The Norwegian Trekking Association (in short DNT) is Norway's biggest hiking and outdoor activity organization. We have cabins all over the country - in the mountains, by the ocean, along the fjords and in the woods. There are three types of DNT cabins: staffed lodges, self-service cabins and no-service cabins. This is your guide on how to use our self-service and no-service cabins.
A self-service cabin is equipped with a stocked pantry. Here you will find a selection of basic food items for purchase, such as instant soups, oatmeal, canned goods, pasta, crispbread, spreads, and snacks.
A no-service cabin does not have a pantry or any food for sale, and you must bring all of your own food.
Both self-service and no-service cabins are equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay - including a fully equipped kitchen, tableware, duvets, and pillows. You will also find essentials such as firewood, gas, candles, and matches in all of our cabins. Guests are responsible for cooking, collecting water, washing dishes, as well as cleaning the cabin before you leave.
Before Your Trip
Booking
In DNT the philosophy is that there should always be room for hikers arriving at our cabins. However, it may be wise to book a bed in advance where this is possible, especially during busy periods when many people are out hiking and using the cabins.
There will always be some beds that cannot be reserved in advance, these are kept available for guests who arrive without a booking.
Some accommodation options can only be reserved in advance and are not available for drop-in stays. This mainly applies when an entire room or cabin is booked as a single unit, such as the small cabins at Skåpet.
Payment
If you have booked through our cabin booking system, your will already have paid for your accommodation upon arrival. Remember to note this in the cabin register.
If you have not booked and paid in advance, you can pay for your stay through the DNT app.
Remember to pay for any food items you take from the pantry at self-service cabins. This can also be done through the DNT app.
Useful Apps
There are a few apps we recommend downloading before visiting a DNT-cabin.
The DNT App The DNT App allows you to pay for accommodation, provisions, and day visits. It can be used offline when there is no mobile coverage.
You will also find a digital version of your membership card in the app.
The UT App The UT app contains all the information you need about DNT cabins, marked hiking trails, and suggested hikes.
You can download both route descriptions and maps, making them available even when you have no mobile signal or internet access.
During Your Stay
Cabin Register
Remember to fill out your information in the cabin register - even if you have booked and paid for your stay in advance. You must always register before finding your bed. The book is usually easy to find and is often kept near the front door.
Fill out the collums in the register - your name, membership number (if you have one), where you are coming from, where you are heading next, and your payment method.
Water
Some cabins do not have running water. At these cabins, you will find buckets for collecting water and information about the nearest water source.
During winter, you will often need to melt snow for water. We encourage you to use the wood-burning stove for heating water and melting snow whenever possible, as this helps save gas.
Always empty water containers before leaving the cabin.
Lighting and Electricity
Many cabins do not have electricity at all, while others have limited solar power.
All cabins are equipped with wood-burning stoves and firewood, gas for cooking, and candles. Make sure candles are securely placed in holders, and never leave a room unattended while candles are burning.
It is always a good idea to bring a headlamp and a power bank.
At cabins operated by DNT Stavanger and Omegn, firewood costs NOK 10 per kilogram used.
Toilet Facilities
Most DNT cabins have outdoor toilets (outhouses). Here you will often find a picture of the Norwegian royal family and perhaps some reading material.
Remember to use the peat or bark provided after use.
Most cabins supply toilet paper, but it can be a good idea to bring some extra just in case. Hand sanitizer can also be useful to keep in your backpack.
Sleeping Arrangements
At most DNT cabins, you book a bed rather than a private room.
There are some exceptions where you can book an entire room or cabin as a single unit and have it all to yourself. However, in most cases you should expect to share both the cabin and your room with other guests.
The cabins provide duvets and pillows, but you must bring either bed linen or a sleeping bag liner.
Quiet hours are between 11:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Please be considerate of guests who wish to go to bed early, as many hikers start their day early.
Drying Clothes
Do you have wet clothes after a day in the outdoors? Most cabins have good facilities for drying both clothes and footwear.
Use the drying room if there is one available at the cabin you are staying at, or hang up your clothes on hooks or on the drying rack above the wood-burning stove.
Before Departure
Cleaning
The rule is simple: leave the cabin in the same condition you would like to find it yourself -and preferably a little better then when you arrived.
The next guest should arrive at a clean and welcoming cabin.
You will find all necessary cleaning equipment, including sweeps and soap, at the cabin.
Before leaving, please:
Sweep and clean the floors in all rooms you have used.
Wipe down surfaces.
Wash and put away all dishes and kitchen equipment you have used.
Make the bed after use.
Refill the wood supply for the next guest.
Do not disconnect the gas cylinder, but make sure the gas valve is turned off.
Check that all windows and doors are closed before you leave.
Waste Disposal
You will find information at the cabin about waste and recycling procedures.
At some cabins, you are required to carry your waste back out with you.
Enjoy Your Trip!
This guide covers our self-service and unstaffed cabins.
If you are staying at one of our staffed lodges, you will arrive in a warm cabin and a table already set for you. In that case, there is very little to think about other than enjoying your stay.
