A summer exploration of Norway, Rondane National Park
Our hiking journey across Norway’s Rondane National Park begins in the north and, over six days, travels south through a remote and untamed landscape of soaring peaks and lichen-covered plateaus. In the northern section, ten mountains rise above 2,000 metres (6,560 ft), attracting hikers and mountaineers seeking solitude and the raw beauty of a land where wilderness rules supreme.
Rondane is also rich in wildlife and cultural heritage. Keep your eyes open for wild reindeer herds, Arctic foxes, and a variety of alpine birds, while along the trails you may pass traditional mountain cabins and centuries-old farmsteads tucked into the valleys. These glimpses into local life offer a fascinating contrast to the stark, dramatic mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Explore Norway's pure and exceptional wilderness
- Enjoy a landscape where the wild reindeer herds roam
- Hike one of Norway's famous 2000m peaks
- Six days of adventure with cosy mountain lodges
- Experience mid-summer and 24 hours of daylight
- Perfect for a digital detox and escape from the world
This journey is a true immersion into Norway’s highlands - a place where rugged landscapes, wildlife encounters, and cultural touchstones come together to create an unforgettable hiking adventure.
This is for keen hikers who love an adventure in the mountains carrying all kit for the trip. It is a rocky, and wild mountain terrain with quiet trails. We will aim to hike up one of the areas 2000m (6,560 ft) peaks during our stay at the lovely mountain lodge at Rondvassbu.
Holiday Reviews
Grade: Advanced
READ GRADE DESCRIPTIONAt a Glance
| Holiday Type | Walking |
| Duration | 9 Days |
| Group Size | 4-10 |
| Minimum Age | 18 |
| Maximum Altitude | 2178 m (7143ft) |
| Countries Visited | Norway |
| Meet In | Hjerkinn, Norway |
Related Articles
Dates and Prices
2027 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RON1 |
19 Jun 2027
Saturday |
26 Jun 2027
Saturday |
8 days |
£2,295
Deposit: £650 |
Spaces Available | Book Now |
2028 Departures
| Code | Start Date | Return Date | Duration | Price | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RON1 |
24 Jun 2028
Saturday |
01 Jul 2028
Saturday |
8 days |
£2,490
Deposit: £650 |
Spaces Available | Book Now |
What's Included
- 5 nights full board accommodation in mountain lodges, including packed lunch, based on a shared room
- 2 nights accommodation in mountain hotel, dinner, packed lunch, bed and breakfast, based on a shared room
- Services of a professional International Mountain Leader
- Luggage transfer from Hjerkinn to final hotel at Høvringen
- Transfer from Høvringen to Otta train station on departure
- Transfer from Hjerkinn train station to Hjerkinn Fjellstue
What's Not Included
- Travel Insurance - required
- Miscellaneous personal spending
- Travel to meeting point & from departure point
Itinerary
You most likely will have taken the train north to meet your group and your jumping off point at Hjerkinn station is historic. The train station is a gorgeous old coaching house from the 13th century. It sits at the highest altitude on the railway between Oslo and Trondheim at 1017m (3,335ft). Your guide will meet you at your accommodation. There will be a trip briefing either after dinner, or on the first morning. For details refer to 'Arrival & Departure' under 'Trip Information'.
We begin our journey through Norway's first National Park at Hjerkinn a truly ancient and historic settlement with mountain lodges dating back to around 900 BC. We have an easy start today with a 4 km (2.5 miles) stroll through the birch woods along the pilgrims route, the Kongsleden, or King's Trail. Also known as St Olav's Way this famous pilgrim route runs 643km (401 miles) from Oslo to Trondheim where the remains of the famous Viking King, Olav Haraldsson, later known as St Olav, were interred in Nidaros Cathedral in the year 1030. We will hike the King's Trail to the settlement of Hageseter where we branch off into the heart of the Rondane mountains. The terrain begins to feel more remote as we head through the Dovrefjell National Park, crossing various streams along the way. A descent to the valley brings us to our overnight stop.
