Norway Hut to Hut Hiking
Norway Hiking Trips
What do we do at Norway Hut to Hut Hiking?
At Norway Hut to Hut Hiking, your dream of wandering through Norway’s most stunning landscapes transforms into reality. Imagine stepping into a world where each trail leads to a new discovery, from the breathtaking peaks of Jotunheim to the serene expanses of Rondane.
Our mission? To meticulously craft hiking trips that showcase the best of Norway’s natural beauty. Picture yourself traversing through landscapes that seem painted by the gods themselves.
From rugged mountains to deep fjords, each step reveals scenery so majestic it takes your breath away. It is the land of the midnight sun, where the polar day stretches the hours of adventure, and the northern lights dance across the starlit sky, creating a backdrop for hiking like no other.
Norwegian huts, scattered across these enchanting trails, offer more than a place to rest. They are cozy havens where comfort meets wilderness. Staffed lodges with warm meals and the luxury of a bed bring you closer to the rustic charm of the outdoors.
Here’s how we help you:
- Detailed self-guided itinerary with all the necessary info for a successful hike
- A GPS route + simple-to-use app for easy navigation
- Booking all your accommodations
- Breakfast and dinner at the huts
- Full 24/7 support during your trip
Let us take care of unnecessary stressors and enjoy your hiking getaway!
About Mountain Huts in Norway
Norway boasts the world’s largest and most refined public hut system, overseen by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). This expansive network includes over 500 cabins across Norway’s National Parks and other scenic areas.
These huts, rustic yet well-equipped with essentials like wood, gas, and food, offer a unique blend of comfort and charm, making Norway’s rugged terrain more accessible and enjoyable for locals and visitors.
Types of Huts in Norway
Staffed Lodges
These are the most developed huts, offering various services, including staff assistance, prepared meals, electricity, and hot showers. They are usually located in high-traffic areas and cater to a good number of trekkers daily.
The accommodation typically includes private and bunk rooms. The highlight is the communal dining experience, featuring a three-course dinner with local ingredients. These lodges also serve alcohol and provide a great opportunity to taste traditional Norwegian cuisine and interact with locals.
Self-Service Cabins
These smaller cabins offer a more intimate and independent experience. They lack staff and prepared meals but are stocked with provisions like dried and canned foods, beverages, and even reindeer meatballs.
These cabins have no electricity or running water; candles and nearby natural water sources are used. They are equipped with kitchen supplies and gas stoves for cooking, offering a more budget-friendly option compared to staffed lodges.
No-Service Cabins
The most basic of the lot, these cabins provide facilities for cooking and sleeping but do not include food supplies. Hikers need to carry their own provisions. They share similar facilities with self-service lodges but offer a more rugged and solitary experience.
Hut Etiquette and Logistics
Upon arrival at any hut, hikers are expected to register their names, pick a bed, and familiarize themselves with the cabin’s layout and facilities. Lodges have varying sizes and layouts, but the operational systems are generally similar.
Hikers are encouraged to maintain cleanliness and order, including managing water supplies, cleaning personal and common spaces, and ensuring all kitchenware is tidy. The payment system at the huts operates in good faith, with hikers tallying their provisions and accommodation costs, payable via cash or credit.
Sleeping Arrangements and Reservations
The sleeping arrangements vary across the different types of huts. Staffed lodges offer private rooms and dormitories, while self-service and no-service huts typically have smaller rooms and larger open sleeping areas. While all visitors are guaranteed a place to sleep, advanced bookings are recommended for staffed lodges, especially during peak seasons.
Additional Facilities
Most staffed lodges have modern bathroom facilities with running water and showers, while the other huts feature outhouse-style toilets. Supplies for the huts are delivered by helicopter or snowmobile, depending on the season.
Top 6 Hiking Regions in Norway
1. Jotunheimen National Park
Jotunheimen, or “Home of the Giants,” features some of Northern Europe’s highest peaks, like Galdhøpiggen. It offers diverse trails for all skill levels amidst stunning mountains, valleys, and lakes. The park is ideal for hut-to-hut hiking, with numerous DNT huts interconnected by well-maintained paths.
You can visit the park on our Jotunheimen Hut-to-Hut Trek.
2. Rondane National Park
Norway’s first national park, Rondane, is known for its tranquil landscapes and ten peaks over 2,000 meters. It provides trails for easy walks and challenging hikes, set amidst wild reindeer habitats. The park’s extensive hut network supports multi-day treks.
Our Rondane National Park Hiking Tour takes you through the most scenic sections of the park.
3. Aurlandsdalen
Aurlandsdalen, often called Norway’s “Grand Canyon,” is famous for picturesque trails through forests and alongside rivers, suitable for various hiker levels. The valley’s rich history and traditional farms add a cultural dimension to the hiking experience.
