Most DNT cabins are either self-service (with provisions) or no-service (without provisions). Here is a guide on how to use them.
Planning
Planning is an essential part of any trip. Visit UT.no to find hiking areas, suggestions, and cabins. Remember to get a map of the area and a DNT key. Pack your backpack and you're ready to go!
DNT's cabin booking provides a quick overview of available beds. Note that some cabins cannot be booked online yet; you can find more information about these on their individual pages at UT.no.
The DNT Key
The vast majority of unstaffed cabins are locked with the standard DNT key. A good rule of thumb is to always keep this little key in your backpack. Members can obtain a key for a NOK 100 deposit.
Remember to always have your DNT key with you on a trip! Photo: Marius Dalseg
Arrival
When you arrive at a self-service or no-service DNT cabin, there is one thing you should do right away:
Sign the guestbook (protocol)
Register your stay in the guestbook with your name, membership number, and other required information. This applies even if you have pre-booked your stay online.
During your stay
The cabins are equipped with everything you need for cooking and a comfortable stay, including full kitchenware, tableware, and duvets and pillows. You are responsible for your own cooking, fetching water, washing up, cleaning the floors, and general tidying both inside and outside the cabin.
Heating the cabin
Once you have settled in, it’s time to light the stove. Please use the firewood responsibly and with care.
How to light the fire:
Place two small split logs on each side of the stove with the split side facing inward.
Fill the space between them with newspaper, birch bark, or other kindling.
Stack small pieces of firewood crosswise on top, and finish with a larger log at the very top.
A fire in the stove or fireplace immediately creates a cozy atmosphere. Photo: Marius Dalseg.
Lighting
More and more cabins are being equipped with solar power, and some have a standard electrical supply. However, at many cabins, candles are still the primary light source.
Safety first: Always ensure that candles are placed securely in their holders.
Water
You will find a notice in the cabin indicating the nearest water source. During winter, you may need to melt snow for water. We recommend heating both water and snow on top of the wood-burning stove whenever possible; this helps conserve gas for cooking.
Departure: Always empty all water containers before leaving the cabin to prevent the water from freezing or becoming stagnant for the next guest.
You will find information about the nearest water source at the cabin.
Drying Clothes
If you get wet after a day outdoors, most cabins are well-equipped for drying clothes and shoes near the stove. Hang up your wet gear and change into dry clothes as soon as possible.
Lighting
Some cabins have electricity or solar power, but the vast majority rely on candles or kerosene lamps. Ensure candles are securely placed in holders and be careful not to spill lamp oil when refilling.
Cooking and Gas Safety
Propane stoves are the standard for cooking at the cabins. Before lighting the stove, flip the switch on the propane cylinder regulator to the "open" position.
Important: Remember to flip it back to the "closed" position before going to bed or leaving the cabin.
The Pantry (Food Storage)
All self-service cabins feature a pantry stocked with provisions. Here you can find everything you need, from crispbread and oatmeal to instant soups and canned goods.
Payment: Use the the DNT-app to pay for the food you use. Please remember to download the app before you start your trip!
Offline? If you haven't downloaded the app or are out of range, keep a detailed note of what you have taken and complete the payment through the app as soon as you are back online.
No-service Cabins
Please note that no-service cabins do not have a pantry. If you are visiting a no-service cabin, you must bring all your own food and supplies.
Pay for food and accommodation with the DNT app
Use the DNT app to pay for accommodation and provisions at all unstaffed cabins. Select your cabin, register what you’ve used, and pay directly from your phone. Remember to download the app and log in before you head into the mountains to ensure it works offline.
Hiking gear often gets wet, and most cabins have designated areas near the wood stove for drying clothes and boots. If the cabin has a specific drying room, please use it.
Hang up your wet gear and change into dry clothes as soon as possible to keep warm.
Sleeping
Quiet hours at the cabin are between 11:00 PM (23:00) and 6:00 AM (06:00).
There’s nothing quite like crawling into bed after a long day in the mountains. Remember: You must bring and use either a liner bag (sleep sheet) or your own bed linen.
Please be respectful of those who wish to go to bed early. In return, we hope they show respect for those who wish to sleep in the next morning.
Pro tip: A headlamp is very useful if you want to read in bed without disturbing others.
Remember to bring a sheet bag with you on the cabin trip. Photo: Marius Dalseg.
Toilet
Outdoor toilets, the classic Norwegian utedo, are the standard at DNT cabins. Inside, you will often find pictures of the Royal Family and some light reading material.
Important: Always use the provided peat or bark to sprinkle over what you have left behind. This helps with composting and keeps odors away.
Payment
If you have pre-booked at DNT Cabin booking, your accommodation is already paid for. If not, you can pay for both your stay and any provisions using the DNT app.
Please note: Always remember to pay for any food items taken from the pantry at self-service cabins.
Cleaning and Departure
The golden rule is to leave the cabin in the condition you would wish to find it, and preferably even better than when you arrived.
Cleaning
All necessary cleaning equipment and soap are provided at the cabin. Please clean all rooms used before your departure.
Bed: Make the bed after use (fold blankets/duvets neatly).
Firewood: Bring in a fresh supply of firewood for the next guest.
Gas Safety: Ensure the switch on the gas cylinder regulator is closed. Do not disconnect the regulator from the gas cylinder itself.
Windows and doors: Double-check that all windows and doors are securely closed before leaving.
Trash and Recycling
Information regarding waste management and recycling is posted at each cabin. At many locations, including cabins in the Oslo area (Oslomarka), you must always carry all your trash back home. Remember to bring a plastic bag for your waste!
Cleaning Cutlery, plates, countertops, and floors must be washed before you leave. Leave the cabin in slightly better condition than you found it. Remember to do the dishes!
Remember to do the dishes!
This was the guide to our self-service and no-service cabins. If you stay in staffed ldoges, you will come to a heated cabin. Then you don't have to think about much other than enjoying yourself as much as possible.
Discover our cabin network
DNT offers cabins for every hiker and every adventure! Choose between staffed lodges with served meals, self-service cabins with a stocked pantry, or no-service cabins where you bring your own provisions.
