lapland, canyons, and national parks such as Oulanka, Pallas–Yllästunturi, and Urho Kekkonen.
● Denmark — honest, beautiful, but still hills. For trekking — yes, for "mountains" in the classic sense — not quite.
To simplify it:
● for the "wow, fjords" effect — Norway;
● for multi-day trails across the tundra, go to Swedish and Finnish Lapland;
● for your first careful experience, go to Finland and the gentler routes of Norway/Sweden.
Summer in the mountains of Scandinavia is not just about taking selfies at the edge of a cliff, but rather long days with soft light, where you walk along a well-marked trail and can end the day in a cabin rather than a crowded shelter.
Mountains for beginners: a gentle introduction without fear or drama
A beginner in the Scandinavian mountains is not someone who has "never been hiking" before, but someone who:
● is not confident in their abilities at 1000+ m elevation;
● has not yet slept in a tent in the mountains at +5 degrees and in the wind;
● does not want to start with a multi-day trip but has already outgrown city parks.
For such people, the North has prepared a very decent set of routes.
Finland: fells and canyons for first-timers
Finland has a superpower: vast nature with very easy access. The country has 41 national parks, most of the trails are well marked, and the "one day - one loop" format is ideal for those who are just getting acquainted with the mountains.
What to see if you're a beginner but want to try the mountains:
● Nuuksio near Helsinki — to see if you feel comfortable on the trail at all. Small climbs, rocks, lakes, and you can return to the city to sleep.
● Oulanka and the Small Bear Ring — canyons, suspension bridges, a river, and dense "picture-postcard" Finland in one day. The main "Big Ring" is for the more confident, but the short loops are a great start.
● Pallas–Yllästunturi in Lapland — gentle fells, open views and lots of day routes where you can walk across the tundra without extreme elevation changes.
If you've been thinking about hiking in Finland for beginners for a long time, Lapland and the central parks are the perfect option: there are many options from 5 to 15 km per day.
Norway: not just Preikestolen and Trolltunga
If you believe social media, there are three trails in Norway: Preikestolen, Trolltunga and Kjerag. In reality, there are many more, and many of them are much gentler and calmer.
For your first time, it is wise to look at:
● Gaustatoppen is one of the "seven classic" peaks, from which, in good weather, you can see up to a sixth of Norway. The climb is moderate, and the trail is easy to follow.
● Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) is a famous platform above Lysefjord. Yes, there are a lot of people, but if you choose the right time (early morning or evening), it is a perfectly manageable one-day route for a relatively fit beginner.
● Local tracks in areas where you will be anyway — Geiranger, Hardanger, the area around Bergen. Each of them has trails rated "3-4 hours, 300-500 m elevation gain" with excellent views and no queues of tourists.
The key to hiking in Norway for beginners is not to chase the most popular names. In the same region, you can almost always find a trail with a similar view, but without the crowds.
Sweden: Lapland bit by bit
Swedish Lapland is not just the long Kungsleden, which many view with awe and terror. There are plenty of 1–3 day routes where you can experience the tundra without having to carry your home on your back for two weeks.
Where to start:
● Abisko and the surrounding area — short trails within the national park; the first part of Kungsleden can be covered as a day or two-day walk with overnight stays in cabins.
● Jämtland Triangle (Jämtlandstriangeln) — a classic 3-day loop with overnight stays in Swedish mountain huts; you don't need to carry food and gas with you.
● Short sections along lakes and easy passes in central Sweden are an excellent "test" before attempting the Swedish Kungsleden.
"Wow" trails: Kungsleden, fjords and wild Lapland
Once you have a basic level of confidence, the fun really begins — long distances, huts, tundra and those photos that "you can't believe are unfiltered".
Kungsleden: the king of northern trails
Kungsleden is one of the most famous trekking routes in Europe: about 450–470 km through Swedish Lapland from Abisko to Hemavan. The trail passes through four national parks and part of the Laponia World Heritage Site.
Important:
● no one is obliged to complete the entire route;
● the most popular sections are Abisko–Nikkaluokta (~100+ km, 5–7 days) and the central sections;
● there is a network of mountain huts every 10–20 km along the way where you can spend the night, dry your clothes and sometimes buy food.
Kungsleden is not a "technical" route, but it does require endurance, a willingness to walk 6–8 hours a day, and basic skills for living independently on the trail. However, with its combination of tundra, lakes, and silence, it is one of the best ways to understand what hiking in Lapland is like without crowds and unnecessary noise.
