Norway

Description

Jotunheimen - by Henk

Being the most beautiful country in Europe, Norway is as rich in unspoiled wild nature as it is in oil. The rugged mountains are interspersed with endless plateaus full of lakes. Impressive fjords (sea inlets) and glaciers ornament the long coastline. The unforgettable spectacle of a thunderstorm drifting by, the sun breaking through, the rain drifting away in the distance. In the Home of Giants (Jotunheimen) you will feel tiny as a dwarf. North of the polar circle there are several splendid areas like Troms and Finmark. Do bring your fishing gear if you go there.

Norway does not have long distance trails, but for some exceptions. Wherever there is wilderness, there are  mountain huts interconnected by trails marked with a red "T". Often these are painted high on heaps of stone, in order to stick out above the snow. The majority of huts are exploited by the DNT. Others by local hiking organisations. Some huts are private. Some of the huts are staffed and meals are served. Others are self-service huts: there is food in store, you take what you like, write down what you ate, and leave money for it in a special box. The third type of hut is the no-service hut. Here, you have to carry your own food. Generally they are equiped with gas, firewood, kitchen utensils, and blanks. Often, you will need a key to get in. The standard DNT key, which you can arrange in advance, fits on all huts.

All this means you can leave your tent at home, unless you prefer to camp in the wild clear light summer nights, and wake up to find yourself surrounded by a herd of ruminating reindeer.

A beloved national park is Rondane. Also, of course, Jotunheimen with Norway's higest mountains Galdhøpigen and Glittertind, is very popular. South of Jotunheimen is the vast plateau of Hardangervidda. The main hiking area's are situated in the south of the country. Turning north, the mountains are less well serviced by huts, and consequently hiking is more adventurous. Head north if you're looking for silence and real wilderness. A part of Lappland is in Norway and you can go there and sleep in reindeer farms: Finnmarksvidda.

Be aware that in Norway as in every country the Long T(r)ail theory is valid: most of the hikers go to 10% of the area's. But other area's may be more beautiful and in any case more quiet. In the north for instance, you will encounter a string of intensely beautiful mountain plateaus and ranges: Okstindan in Nord-Helgeland, Saltfjellet, Sulitjelma, and more. If you don't mind carrying your own food, meeting few people and 24 hours light a day, this is the place to go. Between simple but well furnished huts, cairned routes are laid out, leading up all the way to Lapland, even to Kautokeino via the Nordkalott trail and the Nordlandsruta. You can walk for months. Check out the DNT website, your most important source of information.

The season for walking the mountains is short. In June you will still sink down deep into the snow in the mountains. And again in September fresh snow is likely to blow you right off the fjell. Hiking in Norway is not without risk. River crossing and extremely bad weather take their toll. On warm days with no wind, the notorious midges will attack relentlessly.

