When DNT estimates five hours between cabins, why does it take you seven? Here's how to calculate hiking time for your trip.
Ever since the Norwegian Trekking Association was founded in 1868, the question of distance between A and B has been an important topic. Back then, as today, it was the walking time that indicated how long a route was. Until the 1990s, this was four kilometres per hour. Today's estimates are based on an adult in reasonably good shape, carrying a 10-kilo packs. The standard is 3.5 kilometers per hour on marked trails in partly hilly mountain terrain.
Your fitness level, group pace and size, weather, and trail conditions can cause the trip to be longer than expected.
In particularly wet conditions, snow, or fog, estimates may be too optimistic.
How to calculate the time
Standard pace: 3.5 km/h (adult carrying a 10 kg backpack)
Steep climbs: 15 min per 100m
Steep descents: 30 min per 400m
Breaks: 1 hour per 5 hours
Children <10: Double the time
Children 10-14: Add 50%
Example: 10 km route with 500m elevation gain
Distance: 10 km ÷ 3.5 = 2.9 hours
Climb: 500m ÷ 100 × 15 min = 75 min (1.25 hours)
Total hiking: 4.15 hours
With breaks: ~5.5 hours
Accounting for elevation ehange
Time estimates reflect actual hiking time. Route planners use a curvimeter to count kilometers from A to B. They also account for factors that affect the standard 3.5 km/h pace.
In the calculations, add 15 minutes per 100 meters of elevation gain, meaning most hikers climb at about 400 meters per hour on steep terrain. Descents are faster, allow 30 minutes per 400 meters of descent. Estimates also account for challenging terrain like boulder fields, marshes, and river crossings.
Remember to add breaks
Stated times don't include breaks. On a five-hour trip, DNT recommends adding a minimum of one hour for rest. "On hikes over seven hours, fatigue increases, and more time should be set aside for breaks.
Your total time outdoors will exceed the stated hiking time. On a sunny day, there is no point in arriving early. In bad weather, you'll want to reach your destination quickly.
Hiking with children
More families are hiking routes like Besseggen or Galdhøpiggen with children, but often underestimate how much longer children need.
As a rule of thumb, double the hiking time for children under 10. For children aged 10-14, add 50 percent to the estimated timet. Of course, this depends on the children's previous hiking experience.
Preparation
After a few hikes, you'll discover your natural pace. Use this to plan more accurately. You might find you hike at 3 km/h rather than 4 km/h.
What is your speed? Try it out, and you will soon be able to calculate your walking time from A to B. Hiking maps are regularly updated.
If you are planning your trip in May, but do not leave until July, you MUST check the latest version of the map on UT.no.
