Walking in Norway. Constance Roos

      Summer is short in the mountain regions, but the Gulf Stream and westerly winds provide Norway with a much warmer climate than its northerly location would suggest. Warmer, drier summer weather usually does not begin before the first week of July and continues into early September.

      In the summer, days on the Norwegian coast are warm and the nights are chilly. Temperatures in the mountains drop a bit lower, although remain pleasant during the main summer season. I have found the temperatures in the mountains not unduly hot or cold and thus ideal for walking. During the summer Norway experiences more light than any country in the world. There is no real darkness between the middle of April to the middle of August. I enjoy the long days, and I’ve no worry about getting to the hut after dark.

      The western fjord mountains (Western Hardangervidda, Tafjord, Dovre, West Jotunheimen, Aurlandsdalen and Trollheimen) are prone to more precipitation than other parts of Norway. The more central and eastern ranges (Sylene, Femund, Rondane, Alvdal Vestfjell, Central Hardangervidda, Jotunheimen East to West and Jotunheimen South) are drier. Northern Norway can experience long periods of sunny, warm weather throughout the summer. As in any mountain region, the weather can change abruptly and dramatically, and you must travel prepared for extremes of weather.

      CAMPING

      Norway grants you the right of free access to the mountains, and the Great Open Air Charter of 1957 allows you to camp freely with certain obligations. You may not litter, disturb animals or damage trees or plants. Camp fires are prohibited from 15 April to 15 September. You may camp anywhere for one night, as long as you are not within 150 metres of a building. In the Rondane and Jotunheimen this rule has been modified so that camping is not allowed within one kilometre of a hut, except in designated areas. Near some of the staffed lodges camping is permitted and an additional fee allows you to use hut facilities.

      CAIRNED ROUTES/WAYMARKING

      Routes are marked with a typical stack of rock cairns. DNT’s red T on rocks is a welcome sign during days of low visibility. Signposts mark almost all junctions, but some are small and have stood for many years. Although waymarking in the Norwegian mountains is quite good, you should purchase area maps.

      CROWDED TRAILS

      You will find overcrowded trails in the Rondane, Jotunheimen and Central Hardangervidda during the high summer season. Fewer people frequent the Western Hardangervidda (Route 1), Trollheimen Circle (Route 15), the Tafjord (Route 12), my favourite areas in the south. Some of the finest, remote and less crowded mountain walking in Norway is found in the north along the Troms Border Trail (Route 19).

      SAFETY IN THE MOUNTAINS

      Except for the high season in the Jotunheimen, Rondane and Central Hardangervidda, there can be few people on many of the mountain paths in Norway. You should plan your route before starting out, study the maps, know how much elevation will be gained or lost, and estimate the time you will need to your next stopping point. You should not set out without emergency equipment, extra food and clothing appropriate for cold and wet conditions. Watch for bad weather approaching.

      GLACIER TRAVEL