Are you planning a trip with your family? Here are DNT’s top recommendations for cabins that are perfect for children. Bring the kids along and enjoy the peace of nature, the crisp, clear air, and friendly encounters along the trail.
Whether on a warm summer day or in the crisp autumn weather, little beats a trip to the mountains. Watch the colors shift from green to vibrant shades of orange and fiery red. It is refreshing to take a dip in trickling streams, and perhaps the trout will bite in a mountain lake.
At the cabins, you can experience the unique atmosphere, the social and lively environment, and unexpected encounters. Enjoy the food, the simplicity, the smiles of the hosts, and meals at the long tables where hikers discuss trails, gear, and mountain experiences.
Kobberhaughytta: Unwind by Kobberhaugtjernet
PARADISE: With your hammock safely secured between the trees, Kobberhaugtjernet feels like paradise. Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre.
Not far from Oslo city center, you will find Kobberhaughytta, DNT’s flagship lodge in the Nordmarka forest. It has recently been renovated and expanded, offering sleeping capacity for multiple families or school classes.
If you don't want to sleep indoors, you can hang hammocks between the trees and set up camp in the lean-tos (gapahuk) near the cabin. And breakfast? No need to worry. Delicious baked goods, fresh coffee, and other treats are sold by the friendly staff. This is the perfect place for both children and adults to enjoy a break from everyday life.
Cabin type: Staffed lodge and café Note: The text in the box says "No service/open all year", but Kobberhaughytta operates as a staffed lodge/café)
Delightful Dalabu
Located in Nore og Uvdal, you will find the log cabin Dalabu. You can easily hike in on a Friday evening. The walk is short, meaning you can easily carry taco ingredients on your back.
IDYLLIC: Dalabu is idyllically situated at the edge of the forest. Photo: Julie Maske.
Once you arrive, you can enjoy the evening light from the porch. Over dinner at the long table, conversation flows freely about the week's challenges, and before the last bite of salsa and tortilla, everyday stress is forgotten.
The next day, take your time, enjoy your morning coffee, and soak in the cabin atmosphere. Why not visit Langedrag Nature Park while you are in the area? Great wildlife experiences await, but first, enjoy the weather, the mountains, and the freedom.
Cabin type: Unserviced cabin. You must bring all your own food to this cabin.
Remember to Leave the Cabin Clean and Tidy
DNT cabins operate on trust and shared responsibility. Before you leave, you must clean and wash the rooms you have used so the cabin is welcoming for the next family.
For everything you need to know about locks, keys, routines, and safety, check out the official DNT FAQ: Guide to your stay at a DNT cabin
Vetledalsseter: A Taste of the Simple Life
At the top of the Erdalen valley, after a beautiful hike through an ancient cultural and grazing landscape, with sharp peaks towering above you, glacier tongues, and moraine ridges stretching down the valley, you will reach Vetledalsseter.
TEAMWORK: At Vetledalsseter, the kids can join in on the chores and carry firewood to warm up the cabin. Photo: Julie Maske.
Since 2011, Indre Nordfjord Turlag has maintained this valley retreat. The standard is simple, yet thoroughly charming, so guests often stay longer than planned. Here, children can pitch in by carrying firewood and water, and play hide-and-seek among the trees and historic buildings on the old mountain pasture.
Cabin type: Self-service cabin. This cabin features a self-service food pantry where you can buy ingredients to cook your own meals on-site.
Practicing "Leave No Trace" means that no one should be able to tell you’ve been there after you leave. We want to enjoy nature without leaving a mark.
Rongevær coastal cabin is a fantastic base for coastal activities such as kayaking, swimming, and fishing. The property consists of several buildings, excellent pier and dock facilities, and large outdoor areas. You can paddle here solo, or bring your company, extended family, or group of friends for unforgettable days by the open sea.
ARCHIPELAGO: Rongevær coastal cabin is beautifully situated in sheltered waters. It is an amazing island realm with endless possibilities.
Rongevær has long traditions. It was originally built as Rongevær School in the 1930s and remained in use until 1989. It closed when the outer islands of Austrheim municipality were connected by road.