Map

Map of Norway North

Map of Norway Centre

Map of Norway South

Trails

Regions

Books

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Climbs, Scrambles and Walks in Romsdal
  • Revised edition of this guide to over 300 walks, scrambles and rock climbs in Romsdal, including the famous Trollveggen. Introductory sections cover background geographical and historical aspects, and also general travel, equipment and preparation matters. Diagrams, ridge maps and informative photographs accompany the descriptions. Includes a... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • The Book Depository, United Kingdom
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The Book Depository
United Kingdom
2021
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • The Arctic Melt
  • 'The Arctic Melt: Images of a Disappearing Landscape' is a brilliant new monograph by universally-acclaimed art and environmental photographer Diane Tuft. Following on the heels of Tuft's previous publication, 'Gondwana: Images of an Ancient Land', this new book showcases her breathtaking and visually astounding journey to capture the ice in... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
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Bol.com
Belgium
  • The Arctic Melt
  • 'The Arctic Melt: Images of a Disappearing Landscape' is a brilliant new monograph by universally-acclaimed art and environmental photographer Diane Tuft. Following on the heels of Tuft's previous publication, 'Gondwana: Images of an Ancient Land', this new book showcases her breathtaking and visually astounding journey to capture the ice in... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
2014
  • Walking in Norway
  • This book describes 20 walking routes in the mains mountain areas of Norway, ranging from the far south to the Arctic regions. Here you will find mountains relatively free from crowds, and few roads criss-crossing the remote landscape; within this ideal setting for walkers, cairned routes twist through splendid scenery and link up with... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2014
  • Walking in Norway
  • This book describes 20 walking routes in the mains mountain areas of Norway, ranging from the far south to the Arctic regions. Here you will find mountains relatively free from crowds, and few roads criss-crossing the remote landscape; within this ideal setting for walkers, cairned routes twist through splendid scenery and link up with... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
2016
  • Reise Know-How CityTrip Bergen
  • Inhalt In Bergen, der gr ten Stadt Westnorwegens, vereinen sich die dramatischen Gebirgsz ge des Landes mit dem Blau des Meeres. Farbenfrohe Holzh user, alte Kirchen und breite Pl tze pr gen die einzigartige Atmosph re Bergens. Bei einem Rundgang durch die verwinkelten Gassen der Altstadt, einer Bootsfahrt durch den Hafen und Wanderungen ber... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2016
  • Reise Know-How CityTrip Bergen
  • Inhalt In Bergen, der gr ten Stadt Westnorwegens, vereinen sich die dramatischen Gebirgsz ge des Landes mit dem Blau des Meeres. Farbenfrohe Holzh user, alte Kirchen und breite Pl tze pr gen die einzigartige Atmosph re Bergens. Bei einem Rundgang durch die verwinkelten Gassen der Altstadt, einer Bootsfahrt durch den Hafen und Wanderungen ber... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
2017
  • ANWB Extra - Oslo
  • Ontdek Oslo met de compleet vernieuwde reisgids ANWB Extra Oslo! In Oslo kan je alle kanten op: 's avonds op hoge hakken en in chique shirts van cocktails nippen in een hippe bar, de volgende dag met wandelschoenen door de uitgestrekte bossen van de Marka lopen. Dit maakt Oslo tot dé bestemming voor een leuke citytrip. De ANWB Extra reisgids... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2017
  • ANWB Extra - Oslo
  • Ontdek Oslo met de compleet vernieuwde reisgids ANWB Extra Oslo! In Oslo kan je alle kanten op: 's avonds op hoge hakken en in chique shirts van cocktails nippen in een hippe bar, de volgende dag met wandelschoenen door de uitgestrekte bossen van de Marka lopen. Dit maakt Oslo tot dé bestemming voor een leuke citytrip. De ANWB Extra reisgids... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Norway Bed & Breakfast Book
  • This guidebook lists, in Norwegian, English, and German, the bed & breakfasts of Norway. It is a key to vacation sites in private homes, townhouses, farms, and mountain dairies. Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • Norway Bed & Breakfast Book
  • This guidebook lists, in Norwegian, English, and German, the bed & breakfasts of Norway. It is a key to vacation sites in private homes, townhouses, farms, and mountain dairies. Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
2010
  • Nordskandinavien - Der Wanderführer
  • Aktualisierte und erweiterte Neuauflage: Dieses Buch enthält die erste vollständige Beschreibung des 1993 eingeweihten, sehr populären Nordkalottleden. 800 Kilometer führt dieser schönste und längste Wanderweg Nordskandinaviens durch die Berge Norwegens, Schwedens und Finnlands, überquert dabei 15 Mal die Grenzen und führt auch über den... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2010
  • Nordskandinavien - Der Wanderführer
  • Aktualisierte und erweiterte Neuauflage: Dieses Buch enthält die erste vollständige Beschreibung des 1993 eingeweihten, sehr populären Nordkalottleden. 800 Kilometer führt dieser schönste und längste Wanderweg Nordskandinaviens durch die Berge Norwegens, Schwedens und Finnlands, überquert dabei 15 Mal die Grenzen und führt auch über den... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
2017
  • ANWB Ontdek reisgids - Noorwegen Zuid
  • ANWB Ontdek reisgids Noorwegen zuidVerken Zuid-Noorwegen op een andere manier met de uitgebreide ANWB Ontdek reisgids Noorwegen zuid! Natuurlijk mag je bezienswaardigheden zoals middeleeuwse houten huizen in Bergen en het veelzijdige Oslo niet missen, maar ga ook eens van de gebaande paden en wandel over door de tuinen van historisch... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2017
  • ANWB Ontdek reisgids - Noorwegen Zuid
  • ANWB Ontdek reisgids Noorwegen zuidVerken Zuid-Noorwegen op een andere manier met de uitgebreide ANWB Ontdek reisgids Noorwegen zuid! Natuurlijk mag je bezienswaardigheden zoals middeleeuwse houten huizen in Bergen en het veelzijdige Oslo niet missen, maar ga ook eens van de gebaande paden en wandel over door de tuinen van historisch... Read more
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Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Ebbe Stub Wittrup
  • A box of slides from hiking trips in Norway and Switzerland in the late fifties that the artist once found forms the point of departure for the conceptual work by Ebbe Stub Wittrup (*1973 in Aarhus). The color photographs have faded over time, and the patina points towards a distant past. Yet the artist uses these documents without a sense of... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • Ebbe Stub Wittrup
  • A box of slides from hiking trips in Norway and Switzerland in the late fifties that the artist once found forms the point of departure for the conceptual work by Ebbe Stub Wittrup (*1973 in Aarhus). The color photographs have faded over time, and the patina points towards a distant past. Yet the artist uses these documents without a sense of... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
2017
  • WF5980 Norwegen Süd, von Oslo bis zum Geirangerfjord,mit Karte Kompass
  • De Kompass wandelgids + kaart geeft een overzicht van alle wandelroutes in het gebied met nauwkeurige routeaanwijzingen en hoogteaanduidingen, De extra grote kaart, schaal 1:35 000, is ideaal om van te voren uw route uit te stippelen en om onderweg te gebruiken; naast de bekende bestemmingen, worden ook de minder bekende vermeld; openbaar... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2017
  • WF5980 Norwegen Süd, von Oslo bis zum Geirangerfjord,mit Karte Kompass
  • De Kompass wandelgids + kaart geeft een overzicht van alle wandelroutes in het gebied met nauwkeurige routeaanwijzingen en hoogteaanduidingen, De extra grote kaart, schaal 1:35 000, is ideaal om van te voren uw route uit te stippelen en om onderweg te gebruiken; naast de bekende bestemmingen, worden ook de minder bekende vermeld; openbaar... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Norway
  • DK Eyewitness Norway will lead you straight to the best attractions this breathtaking country has to offer. Packed with stunning photography, colour illustrations and detailed maps, discover Norway region by region; from the enchanting Northern Lights and beautiful fjords, to the vibrant Oslo nightlife. The guide provides all the insider tips... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • Norway
  • DK Eyewitness Norway will lead you straight to the best attractions this breathtaking country has to offer. Packed with stunning photography, colour illustrations and detailed maps, discover Norway region by region; from the enchanting Northern Lights and beautiful fjords, to the vibrant Oslo nightlife. The guide provides all the insider tips... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
  • No Place Like Home, Thank God
  • Amazon UK Bestseller Number 1 in Cycling and Top 3 in Travel and in SportAfter a near fatal brain haemorrhage Steven Primrose-Smith decides that life is too short to hang around. Inspired, he jumps on his bicycle to travel a road that stretches 22,000 miles across the whole of Europe.During his ride through 53 countries, climbing the equivalent... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
  • No Place Like Home, Thank God
  • Amazon UK Bestseller Number 1 in Cycling and Top 3 in Travel and in SportAfter a near fatal brain haemorrhage Steven Primrose-Smith decides that life is too short to hang around. Inspired, he jumps on his bicycle to travel a road that stretches 22,000 miles across the whole of Europe.During his ride through 53 countries, climbing the equivalent... Read more
» Click to close
Bol.com
Netherlands
2018
  • Insight Guides Travel Map Norway
  • Insight Travel Map Norway:all a person needs to plan routes and navigate Norway· Travel Map Norway is drawn to a scale of 1:800 000 and shows the entire country, complete with a comprehensive index· Ideal for route planning, and on-the-road-exploring· Innovative extra = incredible value, and unique in the market. All Insight Travel Maps come... Read more
  • Also available from:
  • Bol.com, Belgium
» Click to open
Bol.com
Belgium
2018
  • Insight Guides Travel Map Norway
  • Insight Travel Map Norway:all a person needs to plan routes and navigate Norway· Travel Map Norway is drawn to a scale of 1:800 000 and shows the entire country, complete with a comprehensive index· Ideal for route planning, and on-the-road-exploring· Innovative extra = incredible value, and unique in the market. All Insight Travel Maps come... Read more
» Click to close
More books…

