The Complete List of Things to do in Finse in Summer
- Snowstorm Adventures
- May 25
- 9 min read
Perched at 1,222 meters on the highest point on the Oslo - Bergen railway, Finse feels more like a polar outpost than a train stop in Western Norway. In summer, the snow melts back to reveal a maze of hiking trails, bike tracks and glacier routes, all with Hardangerjøkulen glittering on the horizon. This is a place where you can step off the train in hiking boots and be on a mountain trail or bike route within minutes.
A mistake many visitors make is to hurry through Finse with only one night and a tight itinerary. Finse really is a place to slow down and connect with nature. We recommend at least two nights in Finse to really experience the wilderness and get a feel for this unique little mountain railway village.
And if your wondering what there is to do in Finse the following might be just what you need for that lazy afternoon on day 2 or the best adventure to get an early breakfast before you head out an explore.
Things to do in Finse in the Summer:
Go Glacier Hiking on Hardangerjøkulen with a Guide
The iconic summer activity in Finse is stepping onto the ice of Hardangerjøkulen, one of Norway’s largest glaciers. Guided glacier hikes run throughout the summer season, usually starting late morning from the train station and lasting around 6–7 hours. The trips usually link into train timings that makes your logistics easy.
Certified guides provide you with all the technical gear such as crampons, harness and rope, and lead you safely across the ice while sharing stories about glaciology, climate change and local history. The approach itself is a beautiful mountain hike across rock and snow patches, and the feeling of walking roped up between blue crevasses makes this a highlight for many.
Book a guided glacier hike here.
Join a Guided Mountain Hike
If you prefer rock under your feet instead of ice, Finse is ringed by summits and viewpoints that are perfect for guided mountain trips. At Snowstorm Adventures, we offer guided hikes to peaks such as Store Finsenuten and Sandalsnuten, both around 1,550–1,600 meters above sea level.
Guided day hikes are ideal if you want local route knowledge, stories about the area, and an extra safety margin in fast-changing mountain weather. With a guide you can focus on the experience: navigating snowfields in July, spotting mountain hare or ptarmigan, and learning how Finse connects to larger ranges like Hardangervidda and Skarvheimen.
At Snowstorm Adventures we offer a guided nature hike to the front of the glacier, particularly enjoyable in the early and late Summer when guided hikes on the blue ice are not possible (late June to early July and late August to September). Learn about the nature and understand how the glacier underpins all the local area with your guide.
Book a guided mountain hike here.
Explore Self‑Guided Hikes Straight from the Station
One of the best things about Finse is how easy a self‑guided hike is. Trails start almost at the platform, and the red 'T' waymarks of the Norwegian Trekking Association (the 'DNT') fan out in every direction. Check out the information outside the station. Plus, Hotel Finse 1222 and Finsehytta have excellent wall maps for you to plan an adventure. Many of the receptionists can help you decide what might be best for the day, and remember, if your not sure about safety consider a guide.
Popular self-guided day hikes include:
Store Finsenuten – A classic viewpoint with sweeping views over Finse, the lake and Hardangerjøkulen.
Sandalsnuten and Jomfrurunden – A loop that offers big landscapes and panoramic views, with a real 'high plateau' feeling.
To the foot of Hardangerjøkulen – Several beautiful out‑and‑back walks toward the glacier front are possible if you want glacier views without going on the ice.
Remember to appreciate the little things on your hike, there is so much to explore!
Discover Finse’s Railway History
Finse is tiny, but the history here is huge. It was built as a construction village for the Bergen railway, and many of the buildings and stories from that era are preserved.
A must‑do is visit the Rallar Museum (Railway Worker's Museum) housed in one of the old locomotive sheds. Here you find photos, tools and objects that tell the story of building Norway’s highest railway line through some of the country’s harshest weather. The museum typically opens in summer from early July to mid‑September, and tickets are sold via local reception desks.
