5 of the best hiking spots in the world
Eli on Mt Ryten, Lofoten Islands, Norway
For nature lovers, hiking is often the nicest and most eco-friendly way to discover a country.
From day hikes to more challenging treks, there are suitable options for everyone. We’ve picked 5 destinations which we consider ideal for hikers of all ages and levels, but there are many others to discover!
New Zealand
Do you enjoy tropical beaches? Or maybe high alpine peaks and glaciers? Do you prefer virgin rainforests? Or quiet and misted fjords? What about a wild and rugged coastline? And volcanoes? If you answered yes to one of these questions, go hiking in New Zealand! The variety of landscapes and climates is absolutely incredible, and from the North to the South Island, you won’t be able to believe that you’re in the same country (and quite a small one!).
If you’re not an experienced hiker, or you’re looking for a rather easy hike to do with your family, try Abel Tasman Coast Track. The whole trail is about 30 miles, but you can choose portions of it for a lovely day hike around Abel Tasman National Park. You can also avoid the walk back as there are several boat stops along the way. Abel Tasman Coast Track features white sand beaches and rainforest, with seals, thousands of birds, penguins and dolphins as inhabitants. Just make sure to check the tide schedule, as some beaches are completely flooded at high tide.
Another excellent trek on the South Island is Milford Track. Allow 4 days among mysterious fjords, beautiful waterfalls and Alpine views, and make sure to book huts ahead.
Finally, Mt Cook/Aoraki National Park offers the best of the Southern Alps.
Mount Cook or Aoraki?
The name Aoraki (Mt Cook) originates from an old Maori legend about Aoraki and his three brothers, the suns of Rakinui (the Sky Father).
You can check the full — and tragic — legend here.
On the picture: Mount Aoraki’s mighty reflection
For a more challenging day hike in New Zealand, head to Tongariro National Park. The Tongariro Crossing is considered one of the best day hikes in the world, rewarding you with expensive views of the surrounding volcanoes, lava fields and turquoise lakes. Oh, and Lord of the Rings fans will have the privilege to hike in Mordor towards the Mount Doom, as some scenes of the movie were filmed there. This hike is recommended in summer, but you can also do in winter with a guide.
Unfortunately, our hike got cancelled due to a small eruption.
Alaska
If you like to hike in absolute wilderness and on your own, Alaska is your destination. If you want to venture off the beaten track, just make sure to carry a bear spray and read some instructions on how to behave in case of a bear encounter. Bears are usually afraid of humans, but there are so many in Alaska that encounters are not a rare occurrence.
Considering the number of bears (black, grizzly and polar bears in the North), there are very few accidents. However, have some common sense: make sure to respect the safety guidelines and resist the temptation to get too close for a picture opportunity, especially when cubs are around (meaning that mum is around too)!
Napping grizzly in Denali National Park
Denali National Park is probably the most popular hiking destinations in Alaska. Well-connected by road and train and with great campgrounds, it’s a fantastic place to get a glimpse of the last frontier and its inhabitants, including moose, grizzly bears and wolves, among many others, with Mount Denali (Mc Kinley) in the background.
For a different hiking experience, try a guided glacier hike on the Root Glacier, at the edge of the remote Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. I recommend a full day so you can get used to the ice crampons and really enjoy this fantasy world of white and blue pools and formations at your own pace, with a well deserved picnic on the ice!
Did you know?
Spanning on 13 million acres, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve is the largest national park and preserve in the United States, and easily one of the wildest places I’ve ever been to.
On the picture: Day hike on the mighty Root Glacier
Norway
Norway is a real playground for hikers. There are hiking options everywhere, and your efforts will be rewarded with some of the most amazing landscapes you’ve ever seen.
If you like mountain hikes, head to the mighty Jotunheimen National Park, with dozens of excellent hiking options. If you only have a day and don’t suffer from vertigo, try the legendary Bessegen! You can take a boat from the parking lot/campsite to reach the starting point of the hike, or do it the other way around (just make sure to check the boat schedule!). This hike is very popular, and you probably won’t be alone on the trail (more than 30 000 visitors take the challenge yearly!), but the views are really worth the effort.
Basically, you’ll walk on a mountain ridge with a deep blue lake on one side and a turquoise one on the other. We’ve seen some families with small children on the trail, but they were probably all Norwegian! We wouldn’t recommend this hike for small children due to some narrow parts and steep climbing.
Penguin Trampoline tip:
Norwegians are really, REALLY fit.
We personally believe that Norwegian babies learn how to climb and hike before they can even speak. As a result, the level indicated by tourist offices and National Parks might differ from what you’re used to!
Always allow extra time, check the latest safety recommendations and take plenty of food, drinks and warm clothes with you.
Photographers will head to the Lofoten Islands for incredible day hikes and photo opportunities. The light there is very special, whether you capture the midnight Sun, a rainbow after a storm or the Northern Lights. One of the most beautiful hikes is Mt Ryten via Kvalvika Beach, close to Fredvang. You’ll first reach the wild Kvalvika Beach, hidden between rugged mountains, and then start to climb Mt Ryten. The first part of the climbing is a bit steep, but the views are worth every drop of sweat. Once at the top, you’ll see the surroundings mountains and lagoons, and the turquoise waves breaking on Kvalvika golden sand. Absolutely gorgeous!
Don’t miss our article on Hiking in the Lofoten for more tips and awesome routes!
The Reinebringen hike is also a must, and you’ll get a good workout after 2000 steep steps!
Some other very popular Norwegian hikes include the Pulpit Rock and the Troll’s Tongue, two funny-shaped rocky promontories.
Reinebringen, Lofoten Islands, Norway
Iceland
Our last hiking stop is Iceland, a country where you’ll want to stop every 5 kilometers to take pictures and explore.
One of the most popular hikes is Landmannalaugar. The whole trail is 53 kilometers long, but day hikes are also available. You’ll pass some glaciers, colorful volcanic mountains, hot springs (where you can soar and relax), rivers and lakes, at times feeling on another planet, and experience the essence of this unique country.
When hiking in Iceland, watch your steps for geothermal activity!
On the picture: (Very) hot springs on Reykjanes peninsula. I (Eli) had the genius idea to clean my hiking boots in them and ruined the GORE-TEX membrane. Smart.
Wilderness calling? Put on your hiking boots, go explore the world, and let us know YOUR favorite hikes!