Witness it all on Aurlandsdalen Hut-to-Hut Hike.
4. Trollheimen
“Home of the Trolls,” Trollheimen, is marked by a mix of steep mountains, valleys, and lakes. It offers diverse trails, including popular treks between mountain lodges, and is celebrated for its varied flora and fauna.
Head on the Trollheimen Triangle Route, and you might even meet some trolls!
5. Lysefjord
Lysefjord, renowned for Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten, offers spectacular fjord views and trails ranging from moderate to challenging. The hikes here provide memorable vistas of the fjord and the surrounding cliffs.
6. Hardangervidda National Park
As Europe’s largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda features vast landscapes, wild reindeer, and numerous water bodies. It has a wide range of trails for day hikes and longer treks, supported by an extensive network of DNT huts for multi-day journeys.
Why travel with Norway Hut to Hut Hiking?
HASSLE-FREE
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
TRIED & TESTED ADVENTURES
UNBEATABLE SUPPORT
Things to know
Hut-to-hut hiking is a form of trekking where you hike from one mountain lodge or hut to another, staying overnight at these locations. In Norway, this style of hiking allows you to explore vast natural landscapes without the need to carry camping gear. The trails connect various huts, offering diverse scenic views from towering mountains to serene fjords. This type of hiking is ideal for those who want to experience nature up close while enjoying the comforts of a bed and, in some cases, prepared meals.
Preparation involves physical training, familiarizing yourself with the hiking route, and ensuring you have the right gear. Begin with cardio and endurance exercises weeks before your trip.
While experience helps, many hut-to-hut trails in Norway cater to beginners as well. All the hikes we’ve chosen are suitable for all levels of hiking experience. We will also help you in assessing your fitness level and experience to suggest the most appropriate choice.
The Norwegian hut system features three main types of huts: staffed lodges, self-service cabins, and no-service cabins. Our agency only uses staffed lodges for the hikes we organize for you in order to give you maximum comfort and eliminate any unforeseen complications with the other two.
Sleeping arrangements vary by hut type. Staffed lodges often have private rooms and shared dormitories with comfortable bedding. Private room availability is a subject of how early your booking will be.
Hut etiquette in Norway revolves around respect and cleanliness. Always register upon arrival, clean up after yourself in communal areas, and be considerate of noise levels, especially at night.
The ideal season for hut-to-hut hiking in Norway is from June to September when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. This period offers the best conditions for hiking, with less snow on the trails and more huts open for accommodation. However, weather can be unpredictable, so always check the forecast and trail conditions before setting off. Summer storms are not really a thing in Norway, but there’s a higher chance of snow even during this time than in central Europe.
Meals are provided in staffed lodges, usually including breakfast and dinner, and sometimes packed lunches. It is still advisable to carry some snacks, especially on longer hiking days. In comparison to the Alps, there aren’t as many huts, meaning you often won’t stumble upon any in between the ones where you’re spending the night.
Stay on marked trails, be mindful of weather changes, and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Carry a basic first-aid kit, know basic first aid, and be prepared for sudden weather changes. For emergencies, it’s essential to know the local emergency numbers and have a means to call for help. We’ll also keep in touch and ensure you’ve safely arrived at each hut during your hike.
In theory, all our hikes can be undertaken by children if they are used to overcoming large distances with elevation gains on uneven terrain. Our recommendation is that they’re at least 12 years old, but you should know your child best, and we will suggest you accordingly.
Norway’s weather can vary significantly depending on the region and time of year. Summers (June to August) are generally the best time for hiking, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with the possibility of rain and sudden temperature drops even in summer. It’s essential to check the weather forecast regularly and be prepared for all conditions. In early spring or late autumn, the trails can still/already be covered in snow and ice, making them more challenging and suitable mainly for experienced hikers.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially if you prefer private rooms or are hiking during peak season. Staffed lodges often get booked up quickly. Advance booking ensures a guaranteed place to stay each night of your hike.
In the event of mild bad weather, like rain, it’s usually safe to continue your hike, provided you have the appropriate gear, such as waterproof clothing and sturdy boots. However, in cases of severe weather, such as heavy storms or unsafe hiking conditions, we strive to arrange an additional day’s stay at the current hut, allowing you to continue your hike the following day. Your safety is paramount, and decisions will be made considering the severity of the weather and the availability of accommodations.
The availability of vegetarian and vegan meals can vary between huts. Staffed lodges with meal services may offer limited vegetarian options, but vegan choices might be more challenging to find due to the limited selection. If you have specific dietary requirements, it’s advisable to bring supplementary food items to ensure your dietary needs are met.
Cell phone reception in the Norwegian mountains can be inconsistent, ranging from poor to non-existent, especially in remote areas. WiFi is also not commonly available in most huts. This limited connectivity is part of the charm and challenge of hiking in such natural settings.
