Southwest Norway punches above its weight. Between the oil capital of Stavanger and the adventure hub of Voss, this region packs some of the country's most dramatic hikes, an honor-system cabin network that actually works, and a paragliding scene that draws pilots from across Europe.

1. Trolltunga: The Famous Troll's Tongue

Trolltunga's popularity exploded from 800 visitors in 2010 to around 80,000 annually. The 27-kilometer round trip from P2 parking takes 8-12 hours, with the busiest crowds hitting between noon and 3 PM in July and August. P2 parking costs 500 NOK, or you can snag one of 30 spots at P3 (600 NOK) to cut 2-3 hours off the hike. The season runs June 1 through September 30 for solo hikers—outside those dates, guides are mandatory. Three emergency shelters (Floren, Endåen, and Tyssehøl) line the trail with sleeping bags and supplies.

2. Kjeragbolten: The Boulder Photo

About 45% of hikers skip standing on Kjeragbolten—the famous boulder wedged 984 meters above Lysefjord—which tells you something about the exposure. The 11-kilometer hike involves three steep climbs with chains, taking 6-10 hours round trip. Parking at Øygardstøl costs 300 NOK for stays over two hours. The road from Sirdal closes October through late May due to snow. Peak season brings queues at the boulder, but visit in late May or September and you might get it to yourself.

3. The DNT Hut System: Norway's Honor Code

Norway's 590 DNT cabins run on trust. Self-service huts cost 330 NOK per night for members (500 NOK for non-members) and come stocked with firewood, gas, kitchen gear, and basic provisions—think tinned goods, coffee, rye crispbread. You log everything you use via the DNT app and pay later. The universal key costs 100 NOK deposit and opens most of the network's 22,000 kilometers of marked trails. Members get the key, non-members can pick one up at staffed lodges or DNT offices in Oslo, Bergen, and Stavanger.

4. Flor og Fjære: Tropical Norway

A 20-minute ferry from Stavanger deposits you on Sør-Hidle island, where 50,000 annual flowers bloom across 12 acres of themed gardens—including palm trees, a Japanese koi pond, and bamboo groves. The island's microclimate runs 4°C warmer than Stavanger. The family-run operation spans three generations and draws over 30,000 visitors annually from mid-May through September. The 5-hour experience includes guided tour and three-course meal in the jungle greenhouse restaurant. Book ahead—this isn't a walk-up spot.

5. Voss: Where Paragliders Actually Fly

Voss Gondola cranks you from station to 820-meter takeoff in under 9 minutes—it's the largest modern gondola in Northern Europe. Tandem paragliding runs 2,690 NOK (plus your one-way gondola ticket). Morning flights work best from the east-facing Hangurstoppen launch before thermals turn on. The town hosts Ekstremsportveko, the world's largest extreme sports festival, the last week of June. Speed flying is also huge here—think paragliding meets skiing.