The untamed mountains in Norway are beautiful, yet unpredictable. These nine simple rules of the Norwegian mountain code will help you stay safe. We also recommended that you hire a local guide – especially in the winter season.
#1
Plan your trip and inform others
about the route you have selected.
- Plan your trip based on the group’s abilities, and always include alternative options.
- Obtain current information about the area and the weather conditions. Listen to the advice of seasoned mountaineers where possible.
- Ensure you have sufficient knowledge and practical skills to complete the trip.
- Respect the natural environment. Plan ahead and don't leave any litter.
- Arrange meeting points during the trip that don’t require mobile coverage or accurate timing.
- Is your planning sufficient to guarantee an enjoyable trip no matter what?
#2
Adapt the planned routes
according to ability and conditions.
- Assess the conditions continuously and adjust your plans accordingly.
- Respect the weather.
- Travelling with others is safer and means you’ll have someone to share your experiences with. If you’re travelling alone, exercise caution.
- Do not embark on a long trip without sufficient experience. You must be able to take care of yourself as well as the others in your group.
- Be considerate of other hikers. Make sure you have read The right of access and its requirements.
- Make sure your group maintains an open and direct line of communication at all times.
- Can you complete the trip under these conditions and with this group?
#3
Pay attention to the weather
and the avalanche warnings.
- Always check the weather forecast and avalanche warnings to see what impact they have on the area. Follow the advice and choose a gentler terrain when conditions are too demanding.
- Check the weather conditions on yr.no and storm.no.
- Check the avalanche, flood and ice forecast on varsom.no.
- Monitor the development of the weather and avalanche conditions along the way. Bear in mind that plans may need to be adjusted.
#4
Be prepared for bad weather and frost,
even on short trips.
- Dress appropriately for the weather, and the terrain.
- Remember that the weather changes quickly in the mountains. Bring extra clothing, and the equipment your route and terrain requires.
- Extra food and drink can help save lives if the trip takes longer than planned or you have to wait for help.
- Is your group equipped to deal with a sudden change in weather?
#5
Bring the necessary equipment
so you can help yourself and others.
- In the winter, you need a windsack/bivy sack, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and a shovel so that you can spend the night outdoors if you have to. A windsack can save lives.
- Bring a high-visibility vest or a headlamp, that will make it easier to find you if necessary.
- Bring a first aid kit so you can help yourself and others.
- Always use a transmitter/receiver, and have an avalanche probe and a shovel if you are travelling in avalanche-prone terrain.
- Pack wisely. Packing lists for different seasons can be found at dnt.no.
- Mobile phones can be a useful tool, but remember that they don’t work in all situations and areas.
- If an accident occurs, alert the police at 112, go to get help, or try to notify someone with other means.
- Are you able to take care of yourself and help others?
#6
Choose safe routes.
Recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice.
- Avoid terrain that is prone to avalanches, and plan your route well.
- Be aware that avalanches are typically triggered at slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
- You may trigger or be hit by an avalanche also in less steep terrain, even in flat terrain.
- To eliminate the danger of avalanches, stay out of avalanche terrain. This means keeping a distance of three times the height of the mountainside or slope above you. In other words, if an avalanche could release 100 vertical metres above you, you stay clear at a horizontal distance of 300 metres.
- Avoid terrain traps, such as narrow gorges. Consider what will happen if there is an avalanche.
- Be aware that a cornice can break off when you walk on a mountain ridge.
- Be aware of ice conditions when you walk on regulated lakes and rivers.
- Can an avalanche happen where I plan to go? What will the consequence be?
#7
Use a map and a compass.
Always know where you are.
- A map and compass are essential basic equipment that always work.
- Pay attention to the map even when hiking on a marked trail.
- Knowing where you are on the map makes for a better hiking experience.
- A GPSR and other electronic aids are helpful, but make sure you have extra batteries.
- Do you know where you are?
#8
Don’t be ashamed to turn around.
- Evaluate your route continuously. If conditions become difficult, choose your best alternative before you or your group members become exhausted.
- Have the circumstances changed? Should you turn around?
- Is anyone in your group having problems completing the route? Should the group turn around?
- Enjoy the hike for its own sake, and remember that there will be other opportunities if it is too challenging today.
#9
Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary.
- Adjust your hiking speed to the weakest member of the group, and make sure that everyone can keep up.
- Remember to eat and drink frequently. When you exert yourself, your body needs more fluids than you may feel you need.
- Don’t wait until you are exhausted before you seek shelter. Strong winds will tire you out quickly.
- Use your windsack or dig a snow cave before it’s too late.
- Are you able to get back to your base? Do you know where the nearest shelter is?
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Cabin CampersExperience the road trip of a lifetime with our cabins on four wheels.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
Get inspired
Here is a selection of other articles you might like.
