NORWAY MOUNTAIN HIKING TIPS
Before departing for your Norwegian mountain adventure, consider the following list to make sure you are fully prepared.
WARM WEATHER CLOTHING
Even in Summer we highly recommend warm weather clothing, especially if you are planning on hiking in the mountains. A down jacket is highly recommend, it might not be needed during the day in the summer but at night time it can really make a difference whilst sleeping.
GOOD FOOTWEAR
We hiked in trainers as they were lightwear and had good grip, the trails were good and well trodden. We would suggest boots with ankle support and sturdy grip though. We were travelling light on this specific trip. 9 times out of 10 on mountain hikes we will be wearing hiking boots.
TELL SOME WHERE YOU ARE GOING
Always tell someone your route, and how long you will be gone for. If for any reason you get into difficulties then they will be able to alert the authorities.
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
This goes along with the previous point, but plan your route it could save you.
WILD CAMPING
Wild camping is allowed in Norway. We camped in the Jotunheimen National Park overlooking a beautiful Fjord and it was amazing.
ALLOW MORE TIME
If a hike is expected to take 6 hours then add an extra hour on for breaks and other stops.
RAIN GEAR
Always pack a rain jacket in your bag, the mountain weather can change fast and the last thing you want to be is wet on top of a mountain.
WEAR A LAYERING SYSTEM
The best way to stay both cool and warm is to dress in layers. Avoid one large jumper or other bulky items. Bulky items cannot be removed to adapt to the conditions. Wear a base layer, a mid layer and a top layer, you can then add an outer layer depending on the conditions.
SUNSCREEN
Always wear sunscreen, especially in the mountains. You are higher and the sun is always stronger in the mountains. Even in winter or overcast days the sun can still burn you.
UV PROTECTED SUNGLASSES
Like wearing sunscreen, we would always recommend a good pair of UV sunglasses. The UV is stronger in the mountains and can lead to scorched eyes.