Hiking from cabin-to-cabin with the Norwegian Trekking Association
Are you dreaming of a cabin-to-cabin trip in the mountains, but not sure how to do it? This article gives you tips and advice for planning your mountain hike.
A trip from cabin to cabin is a fantastic way to experience the mountains! You will spend the night in DNT cabins along the way, so you won't need a tent and equipment to spend the night outside.
It's still important to be prepared for the weather and snow conditions to change quickly, especially in the mountains. You'll need to carry a backpack with clothes and equipment, and prepare yourself before you set off.
How do I plan my hike?
When hiking in the mountains, you should always have a map of the area you're traveling to, and know how to read it. Photo: Marius Dalseg.
Planning is an important part of the trip. Now you are already on our website, which is a very good start. Go to UT.no and find a hiking area, hiking suggestions and cabins that tempt you. Get a map of the area and a DNT key.
On hyttebestilling.dnt.no you get a quick overview of which cabins have available beds in your chosen time period.
How do I know which trip is right for me?
It is important to find a trip that suits your fitness and experience. Beginners should not go on the most demanding hikes. Photo: Marius Dalseg
It is important to adjust the length and difficulty of the trip to your fitness level. Choose a trip that suits your physical fitness. On UT.no you can choose tours according to difficulty level and length.
The routes in the mountains are usually marked with small cairns. To indicate you're on a DNT trail, some of the cairns are marked with a red T. Red remains visible in fog and gray weather. In forest areas and along the coast, the cairns are often replaced by a painted blue stripe on trees or erected poles.
What kind of clothes and equipment do I need on a mountain hike?
A windproof jacket is absolutely necessary on a mountain hike.
The weather in the mountains often changes quickly and it is important to be prepared for storms. Therefore, remember the Norwegian Mountain Code and check the weather forecast and avalanche forecast before you set out on a trip.
Ultimately, it is important to have clothing that protects you from wind and precipitation. Layer your clothing so you can stay warm on cold days. Multiple layers provide better insulation andtrapped air between layers provides insulation. Even in the summer, we recommend a wool base layer. If it's warm, a short-sleeved wool shirt works well.
Here is a suggestion for clothes and equipment you should have with you when you go from cabin to cabin in the summer mountains. With this in mind, you have good conditions for having a safe and nice trip.
If you have any questions about routes and driving conditions, it may be worthwhile to contact the local member association in the area you want to travel. Also take a look at our weather forecasts.
How do I choose the right backpack and shoes?
Carry the necessary clothes and equipment in your backpack, but don't pack too much. Photo: Marius Dalseg.
Ensure your backpack and boots fit properly before your trip! A poorly fitted backpack that digs into your shoulders and boots that cause blisters can ruin an otherwise pleasant trip. Choose a backpack that fits your torso length and body size. Don't buy a backpack that is too big – then you may want to pack more than you need. A backpack for cabin to cabin-hikes in the mountains should weigh no more than 8-12 kg.
How to pack your backpack?
For optimal weight distribution, you should place heavy objects against your back. Place the sleeping bag at the bottom. Keep things you need during the trip (rain gear, change, food, etc.) easily accessible in the top pocket and side pockets. Keep your map and compass or GPS in an accessible pocket or in a map case.
Pack items in plastic bags or waterproof stuff sacks and it will stay dry in case of rain. Distribute weight evenly distributed on both sides of the pack. Feel free tokeep snacks in your jacket pocket and water within easy reach.
Break in your hiking boots before your trip
Break in your hiking boots before you embark on longer mountain hikes. Tighten your laces to lock your heel at the very back of the shoe -this prevents the boot from slipping and which can cause blisters when you walk. An insole may help if slippage continues. Bring blister prevention supplies like moleskin (like Compeed), sports tape, or blister socks just in case.
You never know if you have power or coverage on your phone, learn a map and compass.
You can't count on battery life or cell coverage for your entire trip. Learn to use and always carry a map and compass if you are going on a trip. As a backup, you can download free offline maps in the UT app.
All cabins are open in the summer. Photo: Marius Dalseg.
Information about cabin opening hours can be found on the UT.no or on the staffed cabin's website.
The staffed cabins open from the end of June to the beginning of September. Some open earlier and some are open until the autumn holidays. Haukeliseter is open all year round.
By searching for the cabin's name on hyttebestilling.dnt.no or UT.no you will find an overview of opening hours.
Summer bridges
Note that some bridges are only in place during summer. Summer bridges are typically in place from July 1 to October 1. After October 1, don't expect these bridges to be operational, although some bridges may remain in place for a few weeks even after this. weather and access conditions determine exact dates, in addition to volunteer capacity, so check if the summer bridges have not been included.
On hiking maps, bridges are marked with 'S' (summer bridge) or 'H' (year-round bridge).
How do I book a stay at DNT cabins?
Some cabins must be booked in advance, such as the forest cabins near Oslo.
DNT has over 600 cabins you can stay at, and they are known for their cozy atmosphere. The cabins can be un-service, self-service with food pantry), and staffed cabins with a host and food service.
While we recommend booking in advance to guarantee a bed, you can still hike the "old-fashioned way." Most DNT cabins set aside a portion of their beds for guests who arrive without a reservation.
DNT has a long-standing tradition of never turning anyone away. Most cabins offer a "space guarantee," meaning we will find a place for everyone to sleep, even if it’s on a mattress on the floor in a common area. Note that some local variations may occur.
Some DNT cabins can be booked in full, these do not have a space guarantee. Most cabins in the mountains have bed reservations, you can see this on the cabin's website on UT.no.
Always have the DNT key with you when you go on a trip from cabin to cabin.
Most unstaffed and self-service cabins require a DNT key, but some DNT cabins are unlocked all year round. The staffed cabins have their own staff who welcome you during the cabin's opening hours.
Outside the staffed cabins' opening hours, many of the staffed cabins have a unstaffed and self-service part you can spend the night in. More about this and how to book a place can be found on the cabin's website on UT.no.
How can I travel by public transport to the mountains?
If you take public transport to the mountains, you can relax and enjoy the view from the time you leave home. Photo: Marius Dalseg.
There's a special freedom i leaving the car at home and letting trains or buses transport you to the mountains. Here are our best tips on how to start your holiday by bus, train or boat. The possibilities are many!
Historical hiking routes are a collaboration between DNT and the Directorate for Cultural Heritage, which makes the old traffic route better known and more used. The selected routes give you great outdoor experiences in combination with unique cultural heritage.
DNT Signatur is some of Norway's finest trips, They last for at least five days and up to three weeks, and go through beautiful nature and cultural landscapes. With SignaTurene, DNT makes it even easier for more people to experience the most beautiful mountain areas and the best hiking routes in Norway.