Norwegian "postcards": Trolltunga, Besseggen, Romsdalseggen
Norway has its own trio of mountain stars: Trolltunga, Preikestolen and Besseggen (plus Romsdalseggen for those who want a slightly less "Instagrammable" but no less impressive ridge).
What you need to know:
● Trolltunga is a long and physically demanding day (20+ km, serious elevation gain, variable plateau). Beautiful, but not at all "easy".
● Besseggen in Jotunheimen is a ridge between two lakes of different colours. The view is stunning, but the rocky and exposed section can be psychologically challenging.
● Romsdalseggen — panoramic views of the fjords and Romsdal Valley, one of the favourite routes for those who have already "outgrown" Preikestolen.
If your goal is maximum "wow", Norway gives it generously. Just be honest with yourself about whether you are ready for 7-10 hours on the move with an elevation gain of 800-1200 m and changeable weather.
Finnish Lapland and Urho Kekkonen: silence instead of crowds
Finland is rarely associated with high mountains, but the northern fells of Lapland can surprise you. Urho Kekkonen National Park is a huge area where you can go on a 3-7 day self-guided hike across the tundra, spending the nights in huts and tents.
There are no vertical walls here like in Norway, but there is a
● a feeling of true remoteness;
● long open ridges and valleys;
● a minimum of people even in high season.
This is an excellent next step after a day or two of trekking in Finland's national parks. You already know how to walk on marked trails, understand your speed, and are ready to step a little outside your comfort zone, but without 700-metre drops.
"After Trolltunga and the queue for photos, we left for Urho Kekkonen in Finland. In two days, we saw more deer tracks than people. There were no 'wow cliffs,' but the feeling that it was just you, the wind and the tundra around you was much stronger."
Season 2026: when to go to the mountains of the North
The Scandinavian mountains live by their own rules: snow in June, autumn in August, ice on the trail in September — these are not uncommon. Choosing the month is just as important as choosing the country.
June
The low mountains are already open, but the high passes may still have snow until the end of the month. A good time for Finland and the lower parts of Norwegian/Swedish routes.
July
The most predictable month: long daylight hours, maximum number of open trails, warm nights at lower altitudes. Peak season in terms of both weather and number of people.
August
Slightly quieter than July, but still reliable. Lapland is entering a mild autumn: colder nights, the first colours.
September
A month for those who love autumn and are prepared to take a chance on the weather: stunning colours in Fennoscandia, fewer people, but wet snow is possible at the end of the month, even at medium altitudes.
Weather, safety and that "Scandinavian common sense"
The northern mountains are famous not only for their views, but also for the fact that safety is taken very seriously here. This does not mean that you will be rescued at the first sign of rain, but the infrastructure and culture greatly reduce the risks.
The main principles:
● Marked trails. In Norway and Sweden, routes in popular regions are marked with stone pyramids and paint, and detailed maps and descriptions are always available in apps and on local portals.
● Huts and cabins. In Sweden and Norway, there is a network of mountain shelters, and in Finland, there are free and paid huts where you can take shelter, dry your clothes, and spend the night.
● Allemansrätten and Finnish equivalents. The right to use nature responsibly: walk, pitch a tent, pick berries, but do not litter, disturb animals or trespass on private property.
Main risks:
● rapid weather changes (especially in Norway);
● underestimating the length and elevation gain;
● lack of warm clothing and gloves, even in summer;
● believing that "if the trail is popular, anyone can do it."
Focusing only on the time in the description: "5-6 hours" is for locals in good weather and with a light backpack. Add 30-40% to the official time if this is your first hike of this level.
Equipment: what to take to the mountains of the North so you don't freeze and don't have to carry a wardrobe
Equipment for Scandinavia is not about the most expensive brands, but about the system: layers, protection from wind and water, and a supply of warm clothing. If you have already packed a suitcase for a trip to Finland in winter, the logic is familiar, only with fewer layers.
The minimum set for a 1–3 day summer/autumn hike:
● base layer (thin merino wool or synthetic);
● warm mid-layer (fleece or light down/synthetic);
● windproof and waterproof jacket;
● trekking trousers + thin thermal trousers in case of cold weather;
● trekking boots or good trail trainers with grippy soles;
● hat, gloves, buff — even in summer;
● headlamp, first aid kit, map/GPX and power bank.
For multi-day trips, add: a tent or lightweight single-layer tent, sleeping bag, mat, stove, food supplies, and gas.
- Light gloves and a hat — even in July.
- Dry socks and a T-shirt in a waterproof bag "for after the rain".
