Aurlandsdalen Hut-to-Hut Hike

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.