Ascent: 699m (2292ft) Descent: 657m (2154ft) Distance: 18.4km (11.5 miles) Duration: 06h30 - 07h30
We ease into our way into the day by crossing the wide Grimsdalen. The word 'dalen' means valley in Norwegian and features in many of the names throughout the country. A lovely start through the birch woodland and over a few streams. We are aiming to contour round a wide broad ridge called Gravhøe to the south east, before a steep descent to the next river valley. From here on we have to work a little harder as we climb steadily up to a high gully which takes us between two mountains. For the first part we follow a stream and then it's on to the boulder field where concentration and sure footedness is everything. Once over our high point the views to the next valley where we will overnight begin to open up. An easy descent through the cloudberries and juniper takes us to another remote mountain settlement.
Ascent: 1079m (3539ft) Descent: 901m (2955ft) Distance: 16.5km (10.3 miles) Duration: 07h00 - 08h00
Our day begins with a gentle hike along the river bank, before branching off to the south and climbing to the high ground beyond. The route follows along beside a spectacular rocky gorge that has cleft this mountain landscape. On the way you may see lemmings running through the low growing ground shrubs and lichens which cover this land. After a few hours we being climbing to today's high point as we traverse the rocky mountainside, encountering our near daily stream crossing. With great views of the highest mountain in the Rondane, and the river valley ahead it's a lovely hike. A descent leads to a waterfall and a footbridge which marks the beginning of our final climb of the day. A short descent takes us to the fabulous log cabin where we will spend the night, and enjoy some of the best food to be had on the trail!
Ascent: 663m (2174ft) Descent: 848m (2781ft) Distance: 21km (9.7 miles) Duration: 07h45 - 08h45
We are usually ready for a shorter day today and as we say goodbye to one of the best cabins in Norway, we wander through birch woodland, before gaining our traversing trail taking us to Rondvassbu. The rocky theme continues today, but we can take our time and enjoy these wild mountains where it is not unusual to find 'cast' reindeer antlers lying by the trail. This valley, the Illmanndalen, has many recorded sites of ancient reindeer pit traps. These, which date back thousands of years, were stone built and were originally accompanied by fences or walls to lead the animals into the pit. Eventually, you get the sense that the ground ahead begins to fall way, and we begin our descent to the well known lake of Rondvatnet. This is a popular summer woken spot for Norwegians and many make their way to our overnight at Rondvassbu in the hope of 'bagging' a 2000m peak. Rondvassbu is a lovely lakeside cabin and we enjoy spending our two nights here where you can even hire a bike, or take a boat ride.
Ascent: 571m (1872ft) Descent: 329m (1079ft) Distance: 13.3km (8.3 miles) Duration: 05h30 - 06h30
Today we hope to climb a 2000m (6560 ft) peak in the Rondane National Park. In Norway hikers love to collect 2000m peaks, rather like Munro bagging in the UK where the goal is mountains over 914m (3000 ft). Throughout Norway there are 291 summits that reach the magical meterage and our base at Rondvassbu has seven in the nearby area so we have a few to choose from. We may opt to ascend the popular peak of Veslesmeden which has a summit at 2015m (6609ft). There are great views during the hike of the long lake of Rondvatnet which lies below us. Wild views today from the tops, and with clear weather we can look into the Jotunheim National Park in the far distance. You may find yourself buying a 'pin' with the summit name and height on your return to our DNT cabin, let's hope so, because it will indicate you've made the top!
Ascent: 1000m (3280ft) Descent: 1000m (3280ft) Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles) Duration: 07h00 - 08h00*
*A guidance only as it will depend on which peak we climb.
Today is our final hike as we leave Rondvassbu and Rondvatnet and head for our destination at Høvringen. We first of all head up onto the plateau and test our stone stepping skills as we cross a few streams burbling their way through the low growing juniper and boy myrtle. Our views are wide open today as we make our way towards an ancient hunting cabin that is built into the rocks. It's a cosy retreat from the weather if we require it, and is a great early lunch stop. We continue across the mountain while steadily losing height as we head towards the Peer Gynt Hytta, which on holidays, is open for coffee and waffles. All around these mountains there is reference to Henrik Ibsen's five-act play Peer Gynt. But nowhere is Peer Gynt more tangible than at the stone hut on one of Rondane's most beautiful streams that bears his name. From here we head towards the lovely mountain lodge of Smuksjøseter. The final section of the trail is lovely, gone are the rocks, as we follow a sandy path through the mountain heather which leads us to the ancient settlement of Brekkeseter with its wonderful traditional buildings. Then it's a short hike to our overnight hotel at Høvringen, and a well earned sauna.
