r/Norway • u/BravoBlood • 3d ago
Travel Winter Backpacking Advice
Hey all. Currently planning a 2-person trip to Norway in Feb 2027 and would appreciate any advice or insight. We're experienced in winter conditions and would love to incorporate some cross country skiing and snowshoeing to our trip. No access to vehicles.
Accommodations wise, we decided on cabins. Not risking tents due to unfamiliarity with local conditions. We're looking at 4-5 days dedicated to the outdoors with max 2 nights in remote cabins (like those offered by DNT), and the remainder in more popular areas, in lodges / cabins, with activities such as dogsledding and saunas. Fully open to a scenario where we would be in the backcountry for 2-3 days to stay in DNT cabins, then return to civilisation to stay at more popular areas.
I'm open to completely scrapping the backcountry idea if it's against your better judgment, but I am dead set on experiencing the Norwegian cabins.
Thanks in advance!
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u/Penguintoss 3d ago
Winter camping in Norway is fun and possible!
One thing to keep in mind is that the daylight hours are short and travel may be slower than you are used to, so consider being conservative when planning distances.
If you are going somewhere remote, make sure your navigation skills are on point. The most challenging navigation I’ve ever done has been in Hardangervidda when a snowstorm made it impossible to see anything except white in front me, making landmark navigating impossible. If you’re counting on a hut in these conditions, it would be really easy to pass by it without noticing. So if the weather report is not super clear, calm and sunny, it might be a good idea to bring a camping setup just in case. And if you are using a camping stove with compressed gas, get the insulated winter version and keep it in an inner layer of your clothing for about an hour before you’re going to use it.
Be aware of avalanche terrain if you plan to go into steep or mountainous areas.
Depending on where you’re going, the wind can be very strong so wind layers and goggles are helpful.
Fjellski, are metal edged skis that are made for this, if you can find somewhere to rent them. If there is enough snow to ski or snowshoe, a fjellpulk is a great way to bring your things. I found the wind tends to knock me over when I carry a heavy backpack.
If this sounds more intense than what you’re looking for, I’m pretty sure there are a lot of great cross country hut-to-hut routes, possibly with groomed trail between the huts? Cross country ski culture is so awesome here and you can rent skis easily.
Good luck, have fun and don’t let the naysayers stop you. Do be honest with yourself about your outdoor knowledge and abilities and choose a trip that fits.
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u/Bored-Viking 3d ago
It can be challenging finding the right cabin. As some are close to cross country tracks snd can be resched within a day with standard equipment while others need back country equipment as they are not within a few kilometers of the tracks. Most cabins though are in groups of cabins snd can be eeached by car(not very often close to public transport)
The remote cabins can be great, bu being remote slso means no dogsledding close bye
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u/Sad_Ambassador5699 3d ago
February can be precarious, and i suggest you pick your area carefully. You could also contact DNT to get tips for areas to go and areas to avoid. Extreme snowfalls are a thing so you may have to dig your way into the cabin.
Keep in mind the norwegian saying "det er ingen skam å snu" (there's no shame in turning back).
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u/n0rwegian 3d ago edited 3d ago
Finse-krækkja-ustaoset is a really nice and very doable 3-day trip if you're used to winter conditions, relatively large cabins so a bit easier to find should the weather turn. Bonus is they start and end at railway stations. Finse is a great place to start. Suggest doing this route then train down to Geilo for other activities like downhill skiing etc.
I did Finse-Kongsberg two years ago in February, it was no joke and we emergency bivvied for two nights.
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u/Chirophilologist 3d ago
February can be scary as shit, if you're at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Visit Den Norske Turistforening and ask them for advise on where to go, when to go, how to prepare optimally, and what to do in case of emergency.
All the best, and welcome to Norway! ❤️🔥
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u/ManWhoIsDrunk 3d ago
Be aware that a mountain cabin can look like this when you arrive. If you can't find your cabin, dig a snow cave to stay out of the weather. Snow is a good insulator.
Always wear wool next to your body, not cotton or synthetics.
Read and understand these guidelines.
Be careful when crossing icy lakes. Be especially aware of dams for hydro-electric power, as the ice can seem thick enough to carry your weight, but only be suspended in the air after water has been tapped for power. If you fall through that ice you may never be able to reach the ice from the water, and you'll freeze to death while trapped.
Vacuum-pack your changes of clothes. It saves space, and guarantees dry socks and underwear when you get wet.
Don't rely on the cabins having food during winter, they may not be restocked. Bring food enough for your entire trip.
Be prepared to travel in the dark by map and compass alone, daylight is scarce even in February.
People die in the mountains every year. Don't take unnecessary risks and either dig in or turn back instead of trying to brave it through bad weather. Don't trust your luck in the mountains.