Hiking in Norway is a dream. It’s also tradition and an integral part of the Norwegian psyche and soul. If you want to understand Norway and a Norwegian, then look no further than their great outdoors. The answer is ‘out there’.
Den norske turistforening, also known as DNT, is Norway’s equivalent to an alpine club or outdoor association, and is in charge of Norway’s network of trails, huts and outdoor activities. It advertises itself as ‘your key to the Norwegian outdoors’, and with good reason. The DNT key, which you get upon becoming a member, unlocks all the doors within its hut network. Choose from 500 huts in Norway, and discounted rates in other Scandinavian countries.
As a long distance hike will no doubt involve staying overnight at or using (during the day) some of the DNT huts, membership with Den norske turistforening is a must. Membership guarantees discounted rates on accommodation, among other things.
You don’t need to be a member to benefit from the thousands of marked trails that the DNT has set up in Norway. If you’d like to know more about the trail network and the huts, then visit the DNT’s UT.no web site, which is an online database containing tour suggestions and official trails, maps, hut info, etc., throughout Norway.
There is also Outtt.no, which has an app you can download and a list of recommended hikes throughout Norway to choose from.
Or make your own map by visiting Norgeskartet.no. Select the area you’re going to hike in, save it as a PDF and then print out. It’s as easy as that.