Going hiking in Norway soon? Then make sure you’re well prepared! It doesn’t just make hiking a lot more comfortable and fun, in the worst case it can even be a matter of life and death. Every year tourists still have to be rescued from mountaintops by helicopter, so read on quickly and make sure you don’t end up in the newspaper because of that (EXPENSIVE) helicopter flight.
1. Get good hiking boots
The basics matter most. Get good footwear that suits the terrain you’re going to walk on. We always hike in waterproof AB- or B-category boots ourselves. An AB boot sits between a hiking shoe and a mountain boot, has a flexible sole and often offers extra ankle support. This boot is perfectly suited to most beginner hikes in Norway. A B boot has a stiffer sole, offers even more ankle support and is great for multi-day treks with a heavy pack. A category B boot is often quite a bit heavier than an AB boot, though.
The above is a handy rule of thumb, but of course what feels comfortable is super personal. Every foot is different, so set aside an afternoon and go try on boots. In the store they can give you good advice for the specific trip you’re planning and the wishes you have. Don’t forget to buy matching (preferably wool) hiking socks. They’re thicker in the places where there’s a lot of friction and they dry quickly, which keeps the chance of blisters to a minimum!
2. Choose the right backpack
For day hikes, preferably choose a daypack between 20 and 30 liters, with adjustable straps and a breathable back panel. That way you avoid unnecessary sweating and you can adjust the backpack completely to your body. I have very sensitive shoulders myself, and even lugging grocery bags quickly gives me a sore shoulder. So for hiking it’s really important to me to have a backpack with shoulder straps that don’t dig in, and I like it when there’s a buckle around my hips. This lets the weight rest on your hips instead of on your shoulders.
For multi-day hikes with camping gear, I can wholeheartedly recommend the Fjällräven Abisko 75L. This backpack has a breathable back panel, adjustable straps and hip buckles. It also has super handy compartments, pockets, zippers and side pockets, so you can easily reach everything and don’t have to empty your whole backpack every time you need something along the way.
3. Check the weather forecast
Al-ways check the weather forecast. The weather in Norway is super unpredictable and different every single day. Sure, in the mountains you can always get caught by unexpected rain showers, but it’s good to know roughly what to expect. If you wear a warm, moisture-wicking base layer, you can handle most weather conditions. On top of that, it never hurts to pack a rain jacket or poncho when you go hiking in Norway. I’m a big fan of my Eco Shell jacket myself, because it keeps out both wind and water! And ever since we got caught in a snowstorm on Besseggen in August, I also always have protection for my ears and gloves in my backpack. That’s not happening to me a second time..
4. Match your hike to your fitness/health
Make sure you’re in good shape, or match the hike to your fitness level. Norwegians have a habit of slightly underestimating the difficulty of their hikes at least for those of us from the Netherlands, where I live. What they label as ‘easy’ can be quite an undertaking for someone who’s used to hiking on the Veluwe. Keep that in mind while planning. Always allow a little extra time for a hike, so you can take breaks and walk at your own pace. That way you can avoid nasty injuries and helicopter flights back down.
5. Always tell someone where you’re going
Going hiking alone in Norway? Always tell someone where you’re going and roughly what time you expect to be back. Also try to let that person know if you’re unexpectedly gone longer or decide to take a different route. Hiking together? Never, under any circumstances, leave each other behind. You’re only as fast as the slowest walker.
6. Use your common sense
Use your common sense. Does something feel unsafe? Then it probably is. Is a storm coming? Find shelter. Are you in pain? Take a rest. In Norway there are no fences anywhere and hardly any warning signs. Norwegians simply assume you can figure out for yourself that you can fall off mountains and waterfalls. Be careful when taking photos and don’t push past your own limits. That way you know for sure you’ll get home safely.
7. Think carefully about what goes in your backpack
Match the contents of your backpack to the weather conditions, your fitness, the kind of hike you’re going to do and your own needs along the way. Also take a look at my personal checklist for hiking in the mountains. Going on a multi-day hike? Then check out the super handy hiking vacation packing list by We12Travel!
8. Make sure you can’t get lost
Norway has its own, super handy way of marking routes: The Blood Red T’s. The striking red T’s are repainted every year by volunteers. You’ll come across them on rocks, cairns or other eye-catching spots. The T stands for ‘trygghet’, Norwegian for safety. Want to get home safely? Then you’d better follow the T’s. Planning to leave the trails, for example to camp in the wilderness? Then make sure you bring a map and GPS. That way you’ll always find your way back.
9. Listen to your body
Your body is the boss. Even if that means you have to turn back early or cut your hike short. Carrying on when your body tells you something is wrong can cause lasting damage. So to avoid serious injuries, it’s best to turn back or, if you’re on a multi-day trek, to end the trek. Sometimes a break or a rest day can work wonders too. As soon as my feet start bothering me, I like to take a break, take off my boots and socks and recover for a bit. It’s a myth that you’re better off keeping your boots on!
With the tips above, you’re guaranteed a carefree and comfortable hiking vacation in Norway! For the experienced hikers among us they may be a bit obvious, so do you have any essential tips or advice of your own? Leave them in the comments below!
Personal travel advice
Want to go hiking in Norway and get advice from someone who’s been there? Feel free to get in touch with me, and together we’ll see what I can do for you!
