Before you embark on a trekking adventure in the Norwegian wilderness, make sure to plan the practical details. Be prepared, stay safe, and pack your backpack like a pro with these tips.
What to wear
Expect the unexpected. This may be the most important advice when packing for an outdoor adventure. Regardless of the conditions when you set off, remember that the weather can change quickly – especially in the mountains.
Wear proper hiking boots – regular trainers don’t have a good enough grip for hiking, especially if you are going up in the mountains.
Dress in layers to make it easier to control your body temperature. And as we say in Norway: Wool is cool. As opposed to cotton and polyester, wool breathes, insulates, wicks away moisture, and is temperature-regulating and self-cleaning. Fleece is also acceptable, especially in winter.
- Inner layer: wool or synthetic underwear (light top, long underpants, socks).
- Mid-layer: Wool or fleece jumper. In winter, you’ll need extra trousers.
- Outer layer: Hiking trousers and a jacket/anorak. Make sure that the outermost layer is wind and waterproof.
Use sunscreen – the sun can be deceptively strong, even in the winter and when it’s overcast or windy.
Remember to bring extra warm clothing if you plan on hiking outside of the summer season – please check the Norwegian Trekking Association’s list of essential winter equipment.
If you're wondering where you can buy proper clothing and equipment, just head to any of the local sport shops all over Norway. They will be able to help you choose the right gear for your next outdoor experience.
What to bring on a hike?
What’s the weather like?
We would like to be able to tell you that it’s always sunny in Norway, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. Always, always, always check the weather forecast before you go.
The good news is that the summer climate here can be very good, with temperatures up to 25 degrees Celsius. However, the weather can change quickly, even in summer.
At altitudes of 1,000 metres or more, daytime temperatures are often around 15 to 19 degrees Celsius during summer, or a bit cooler when it’s raining. The spring and autumn months are chillier, but well worth experiencing – spring in Norway is beautiful when nature comes back to life, while the autumn colours are magnificent.
The right to roam
As long as you understand and follow a few basic rules and regulations, you are free to go almost everywhere in the Norwegian countryside. Outdoor recreation is an important part of the national identity, and access to nature is a right established by law.
The right to roam (allemannsretten in Norwegian) is a traditional right from ancient times. Since 1957, it has been part of the Outdoor Recreation Act, ensuring that everyone can experience nature, even on privately owned land.
The main rule is simple: Be considerate and thoughtful. Make sure you pick up your rubbish and show respect for nature and people – in other words, leave the landscape as you found it.
The right to roam applies to open country, also known as 'unfenced land' – land that isn’t being cultivated. In Norway, open country includes most of the coastline, bogs, forests, and mountains. Small pockets of uncultivated land within cultivated land are not considered open country.
Mountain safety
Different hikes for different folks
One of the best things about hiking is that everyone can do it! Find a hike that suits your fitness level.
Book your hiking holiday
Experience Norwegian nature. See great deals from our partners.
28 Hours ・ June - NovemberBook nowTrolltunga via ferrata and dome stay
Trolltunga climb with sunset dome accommodationClimb up the steep face of the mountain on a via ferrata and spend the night in a unique transparent dome on the Trolltunga plateau. Dinner, breakfast, and equipment included. / Booknordics.comPrice From 4 950 NOK
28 Hours ・ May - OctoberBook nowTrolltunga hike and dome stay
Sunset and sunrise from TrolltungaJoin us on an adventurous hike to the Trolltunga plateau and spend your night in a comfortable dome. Dinner, breakfast, and gear included. / Booknordics.comPrice From 4 550 NOK
5 Days ・ June - SeptemberBook nowHike on historic ground
Cross Dovrefjell mountain on the St. Olav’s WaysDo you want to combine mountain hiking with culture? A hike in one of Norway's most majestic mountain landscapes. Varied and easy highland terrain. Hike on your own without a guide. The package includes luggage transport, overnight accommodation, and meals. / Discover NorwayPrice From 8 850 NOK
7 Hours ・ April - SeptemberBook nowPreikestolen express bus
Roundtrip from Stavanger to an iconic trailOne of the most popular hikes in Norway. Our bus provides easy and comfortable round trip transport from Stavanger. Be aware that this hike is unguided, however, the trail is well marked with distance markers. Relax and enjoy the view. / Go FjordsPrice From 389 NOK
5 Days ・ Juni - SeptemberBook nowAurland, Flåm and Hardanger
Fjord cruise, farm visits and Flåm railwayFjord cruise from Bergen through Sognefjord, farm visits with tastings, hike to get views of the Aurlandsfjord, enjoy a fjord sauna in Flåm, ride the famous Flåm Railway. Experience cider tasting in Hardanger, visit Rosendal Barony, and stay at quality hotels with 3-course dinners included. / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 28 500 NOK
8 Days ・ June - AugustBook nowFrom mountains to fjords
Jotunheimen and AurlandOn this adventure, you can hike the historical route through mountainous Jotunheimen National Park towards the beautiful fjords in the west. / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 26 000 NOK
7 Days ・ July - AugustBook nowSunnmøre and Romsdalen
Activity-filled roundtrip from ÅlesundE-bike narrow valleys, relax in a fjord sauna, cruise Geirangerfjord, hike to Skageflå farm, drive Trollstigen, enjoy a 5-hour guided kayak tour and wine tasting at Tuen. Accommodation and 3-course dinners at Hotel Union and Hotel Aak included. / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 35 500 NOK
8 Days ・ June - SeptemberBook nowThe best of Lofoten
The land of the midnight sunWe've selected the best hikes and the most iconic viewpoints, as well as some hidden gems on our tour of Norway's most beautiful archipelago. Dramatic mountains, long white beaches, wild seas, and rich wildlife let you experience Norwegian nature at its very best! / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 33 500 NOK
6 Days ・ July - AugustBook nowAurlandsfjord and Nærøyfjord
Hiking, biking and kayakingVisit the Hardangerjøkulen glacier. Cycle the historic Rallarvegen trail all the way down to Flåm. Kayak on the Aurlandsfjorden and the Nærøyfjorden and hike up Prest mountain. There are many beautiful sights on this fantastic trip. / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 30 900 NOK
6 Days ・ June - SeptemberBook nowTrolltunga, Preikestolen and Folgefonna glacier
Iconic hikes and Lysefjord cruiseOslo roundtrip: Hike Trolltunga and Preikestolen, explore Hardangervidda, walk on Folgefonna glacier (equipment provided). Cruise Lysefjorden and stay at Canvas Hotel with saunas and outdoor tubs. / Norrøna AdventurePrice From 29 000 NOK
11 Hours ・ June - SeptemberBook nowKjerag express bus tour
Our bus offers easy access to KjeragHike to the Kjerag boulder and explore the sight that attracts thrill seekers from all over the world. Our express bus brings you directly from Stavanger to the start of the hiking trail and back. / Go FjordsPrice From 880 NOK