Norway Hut to Hut Hiking

About Mountain Huts in Norway

Norway boasts the world’s largest and most refined public hut system, overseen by the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). This expansive network includes over 500 cabins across Norway’s National Parks and other scenic areas.

These huts, rustic yet well-equipped with essentials like wood, gas, and food, offer a unique blend of comfort and charm, making Norway’s rugged terrain more accessible and enjoyable for locals and visitors.

Types of Huts in Norway

Staffed Lodges

These are the most developed huts, offering various services, including staff assistance, prepared meals, electricity, and hot showers. They are usually located in high-traffic areas and cater to a good number of trekkers daily.

The accommodation typically includes private and bunk rooms. The highlight is the communal dining experience, featuring a three-course dinner with local ingredients. These lodges also serve alcohol and provide a great opportunity to taste traditional Norwegian cuisine and interact with locals.

Self-Service Cabins

These smaller cabins offer a more intimate and independent experience. They lack staff and prepared meals but are stocked with provisions like dried and canned foods, beverages, and even reindeer meatballs.

These cabins have no electricity or running water; candles and nearby natural water sources are used. They are equipped with kitchen supplies and gas stoves for cooking, offering a more budget-friendly option compared to staffed lodges.

No-Service Cabins

The most basic of the lot, these cabins provide facilities for cooking and sleeping but do not include food supplies. Hikers need to carry their own provisions. They share similar facilities with self-service lodges but offer a more rugged and solitary experience.

Hut Etiquette and Logistics

Upon arrival at any hut, hikers are expected to register their names, pick a bed, and familiarize themselves with the cabin’s layout and facilities. Lodges have varying sizes and layouts, but the operational systems are generally similar.

Hikers are encouraged to maintain cleanliness and order, including managing water supplies, cleaning personal and common spaces, and ensuring all kitchenware is tidy. The payment system at the huts operates in good faith, with hikers tallying their provisions and accommodation costs, payable via cash or credit.

Sleeping Arrangements and Reservations

The sleeping arrangements vary across the different types of huts. Staffed lodges offer private rooms and dormitories, while self-service and no-service huts typically have smaller rooms and larger open sleeping areas. While all visitors are guaranteed a place to sleep, advanced bookings are recommended for staffed lodges, especially during peak seasons.

Additional Facilities

Most staffed lodges have modern bathroom facilities with running water and showers, while the other huts feature outhouse-style toilets. Supplies for the huts are delivered by helicopter or snowmobile, depending on the season.

Top 6 Hiking Regions in Norway

1. Jotunheimen National Park

Jotunheimen, or “Home of the Giants,” features some of Northern Europe’s highest peaks, like Galdhøpiggen. It offers diverse trails for all skill levels amidst stunning mountains, valleys, and lakes. The park is ideal for hut-to-hut hiking, with numerous DNT huts interconnected by well-maintained paths.

You can visit the park on our Jotunheimen Hut-to-Hut Trek.

2. Rondane National Park

Norway’s first national park, Rondane, is known for its tranquil landscapes and ten peaks over 2,000 meters. It provides trails for easy walks and challenging hikes, set amidst wild reindeer habitats. The park’s extensive hut network supports multi-day treks.

Our Rondane National Park Hiking Tour takes you through the most scenic sections of the park.

3. Aurlandsdalen

Aurlandsdalen, often called Norway’s “Grand Canyon,” is famous for picturesque trails through forests and alongside rivers, suitable for various hiker levels. The valley’s rich history and traditional farms add a cultural dimension to the hiking experience.

Witness it all on Aurlandsdalen Hut-to-Hut Hike.

4. Trollheimen

“Home of the Trolls,” Trollheimen, is marked by a mix of steep mountains, valleys, and lakes. It offers diverse trails, including popular treks between mountain lodges, and is celebrated for its varied flora and fauna.

Head on the Trollheimen Triangle Route, and you might even meet some trolls!

5. Lysefjord

Lysefjord, renowned for Preikestolen and Kjeragbolten, offers spectacular fjord views and trails ranging from moderate to challenging. The hikes here provide memorable vistas of the fjord and the surrounding cliffs.

6. Hardangervidda National Park

As Europe’s largest mountain plateau, Hardangervidda features vast landscapes, wild reindeer, and numerous water bodies. It has a wide range of trails for day hikes and longer treks, supported by an extensive network of DNT huts for multi-day journeys.