Frequently asked questions about Norwegian outdoor life

Cabins

What is the difference between the cabins you have?

We have three kinds of cabins, staffed cabins, self-service cabins and unserviced cabins. Check out this link for more info: Cabins.

Can I book cabins in advance?

It is possible to book beds at quite many self- and no-service cabins, but this is not required. Everyone who comes to a cabin will have a place to sleep and during high season (Easter, summer months) there is a cabin warden at the most popular cabins to help organize sleeping arrangements.

Booking is required at some staffed lodges (Sæteren Gård, Kobberhaughytta) and can be advisable at other stafed lodges if you're planning to stay for more then one night. Most staffed lodges have online booking. Lodges without booking sites can be contacted by e-mail or telephone. For further information, see Booking. 

Are the cabins and lodges licensed to serve alcohol?

All DNT staffed lodges are licensed to serve beer, and most of the larger DNT lodges and private lodges in the trail networks are licensed to serve wine as well.

Can I pay by credit card at the cabins?

Most staffed lodges have Point-Of-Sale (POS) terminals for payment by debit or credit card. At self- and no-service cabins you can fill out a payment form and receive payment n to your email later on. Some member associations do have other payment deals, and you will be able to pay as long as you bring your debit or credit card.

When are the cabins open? 

You can check the opening dates for any cabin on UT.no. Most self- and no-service cabins are open year round, but the ones in Jotunheimen, Skarvheimen, Hardangervidda and some other mountain areas are closed from 15th of October until mid February or beginning of March. Staffed lodges are open during summer and some are open also during winter. 

How can I get the key for the cabins?

You can get the DNT key for 100NOK at the DNT Tour Information Centre in Storgata 3, Oslo, and also at Friluftshuset at Sørenga. It is also possible to get the key at all staffed lodges, other DNT offices (Bergen, Stavanger, Trondheim just to mention a few), at www.dntbutikken.no or at selected Tourist Information Centres and private lodges.

Where to get the DNT key

Note that you have to be a DNT member in order to get the key. You're counted as a DNT member if you have a valid membership in one of the other Scandinacian trekking associations, either in Sweden, Finland or Iceland. 

Planning the trip, summer:

How can I plan my trip and get the information I need? 

You can use UT.no as a planning tool. Here you will find online map with all cabins and marked trails, updated information about opening dates for cabins, what key you need, tour length and tour suggestions. (We are sorry that it is all in Norwegian, you will have to use Google translate). 

Are there bridges across the rivers?

Be aware that summer bridges are removed when the closest staffed lodge is closing. 

Even though it is off-season, it can be okey to go there. The main issue is that the summer bridges are taken in when the staffed cabins in the area close. It depends very much on the weather if it is possible to cross rivers without a bridge. 

Are there routes for cycling?

Yes. Most trekking areas below forest line, as well as a few above, offer cycling on roads closed to ordinary traffic. On the larger lakes, scheduled service passenger launches take bicycles, so you can traverse most mountain areas by cycle.

Are there easily accessible paddling waters?

Yes. There are many lakes and rivers suitable for canoeing and kayaking, and there are canoe and kayak rental services at the more popular paddling lakes. 

Is it easy to find your way?

- Yes. Trails are marked with red letter Ts on Cairns and rock faces and are clearly shown on maps. You should allways know where you are at the paper map. 

Do I need special gear?

- You need weatherproof clothing, sturdy boots, a comfortable backpack and other gear that you might use on a day trip. If you will stay at DNT cabins, you need not take a sleeping bag, just a sleeping liner, also called a hut sleeper. The cabins have duvets and blankets, pillows and mattresses.

Take a look at our recommended packing lists for summer tours. 

How can i get to the mountains by public transport? 

- There is some mountain areas and national parks that is easily accessible with train and long-distance busses. Finse, which lies between Hardangervidda and Skarvheimen, is a perfect start and ending point. To find your public transport you should use www.en-tur.no

Planning the trip, winter:

How can i plan my trip and get the information I need? 

- You use the planning tool: ut.no . Here you will find all and updated information about the cabin opening hours, the key, tour lenght and also see the online map. (We are sorry that it is all in Norwegian, you will have to use google translate). 

How can i get to the mountains by public transport? 

- There is some mountain areas and national parks that is easily accessible with train and long-distance busses. Finse, which lies between Hardangervidda and Skarvheimen, is a perfect start and ending point. To find your public transport you should use www.en-tur.no 

I want to go skiing in the mountains - is there prepared ski tracks? 

- No, there are not groomed ski tracks in the mountains. There are waymark ski routes , which are marked temporarily with tree branches or poles, but not groomed. Most of them are only marked until Easter.  
What is distinctive about trekking in Norway?

- The trekking terrain is at lower elevations, so you can trek from cabin to cabin with a light backpack and expect some comforts at the end of the day.

Are there challenges?

- Most trekking - hiking in summer and cross-country skiing in winter - is in rolling mountain terrain. However, there are plenty of areas for mountaineering, technical rock and ice climbing, steep skiing and other extreme sports.

Is the weather harsh?

- Norway is a coastal country warmed by the Gulf Stream of the Atlantic Ocean, so its climate is far milder than that of inland countries at the same latitude. On a dry summer day you may hike in only a T-shirt and shorts. However, the weather is variable. Even in summer, june - august, you should be prepared to cope with sleet and snow, and on glaciers you may meet winter conditions year-round.

Are there good maps?

- Yes. There are detailed topographic maps, normally in scale 1:50 000 for the whole country and special maps for principal trekking and boating areas. Check this page for maps. You can order the maps from dntbutikken.no 

What does DNT mean in English?

- Den Norske Turistforening (DNT) translates best to "The Norwegian Trekking Association".

If I only visit for one trekking trip, do I need to join DNT?

- DNT cabins and facilities are open to all, members and others. However, members enjoy discounts and benefits. To have access to the locked self-serviced huts, you need to be a member. The price of a DNT membership for one year is about equal to the total member discounts in staying three nights at staffed lodges. So, if you intend to trek for more than three days, it pays off to be a DNT member. Moreover, DNT members are entitled to discounts on outdoor gear at selected shops in Norway and at DNTs own shops. DNT-members enjoy discounts at trekking association cabins in Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

Can I get along speaking English?

- Yes. All Norwegians learn English at school from early on. You can speak English with the staff at lodges and with other trekkers.  Moreover, map legends and many publications on trekking are bilingual, Norwegian and English.