5 Gorgeous Hikes Around the World

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Looking for your next adventure? Whether you're an avid hiker or just love soaking in scenic views, these five gorgeous hikes are a must on your bucket list!

Each one offers an experience you can’t get anywhere else — from trekking an IG-worthy landscape in Norway to conquering Japan’s highest mountain.

 

 

1) Trolltunga, Norway

Trolltunga is one of Norway’s most famous hikes. It has a postcard-worthy shot of an iconic rock (known as the Troll’s Tongue) hanging over Ringedalsvatnet Lake! 

The main hiking season is during summer (1 Jun to 30 Sep), and experienced hikers can trek without a guide. Don’t worry about getting lost, as the path has obvious markers such as long metal poles and red-painted rocks.

During winter hikes (1 Oct to 31 May), you must be accompanied by a guide. Some tour companies offer guided snowshoe and skiing packages!

There are multiple starting points for the hike, but we recommend the main trailhead at P2 Skjeggedal (27km) as it’s the most common path. However, it includes sections of steep terrain so hikers need to be mentally and physically prepared! 

 

P2 Skjeggedal

Entrance fee: Free

Parking fee: 500kr/car for same day (approx. S$62)

Distance: 27km (round-trip)

Duration: 2D1N, 10 – 12hrs (round-trip)

Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced

 

2) Yosemite National Park, United States of America

Spend a whole weekend immersed in nature at Yosemite National Park. The park is surrounded by beautiful granite cliffs and waterfalls, some of which are easily accessible while others require a little more effort.

 

Easy: 

Bridalveil Fall is only a 400m walk away from the nearest carpark, while Lower Yosemite Falls is a short 800m hike, one-way.

Intermediate:

Other scenic lookout points include the Mirror Lake Trail (2km) and May Lake Trail (2km) — both offer incredible views of the surrounding trees and mountains. And the Sentinel Dome Trail (3.2km), which runs along stunning cliff edges.

Advanced:

For those who love a challenge, try the Yosemite Falls Trail — it’s a 12km round trip to the top of North America’s highest waterfall! Half Dome Hike (22km round trip) is even tougher, taking you from Mist Trail, past Vernal Fall and Nevada Fall, and then finally to the top of Half Dome where you’ll see panoramic views of Yosemite Valley.

 

Entrance fee: US$35/car (approx. S$45), Reservation required for entry between 5AM and 4PM during certain periods

Distance: Varies (depending on the hike)

Duration: 1.5 – 12hrs (depending on the hike)

Difficulty: Easy to Advanced

 

3) Ponta de São Lourenço, Portugal

We’re not kidding when we say the Ponta de São Lourenço hike in Portugal looks like something out of Jurassic Park!

The trail follows Madeira’s rugged coastline and ends at the eastern tip of the island. So expect gorgeous views of cliff edges and blue waters over Madeira’s north and south sides.

Fun fact: This is also a Partial Nature Reserve heritage site, home to a variety of flora and fauna. Try to spot protected seabirds like the Cory’s shearwater and Bulwer’s petrel!

 

Entrance fee: €1/pax (approx. S$1.50)

Distance: 6km (round-trip)

Duration: 5hrs (round-trip)

Difficulty: Easy to Intermediate

 

4) Mount Fuji, Japan

Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain at 3,776m-high! But instead of admiring the iconic mountain from various viewpoints, why not climb it?

There are four routes up Mount Fuji: Yoshida, Fujinomiya, Subashiri, Gotemba Trail. The Yoshida Trail is the most popular and manageable as it only takes 5 to 7 hours to ascend, and 3 to 5 hours to descend!

The trail starts from the 5th station of the Fuji-Subaru Line and goes all the way to the summit through the 8th station.

*Pro-tip: Purchase a walking stick from the base of the mountain and get it stamped at each station, as a trip souvenir!

On the way up, look out for facilities such as huts and shops, so you can take short breaks in between — note that there are no shops on the descent. If the weather is clear, you can catch amazing views of the famous Fuji Five Lakes from the summit! 

*Note: Starting in 2024, there’s a daily limit of 4,000 hikers for the Yoshida Trail and a ¥1,000 maintenance fee on top of the ¥2,000 entry fee per person. Make reservations online in advance to secure your slots!

 

Yoshida Trail

Entrance fee: ¥3,000/pax, incl. maintenance fee (approx. S$27)

Distance: 14km (round-trip)

Duration: 8 – 12hrs (round-trip)

Difficulty: Intermediate

 

5) Mount Cook, New Zealand

The Hooker Valley Track is a hiker’s favourite as it offers a grand view of New Zealand’s tallest mountain, Mount Cook, in its full glory!

At 3,724m-high, it sits along the Southern Alps — the mountain range which runs the length of NZ’s South Island. Enjoy alpine scenery surrounded by other mountains and pristine glaciers.

This track is suitable for all fitness levels as it’s easy to follow and has little incline, with mostly flat gravel paths and paved boardwalks.

 

Entrance fee: Free

Distance: 10km (round-trip)

Duration: 3 – 4hrs (round-trip)

Difficulty: Easy

 

Planning for your next hiking adventure overseas

If these hikes are on your bucket list, then start planning early and score travel deals while you’re at it! For UOB Cardmembers, enjoy extra perks such as:

 

Booking.com: Up to 10% cashback until 31 December 2025.

Qatar Airways: 10% off base fare on Qatar Airways until 31 December 2024.

InsureTravel: Up to 50% off your travel insurance with InsureTravel. 

 

Don’t have a UOB card yet? UOB PRVI Miles Card is now enhanced with up to 3 miles per S$1 on overseas spend and more! Your next trip awaits with up to 58,000 miles*. Promo ends 31 January 2025. Apply now. T&Cs apply.