There are three types of cabins with accommodation: Staffed lodges, self-service cabins and no-service cabins. DNT members are given discounts on accommodation at all cabins and on served meals at the staffed lodges.
DNT members receive discounts on accommodation at all cabins and on meals at staffed lodges. Members can also borrow a key (against a deposit) that fits DNT’s self-service and no-service cabins. DNT’s activities rely on extensive volunteer efforts, with volunteers contributing more than 800,000 hours annually.
Become a member
As a DNT member, you support our mission to make the great outdoors accessible to everyone. You also get access to and discounts on our 600 cabins, tours, and courses, along with a variety of other benefits.
In Southern Norway, the member associations operate large staffed lodges along with many self-service and no-service cabins. In Northern Norway, however, the associations primarily offer no-service cabins.
Self-service cabins feature a a food pantry where you can purchase supplies, so you don't have to carry all your provisions. Many hikers appreciate this "trust shop" system during a cabin-to-cabin trek. In contrast, no-service cabins do not have food storage, so you must bring your own supplies.
Below, you can find more details about the three types of cabins and their service levels.
Self-service cabins
Self-service cabins are equipped with everything trekkers need for cooking and sleeping: Firewood, gas, kitchen utensils, and bunks with blankets or duvets and pillows (note: sleeping bag liners are required!). The cabins are also stocked with provisions such as canned goods, coffee, tea, crispbread, and soup mixes, though the selection may vary.
Guests are responsible for their own stay: Fetching water, cooking, washing up, and chopping wood. During peak seasons, some cabins have wardens who assist with organizing tasks.
With the DNT app, you can pay for stays at self-service and no-service cabins, as well as provisions (food items) at self-service cabins. Simply select the cabin you are visiting, register your stay and any items used, and pay directly from your phone.
Have you pre-booked your stay at DNT Cabin booking? If so, you have already paid for your accommodation at the time of booking. In this case, you only need to use the app to register and pay for any provisions used during your visit.
Please note that many self-service cabins are closed during certain periods of the year.
These are usually smaller cabins, often accompanied by a "security cabin" (sikringshytte) for extra space. No-service cabins typically have the same equipment as self-service cabins but do not provide food. They are equipped with beds and duvets (some with blankets only), cooking facilities, and firewood. The cabins are either left unlocked or can be opened with the standard DNT key.
There are also a few simpler no-service cabins where you may need a sleeping bag and additional equipment. Detailed specifications for each cabin can be found in their descriptions.
Trollfjordhytta in Vesterålen is one of hundreds of unmanned DNT cabins.
Staffed lodges
Staffed lodges serve breakfast and dinner. Many offer showers and electricity, either from the grid or a local generator. These lodges are only open during specific seasons. Outside of these seasons, many staffed lodges offer self-service or no-service units. Note that self-service facilities are unavailable while the lodge is fully staffed.
Private cabins
Private staffed lodges are similar to DNT lodges but may vary in standard and price; some operate as full-service hotels. Opening seasons vary, and a few private cabins may have limited food service. Some private cabins allow for advance booking to guarantee accommodation.
Private self-service and no-service cabins resemble DNT’s versions but may have different standards, prices, and food selections. The letter "R" in a cabin overview indicates that DNT members are entitled to a discount. On maps or at ut.no, private cabins are marked with a blue symbol.
Booking
Our booking site makes it easy to plan and book your next stay at a DNT cabin. Simply search by cabin name or area, enter your dates and number of guests, and view available capacity.
Most staffed lodges are open from late June until early September, though some have shorter or longer seasons. You can check specific opening dates at UT.no. The staffed lodges install seasonal bridges as they open for the summer; please note that crossing rivers in June can be difficult before these bridges are in place. Many no-service cabins also have seasonal closures.
Access – The DNT Cabin Key
Self-service and no-service cabins are generally locked with the standard DNT cabin key. DNT members can obtain a key for a NOK 100 deposit, which is fully refunded upon its return. Keys can be picked up and returned at staffed lodges, DNT member association offices, and through DNT representatives in Norway and abroad.
Some self-service and no-service cabins remain unlocked, while others may have unique locks. Occasionally, a cabin may be completely closed to protect local wildlife, to comply with landowner agreements, or because the lease is seasonal. Some unstaffed cabins require advance booking, as specified in the cabin overview for each trekking area. Information regarding locking arrangements is typically found in the cabin listings.
Know more about our cabins?
Always check the specific cabin information on UT.no before starting your trip. Many no-service and self-service cabins are available year-round, while others are closed during winter. Some lodges offer self-service facilities outside of the staffed season, while others close entirely.