Take a walk on the old railwayline, find the water towers for feeding the steam engines or admire the amazing stone bridges honed by craftsmen. If you time it right, try standing on the train tunnel at the west end of the village and feel the excitement as the trains disapear under your feet.
Local Beer Tasting at Finsehytta DNT
Rune, half of the ‘Bestyrer’ couple who run and manage the cabin DNT Finsehytta, also runs the microbrewery at Finsehytta. After a long day on the glacier or bike, Finsehytta is the perfect place to rehydrate with one of Rune's cold beers and a glacier view.
The lodge has a cosy, mountain‑hut atmosphere, wooden interiors, and big windows looking straight across the lake toward Hardangerjøkulen. This makes it an ideal spot for an informal “beer tasting” session; trying Rune’s different mountain brews while swapping stories from the trail. Or, get in touch with Rune and book a private beer tasting where he can talk you through the process and give you a formal tasting lesson with samples of all the brews.
Experience Finse Dining in Hotel Finse 1222’s Mountain Restaurant
For something more refined, Hotel Finse 1222 offers a completely different style of evening. While Finse feels wild and remote, the hotel’s dining room brings white tablecloths, carefully prepared multi‑course meals and a curated wine list to the high mountains. This contrast, fine dining and wines at 1,222 meters with a glacier outside the window, is perfect when a winter storm is rolling through, or that late summer sunset lights up the ice.
Relax with a Finse Themed Apres-Hike Cocktail or Mocktail
Both Hotel Finse 1222 and DNT Finsehytta have regularly updated cocktail lists. At Hotel Finse ask the bar staff for their reccomendations, they love to show their latest creations, and Finsehytta try the Finse Sunrise, beware: its dangerously drinkable (consume responsibly of course).
Plus at both Hotel Finse 1222 and Finsehytta you can alcohol free options, sodas and hot beverages, have whatever you want, your way.
Visit Fagernut, Norway’s Highest Railway Guard House (now a cafe and museum)
One early highlight along the Rallarvegen is Fagernut, the highest former railway guard house on the Bergen line. This historic building sits above the tracks and has been restored as a small museum and café where you can step inside and imagine life as a track worker in winters that could cut a village off for weeks. Also that it housed two families, so imagine logistics, schooling, medical and just living through the seasons.
Reaching Fagernut is possible by bike along Rallarvegen (rent bikes in Finse here or here) or via hiking routes in the area. It makes a great target for a return day trip from Finse, with the reward of coffee and waffles in a truly atmospheric spot. Its a favourite drop-in for those cyclists heading to Flåm.
Discover Finse's Polar History: Visit the Framheim
You can visit the Framheim, nestled on the south side of Hotel Finse 1222 on the edge of the lake. The Framheim is a replica and homage to Roald Amundsen’s Antarctic base, which has made Finse a training ground and film set for polar expeditions. Combined with the wild, treeless landscape, this gives Finse a strong polar expedition atmosphere, even in the middle of July.
Attend local events
Finse has a surprisingly full social calendar of events. It has a number of regular annual events but also a whole heap of pop-up events from talks, to tours, to courses to get-togethers and games nights (open to all!).
Embrace Norwegian Mountain Cabin Life
Both Finsehytta and Hotel Finse 1222 have comfortable common areas with sofas, books and board games. Guests can read, journal, plan routes or simply watch the weather roll over the lake. Finsehytta has a cafe open usually from 12-4 pm everyday selling cakes, pizza, coffee, beer and waffles and Hotel Finse 1222 has coffee, cake and sandwiches available during the day.
Nature Photography
With such dramatic light and weather, Finse is a dream for photographers. Ask at the reception about amazing locations and advice about capturing nature, remember the cosy lounge areas that are perfect for sorting and editing photos, writing captions and planning social media posts. If you wanted to explore unique or more off the beaten track consider hiring a guide. Doing that gives you access to the glacial area, higher mountain areas and comes with that added safety.
