Mountains

For centuries, Norwegians have used the mountains as a remedy for the stresses of modern life. From all over the country and no matter their social background, people migrate to the mountains during weekends and holidays to breathe in that crisp and clean mountain air – wearing skis or a pair of sturdy boots depending on the season.

Norway is made up of mainly mountains and wilderness. Craggy summits and rounded rock formations are important parts of the national identity. Almost half the population have ready access to a private cabin in the mountains, whilst thousands of staffed lodges, self-service cabins, and no-service cabins where you can spend a night or two take care of the rest.

Many of these tourist huts are quite remarkable, drawn by prominent architects. Several serve local food such as moose, deer, trout, or reindeer.

When the winter comes, the landscape drapes itself in a pure, white cloak. Norway provides alpine skiing facilities for most skill levels, but adventurous skiers with a preference for powdery snow will have an extra incentive to head to the mountains. Cross‐country skiing tracks are prepared throughout the country.

Seasons in the mountains

Your experience of the Norwegian mountains will differ dramatically depending on what time of the year you are visiting.

Summer is the time for hiking across expansive plains and up to dramatic peaks. In this high season for hiking, the most popular trails can sometimes be a bit crowded.

And so comes winter, when much of Norway is usually transformed into a snow‐clad paradise. But be aware that harsh winters can be both dark and cold in places.

Winter is the longest of the mountain seasons, but when spring arrives, nature comes back to life, once again enticing visitors to explore the mountains and valleys on foot or in the saddle and fish in the countless mountain lakes.