Camping and Hiking in Norway: Handy Tips

Norway is a haven for those who love camping and hiking. In fact Norway has a Right of Common Access (allemannsretten) that dates back a 1000years. This simply means that you can pitch your tent wherever you want in the wilderness for two nights. You just have to make sure that you are at least 150m from the nearest dwelling place, and you leave no sign of your stay.

Be aware though, it is forbidden to light fires in the proximity of any woodland areas between 15^th April to 15^th September.

Many of Norway's campgrounds do rent out simple cabins. Although cooking facilities are usually provided bedding is not.

For information on camping and hiking in Norway there is the Den Norske Turistforening (DNT). www.dntoslo.no.

The Den Norske Turistforening does keep and maintain a network of unstaffed and staffed huts. These huts are usually no more than a day's hike apart.

Keys for unstaffed huts have to be collected from a DNT office in a nearby town. Offices are open Mon -- Wed and Fri 10am --4pm, Thurs 10am -- 6pm and Sat -- 10am -- 2pm. During the summer months the offices do open one hour earlier.

Hikers can just show up at staffed huts. Staffed huts do provide food and refreshments and can be booked as full board or accommodation only.

The other option is to stay at a hostel. Norway is affiliated with Hostelling International and has 53 hostels (vandrerhjem).

Hostels in Norway are generally only open during the summer months. Should you wish a private room in a hostel that will cost you extra.

Bed linen has to be provided by you, unless you wish to hire some. Most hostels have a kitchen and will provide you with a good breakfast.

For more information on hostels in Norway visit www.hihostels.no.

Ok accommodation sorted let's take a look at why anyone would want to hike in Norway.

Well, Norway offers unsurpassable trails that range from easy trails in the forest moving onwards and upwards to more strenuous and longer trails through its magnificent mountains.

Winters can be bring deep snows to Norway so many trails are seasonal. In fact it can be limited to late June through to September.

Hardgervidda, Jotunheimen and Rondane are three of the most popular wilderness hiking trails.

Those who aren't quite so energetic need not worry as there are absolutely stunning walks wherever you go in Norway.

Source: Europe on a Shoestring - The Lonely Planet, www.lonelyplanet.com.