- Trekking poles — they save your knees on descents and on wet days.
- A foil blanket and whistle — minimum safety equipment.
- A headlamp, even if the forecast is for "sunset at midnight".
If you are staying in huts such as Kungsleden or Norwegian shelters, some of the equipment (gas, pots, sometimes blankets) is already there, and you can lighten your backpack considerably.
How to choose a route that suits you: a quick guide
When dozens of names are spinning around in your head, a simple "I love → where to go" matrix can help.
The mountains of the North: it's not about heroism, it's about rhythm
The Scandinavian mountains are not about "running in, taking a photo, ticking a box". It's about rhythm: walking until you can hear your own breath and the quiet sound of the wind; sitting by the hut with a mug of coffee while the sky is streaked with clouds; welcoming the northern autumn when the tundra suddenly turns red.
In 2026, the north makes particular sense: southern Europe is increasingly overheating, while here it is still cool, spacious, safe and very honest. Finland offers a gentle introduction, Sweden has long tundra trails like Kungsleden, and Norway has those very views from postcards, which in real life are even quieter and more powerful.
You don't have to take a month's holiday and go on a 300 km hike right away. You can start with three days in Nuuksio or Pallas, then a week in Sweden, and approach Norway already prepared, not from photographs, but from your own experience.
Save this material if you feel that the mountains of the North are slowly calling you. Share it with friends who "always dream but never decide," ask yourself "what do I really love about the mountains" and don't be afraid to plan your own way, not "like everyone else."
If you have already walked the northern trails, make a few notes: what worked, what didn't, what you would do differently. And when you are planning your next route, these notes will prove more valuable than any guidebook.
❓ FAQ
Finland and Sweden offer the easiest entry point: there are many well-marked trails without extreme elevation gains, plus a developed infrastructure of cabins and huts. Norway is more impressive, but also requires more stamina, so it is wise to start with Finland and the easier routes in Sweden, and leave the fjords for a second trip.
The classic season is from late June to early September, with the peak in July and August. In Lapland, snow can linger until the end of June, and autumn arrives at the end of August, but at this time of year the colours are incredible and there are fewer insects. In Norway, the weather is more unpredictable, but it is in summer that the likelihood of open trails and safe conditions is highest.
Yes, if you choose the right trails — Nuuksio, Oulanka or day routes in the Bergen and Geiranger area are often even easier than some Alpine tracks. It is important not to start with Trolltunga or multi-day trips without experience: first test yourself on one-day trips with an elevation gain of 300-500 m, and only then look at more ambitious options.
On many routes, you can only go from hut to hut: this applies to Kungsleden, part of the Norwegian national trails and popular areas of Sweden. Finland has a network of huts and shelters, but a tent gives you more flexibility and allows you to go to less popular areas. If you don't like carrying a lot of weight, choose a route with a good network of huts and book your places in advance.
Markings in Scandinavia are usually good, but fog, snow or twilight can make orientation very difficult. An offline map and GPX track on your phone or watch — — is cheap insurance that becomes a must-have in bad weather, especially in Lapland and on the plateau.
For many day trips in Finland and Sweden, good trekking trainers with grippy soles are sufficient, especially in dry weather. For Norway, rocky areas and the early/late season, sturdy boots are still more comfortable and safer, especially on descents and wet rocks.
Yes, if you choose the right areas and distances: the Finnish parks of Pallas–Yllästunturi or the gentle sections of Kungsleden are much more suitable for families than the rugged Norwegian ridges. The key points are warm clothing, easy terrain and the ability to quickly return to a shelter or car if the little ones get bored ahead of time.
Nature itself is free, but huts, transport and food are significantly more expensive than the European average. You can save money by using a tent and campsites, cooking with gas from supermarket food and making sensible use of trains instead of taxis/tours. It is better to build a reserve into your budget — the mountains are not the place to skimp on warm clothing or safe accommodation.
Yes, especially if you combine cities and nature: a couple of days in Helsinki or Oslo, then 3-5 days on a well-planned route and another 1-2 days for rest and weather reserves. This way, you will experience the mountains and not have to live out of a backpack all the time, which is important if you want to not only hike but also relax on holiday.
The north has fewer "steep walls" and sharp peaks, but more space, light and silence. There is less infrastructure noise, fewer crowds (except for the most popular places) and more of a feeling that you are not "at a resort" but in living wilderness. For many, this is what makes hiking in the Scandinavian mountains their favourite activity after their first serious trek.
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