It is a 300 meter row to the Rongevær cabin from the mainland dock at Baløy. The rowing trip takes place in calm, sheltered waters, well protected from waves.
Cabin type: Unserviced coastal cabin. You must bring all your own food to this cabin.
At Sota Sæter, it is good to be both a child and an adult. The traditional cabin courtyard is ideal for play and games, and the local food will bring stars to your eyes.
RAIN OR SHINE: Even on rainy days, exploring the area around Sota Sæter in Breheimen is a joy. Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre.
Hiking options are plentiful in the surrounding mountains. If you prefer shorter walks, it is the perfect place to lower your shoulders, stay close to the lodge, or wander slowly into the Mysubyttdalen valley. Sota Sæter closes for the season in September but stays open on select weekends. Check Sota Sæter's website for updated information.
Deep in the Gjevilvassdalen valley lies Gjevilvasshytta, in 2020 voted Norway’s most beautiful DNT cabin. History lives in these walls, beautifully preserved by Trondhjems Turistforening, maintaining a timeless charm dating back to the early 1900s.
AWARD-WINNING: Gjevilvasshytta has been voted Norway's most beautiful DNT cabin. Photo: Jonny Remmereit.
The area is particularly known for its fascinating geology and flora. There are plenty of great day-trip options for hikers of all ages. Even out of season when the main lodge is unstaffed, accommodation is available in the cozy, unserviced cottage right next door.
When traveling with children and teenagers, day trips in the area are highly recommended, that is, if the weather isn't so beautiful that you prefer to spend the day at Rauøra beach (one of the finest inland beaches in Trøndelag). A wonderful excursion is Tyrikvamfjellet, famous for its rich plant life.
Cabin type: Staffed lodge (Note: Features an adjacent unserviced cabin out of season where you must bring your own food).
Tverrbrennstua: The Perfect Day-Trip Destination
SUNSET: Tverrbrennstua captured during a beautiful sunset. Photo: Elizabeth Schei.
Tverrbrennstua is easily accessible on Beiarfjellet near Bodø. The cabin is located in high-mountain terrain, just a 2 km hike from the road. Canoes are available for guests to borrow, and excellent fishing lakes are nearby. This unserviced cabin is an excellent starting point for both short and long hikes in the local area or further into the Saltfjellet mountains. The older of the two cabins was built in 1988, and the newer one in 2010.
Because the cabins are located so close to the road, they are a great destination for families with children. Families can stay stationary for two or more nights and take small day trips nearby. One such trip is up the gentle slopes of St. Olav, located just east of the cabins, where you will find historic mining prospects and fantastic views.
During summer, Beiarfjellet offers a large number of fishing lakes where trout can be tempted with spinners or worms. The terrain is easy to walk for both adults and children, and cloudberries are usually abundant on the surrounding marshes.
Cabin type: Unserviced cabin: You must bring all your own food to this cabin.
We Recommend Booking in Advance
To ensure a smooth trip and guarantee your bed, we highly recommend booking your stay ahead of time. Please note that most coastal cabins and several unserviced cabins (ubetjente hytter) must be booked in advance.
This applies to coastal cabins, but also to many popular unserviced cabins located in the forests close to urban areas. Because these cabins are easily accessible from where people live, they fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
How to Book:
You can easily plan your stay and reserve your beds online. For a complete step-by-step guide on how the system works, visit the DNT Cabin Booking Information Page.
How to Pay for Extras:
If you are visiting a self-service cabin with a food pantry, or if you make any drop-in changes during your stay, you can easily register and pay on-site using your smartphone. Read more about downloading and using the app here: DNT Cabin Payment App.
Leave no trace principles
Nature has room for everyone. Our goal is to encourage outdoor recreation while simultaneously protecting the environment and ensuring everyone's safety. To achieve this, it is essential that every visitor practices responsible outdoor ethics. By following these principles, we can all enjoy the wilderness today while preserving it for future generations.
Recommended Reading: Cabin-to-Cabin Hikes for Families
Are you planning a cabin-to-cabin hike with your children this summer? Here are a few route suggestions for families with some hiking experience. We always recommend choosing a trail based on your family's age and ability.