Ascent: 256m (1295ft) Descent: 465m (262ft) Distance: 19.9km (9.7 miles) Duration: 06h30 - 07h30
It may be possible to organise our hotel to collect you at Smuksjøseter which will shorten the day by 5km (3 miles). This will be at your own expense.
Tracks and Trails services end after the transfer to join your onward travel.
It is our aim to complete the proposed itinerary outlined above, however, it may be necessary for our guides/instructors to adjust the daily itinerary based on the weather conditions, group safety and enjoyment.
Accommodation
We aim to provide comfortable, cosy, family run accommodation. On this trip we spend the first and last nights, at Hjerkinn and Høvringen, in hotel style accommodation in twin bedrooms with two people of the same gender sharing. On these nights a single room may be available upon request, but will rely on early booking as they are limited in number. Please refer to 'Trip Information' and 'Single Supplements' for the supplementary charge. It is very rare to have air conditioning in the mountainous areas where we run our trips, and the accommodation on this trip does not have this facility.
For the rest of the trip we are hiking in a remote area where the only options are the mountain cabins/lodges. In Norway the cabins are more like rustic characterful hotels and are quite lovely. Most are provided by the DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) and the food and facilities are excellent. All have showers, drying rooms for wet kit, small shops with basic items, and good food. You can read more about what it is like to stay in a DNT hut here.
In the DNT cabins we aim to book rooms for two people to share which will be in rooms with bunk beds, but this depends on availbiity on booking. There may be several nights when we are in rooms for four people or more and cannot rule out having to use a dormmitory style room of mixed gender.
Bed linen and towels; you can choose to carry a pack towel, and a sheet sleeping bag or hire from the DNT cabins on arrival. Bed linen is around 250 - 300 NOK per person per night, and towels are around 35-45 NOK per night; the hire cost is not included in your trip fee. By giving you the choice we avoid passing on this cost.
If you would like further information about the accommodation you are welcome to contact us to discuss.
Hjerkinn Fjellstue, Hjerkinn
Hjerkinn Fjellstue has been welcoming travellers since 1640 and is believed to be the oldest family business in Norway!
Hjerkinn Fjellstue is a working farm, with a range of livestock, which has been run by the same family for 13 generations. A truly historic overnight stay in the mountains. It is believed that there was activity at some of the mountain lodges here earlier than 900 BC. The rooms in the hotel were built in 1992 and renovated in 2020. There are four single rooms and 22 double rooms in the main building. The rooms have a private bathroom with shower and toilet, and free wifi. There is said to have been a settlement at two of the mountain lodges at Hjerkinn even before King Eystein who was credited with being the force behind the organised operation of Norwegian mountain lodges.
Grimsdalshytta DNT, Dovre
Grimsdalshytta DNT hut is, like all DNT accommodation, a cosy and welcoming place to stay in a beautiful location.
Grimsdalshytta is situated between Rondane and Dovre national parks, in one of Norway's most beautiful high valleys, Grimsdalen. It has space for 54 people in a range of rooms, as well as a drying room for clothing and kit. All rooms are provided with pillows and duvets, and you can either hire linen on arrival or use your sheet sleeping bag liner. Electricity is provided by a generator, and it is advised to bring your head torch, just in case! There are good showers, and toilets. The meals are excellent!
Øvre Dørålseter Turisthytte, Folldal
Since the mid-18th century, there has been a farm in Dørålen. The main house, the actual tourist lodge, was completed in 1940, and since then hikers and mountain lovers have been able to stay here.
Until the summer of 2006, it was still a dairy farm. Today, Øvre Dørålseter Turisthytte is run by Marius Rindal, in the same spirit as his great-great-grandfather who built the lodge. In 2017 the accommodation was renovated and the showers and toilets upgraded. It now has 100 beds, in a range of rooms from singles, to family rooms. Like all these mountain lodges it is in a lovely situation. The hut has a drying room as well as showers, and toilets. The shower block is in the main building. There is also a small infrared sauna in the toilet block which is free of charge. There is a small shop area selling snacks, and essential items, such as sunglasses, foot tape etc.
