DNT works in several ways to promote outdoor activities that protect both wild and domestic reindeer. Here you can read more about how and why.
Some of Europe's last remaining wild reindeer live in the mountain areas of southern Norway. This gives Norway a special responsibility to protect the species. For DNT, managing outdoor recreation in these habitats means ensuring a responsible and reindeer-friendly approach to hiking.
Reindeer require large, undisturbed natural areas. Over time, their habitats have shrunk. Roads, railways, power plants, tourism facilities, and cabins are among the developments that have occupied important reindeer terrain. Reindeer are highly sensitive to disturbance and actively avoid areas with both motorized traffic and foot traffic.
DNT wants to take responsibility for improving the living conditions of the wild reindeer. Our main contribution is the management and channeling of traffic. Because most hikers follow trails, proper infrastructure allows us to direct visitors to resilient areas and away from highly vulnerable zones.
Consequently, DNT has implemented several measures to protect the wild reindeer:
Gråhøgdbu on Venabygdsfjellet was closed in 2020 to protect the wild reindeer. The cabin has been moved to the Maihaugen museum.
Closed Cabins: Gråhøgdbu on Venabygdsfjellet was closed in 2020 and moved to the Maihaugen museum. DNT has also decided to close additional cabins: Breitjønnbu on Ringebufjellet, Torehytten, Lågaros, and Hadlaskard on Hardangervidda, Storsteinen, Grasdalen, and Eidavatn in Ryfylke, and Øyuvsbu in Setesdal. (Note: All these cabins will remain open during the summer of 2026). Additionally, the staffed cabin Litlos on Hardangervidda will be changed into a self-service cabin.
Trail Closures: In 2026, it was decided that DNT will remove 400 kilometers of marked trails across Rondane, Dovrefjell, Hardangervidda, and Ryfylke. Previously, trails connecting the E6 highway over Dovre to Grimsdalen in Rondane have already been closed, leaving only one main route.
Limited Opening Hours: Operating periods for cabins in wild reindeer areas are being restricted to ensure closures during especially vulnerable times, such as the calving season.
Public Information: We provide detailed guidance on responsible travel through platforms like UT.no, the magazine Fjell og Vidde, and DNT.no. UT.no features specific alerts during the calving season to highlight this highly sensitive period.
Education: Information about the needs of the reindeer is shared at cabins located in these mountain ranges. Furthermore, our tour leader training programs are updated to strengthen competencies regarding responsible travel in reindeer habitats.
DNT is not the only actor operating in the mountains. Improving the living conditions of the wild reindeer requires all stakeholders to acknowledge their responsibility and take action. Municipal, county, and national authorities play a critical role in protecting reindeer habitats from further development and fragmentation.
If you see reindeer while hiking, stay still so they can move away undisturbed.
Why Does DNT Work with Wild and Domestic Reindeer?
Reindeer need space and tranquility. Wild reindeer can detect humans from a distance of one kilometer and will often run far if frightened. Running requires substantial energy and takes away valuable time needed for grazing. The animals are extra vulnerable during the calving season and need strict peace from April 15th to June 15th.
Norway's 24 wild reindeer areas have been assessed according to the national quality standard for wild reindeer. The assessment shows that half of these areas are in poor condition. The main cause is habitat loss due to land development. As the reindeer lose space, human traffic becomes a greater challenge.
To address this, the Government is creating specific action plans for wild reindeer. DNT is committed to supporting this work by adjusting our services to foster a more considerate outdoor culture.
DNT and the action plans for wild reindeer
The Government is currently working on action plans to improve the situation for the wild reindeer. DNT will contribute to this important work. Here you can read more about how.
DNT believes in building on policies that balance the use and protection of nature.
The opportunity to experience large, continuous areas of untouched nature is uniquely valuable. It provides lifelong memories and strengthens the understanding of vulnerable mountain environments and the need to protect them. Therefore, it is essential to find solutions that safeguard both the wild reindeer and outdoor recreation.
Show Consideration for the Wild Reindeer:
Follow marked trails
Remain calm if you encounter reindeer, allowing them to retreat undisturbed
Use binoculars and maintain a safe distance to the animals
Stay low to the ground and move in a way that carries your scent away from the animals on the wind
Keep your dog under control and adhere to leash restrictions
For questions or more information regarding DNT's work with wild and domestic reindeer, contact Ingeborg Wessel Finstad, Head of Nature and Sustainability, at ingeborg.finstad@dnt.no. ingeborg.finstad@dnt.no.