For those who want to fly drones there are Norway specific instructions.
Warm Up in the Lakeside Sauna at Finsehytta
After a long day of hiking, biking or glacier walking, the sauna at DNT Finsehytta is the perfect way to warm up and unwind. Set right by the lakeshore, it feels wonderfully remote: the peace, the heat, and big views toward the surrounding mountains.
To cool off, simply step outside into the cool mountain air, or, on calm days you might even dip into the lake before heading back inside. It is a simple ritual, but it fits the raw, high‑mountain character of Finse and is one of the most satisfying ways to end a summer day up here.
Cycle the Rallarvegen to Myrdal
If you love biking, Finse is the natural starting point for Rallarvegen, often described as Norway’s most beautiful cycling route. This historic construction road runs parallel to the railway and takes you through high mountain terrain.
In summer, you can rent bikes at or near the station (from Hotel Finse 1222 or through the Finse depot of Haugastøl.no) and ride Rallarvegen as a full‑day adventure from Finse down to Flåm, returning by train in the evening. Along the way you pass mountain lakes, old railway workers’ cabins, deep valleys and eventually roll into the dramatic fjord landscape of Aurlandsfjorden.
Typically, drop-off of your bike in Myrdal is included with your bike rental, allowing you to take the train to return to Finse without having to deal with moving your bike.
A longer option is to continue the cycle from the mountain route in Myrdal all the way down to sea level at the fjord village of Flåm. From Flåm you can return to Finse via the Flåmbanen railway and chage at Myrdal station back to Finse. Whilst biking all the way to Flåm in one day is an interesting (and famous) experience, in our opinion, the timings to get the bike return and the train home can make the ride feel a bit rushed and remove some of the chances to enjoy the scenery as much.
Go Wild Swimming in Finsevatnet (Finse Lake)
On warm summer days, the lake at Finse is perfect for a bracing wild swim: the water is clear and cold, framed by bare mountains and lingering snow, so even a quick dip feels like a small adventure. Enter slowly, keep it brief, and have warm clothes or a sauna waiting afterwards. Early in June or July there will likely still be ice floating in the lake for a really fresh experience!
Practical Tips for a Summer Visit to Finse
Getting there: Finse is only reachable by train on the Bergen line between Oslo and Bergen, with several daily departures in both directions. Read our guide on 'How to get to Finse.'
Season: Summer activities usually run from late June to early October, depending on snow conditions.
Give yourself time: Finse is a place to slow down and really connect with nature. We recommend at least two nights to really get a feel for the wild space and unique village.
Gear: Even in July you can meet snowfields, strong wind and cold rain, so bring proper waterproofs, warm layers and sturdy footwear.
Booking: Glacier tours, bike rental and accommodation often sell out in peak season, so reserve ahead if you are planning specific activities like glacier hiking or cycling all the way to Flåm.
FAQs
How many days do you need in Finse? Finse is a place to stop and stare and to really give yourself time to relax into the space we recommend at least 2 nights giving you at least one full day. The second can be filled with so many micro experiences you will always remember.
Is it safe and easy to explore as a solo traveller? Norwegians love to share and show you their amazing country. Hut culture (that includes the hotel), is about making space for each other, sharing and being kind, so yes - its a great place to explore.
Can beginners hike or cycle at Finse? Yes. Hiking trails are marked and the cycle path is quite good. Do take care to use normal safety considerations for hiking in the mountains, particularly regarding the weather which can change rapidly in Finse. The cycling on the Rallarvegen can be a bit rocky and narrow at times; wear a helmet and don't feel silly if you want to walk any small sections.
Do you need a guide for glacier hiking at Finse? Unless you have training and your own safety equipment (including harness, crampons, helmet and ropes) then yes; a guide is necessary for walking on the ice of the glacier.
Where do I start?
A good thing to do next is check out our guide to where to stay in Finse and what to pack.