Maps

Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Harstad Nordeca 10142
  • Map No. 10142, Harstad, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens Kartverk... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Skackerfjallen Nordeca 10096
  • Map No. 10096, Skäckerfjällen, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Fallecearru Nordeca 10150
  • Map No. 10150, Fallecearru, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Nordli Nordeca 10104
  • Map No. 10104, Nordli, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens Kartverk... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Alta Nordeca 10158
  • Map No. 10158, Alta, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens Kartverk... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Susendalen Nordeca 10112
  • Map No. 10112, Susendalen, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Ahkkanas Nordeca 10166
  • Map No. 10166, Ahkkanas, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Myken Nordeca 10122
  • Map No. 10122, Myken, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens Kartverk... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Leknes Nordeca 10133
  • Map No. 10133, Leknes, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens Kartverk... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Haltdalen Nordeca 10086
  • Map No. 10086, Haltdalen, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Skarverennet Nordeca 2703
  • Skarverennet area in Norway in a series of GPS compatible recreational maps at 1:50,000 with cartography from Norway’s topographic survey and additional tourist information. Contours lines are drawn at 20m intervals. The overprint varies from title to title, but includes local footpaths, in some cases distinguishing between easy and more... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Førde Nordeca 10054
  • Map No. 10054, Førde, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens Kartverk... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Hopseidet Nordeca 10189
  • Map No. 10189, Hopseidet, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Hvaler Nordeca 10013
  • Map No. 10013, Hvaler, in the new topographic survey of Norway at 1:50,000 covering the country on 195 double-sided sheets and first published by Nordeca in 2011 - 2012; fully GPS compatible, indicating waymarked footpaths, campsites, tourist huts, illuminated ski runs, etc.The maps, now published by Nordeca, the successors to Statens Kartverk... Read more
Stanfords
United Kingdom
  • Rendalen Nordeca 2753
  • Rendalen area in Norway in a series of GPS compatible recreational Turkart maps at 1:100,000 with cartography from Norway’s topographic survey and additional tourist information. Contours lines are drawn at 20m intervals. The overprint varies from title to title, but includes local footpaths, in some cases distinguishing between easy and more... Read more
More maps…

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