Bjørnhollia DNT, Folldal
Bjørnhollia DNT lodge is one of our favourites with a stunning lounge area with central fireplace overlooking the valley.
Bjørnhollia lies in the south of the Rondane range, with its sheltered valleys and wonderful scenery. The lodge is a true gem and in 1984 it was awarded the Muncipality of Sel Architecture Prize for the best trekker facility in the mountains. Enjoy chilling out in the lounge, and indulging in the excellent food. The hut has a drying room, showers, and toilets. There is a small shop area selling snacks, and essential items, such as sunglasses, foot tape etc.
Rondvassbu DNT, Otta - Summer
The DNT hut at Rondvassbu is in a stunning location next a lake The hut is more like a cosy mountain hotel and offers great food, and comfort in the wilderness.
Enjoy a local beer, and some waffles with cream and jam at the end of your day of hiking. Rondvassbu is in the middle of Rondane National Park, next to Lake Rondevatnet. Svartnuten, the black peak, towers behind the lodge, and behind it you will find various summits at over 2000 meters, (6560ft), such as Storronden, Vinjeronden, and the highest of them all, Rondslottet at 2178m (7143ft). Sleeping arrangements are in either room for 2 or 4 people, or large dorms. We always aim to secure rooms for a maximum of 2 people sharing, but this is not always possible. The hut has a drying room, showers, and dry toilets in a building adjacent to the main hut. There is a small shop area selling snacks, and essential items, such as sunglasses, foot tape etc.
Rondane Haukliseter Fjellstue, Høvringen - Summer
Rondane Haukliseter Fjellstue is very typical of traditional Norwegian mountain hotels. It is cosy, welcoming and perched on the hillside with great views to the mountains.
The rooms are all en suite, and there are characterful living rooms with local painted wooden furniture. The meals are created with local produce and are plentiful. The Rondane Haukliseter Fjellstue has a total of 22 bedrooms and various lounge areas to relax. There is also a wooden sauna in the ground with a glass-front offering fabulous views while you steam! Wi-Fi is limited at the hotel—perfect for unplugging and fully immersing yourself in the peace and beauty of the surrounding mountains. The hotel is run by Tore whose family have been offering hospitality for several generations.
Trip Information
Arrival
To reach the start of the tour you will travel north by train from Oslo to Hjerkinn.
On your trip arrival day you should take the train at 1429 hrs to Hjerkinn, which is likely to be on the Departure board as the line to Trondheim S. It arrives at Hjerkinn at 1836 hrs. The train station is in the airport building at Gardermoen and it all works efficiently in terms of connecting with your flight. Tickets are easily booked on line, and you will usually have a reduced price if you do this in advance at Norwegian Trains. On arrival at Hjerkinn we will be collected by our accommodation. Details of discounts, including those for Senior Citizens, can be found here
Travelling to Oslo by Train: There are options for rail travel to Norway from all major European cities. For example from the UK you can overnight in Copenhagen, Denmark, however, there are many possibilities.
The easiest way to book is via www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com. It is worth looking at the multi-day pass travel system provided by Eurail.
If you would like to book each stage as an individual journey then using the UK to Copenhagen, Denmark, as an example here is how.
Travel from London, UK, to Brussels, Belgium using the Eurostar www.eurostar.com, these tickets can be purchased up to 6 months ahead of your travel date. From here you can book a train from Brussels, Belgium to Gothenburg, in Sweden, (Gotëborg) adding a stopover in Copenhagen, Denmark. For this you can use the German Railway website int.bahn.de. The final leg of your journey is from Gothenburg Central Station, in Sweden, to Oslo, Norway, and this can be booked using Vy the Norwegian rail network website www.vy.no.
Departure
On your departure day, which is a Saturday, we will organise a private transfer from your accommodation to Otta Railway Station. The timetables are still to be published, but we are expecting to take the train at 1127hrs arriving into Oslo Airport at 1421hrs. Note: Timetables are generally published and confirmed between 60 - 90 days before the departure date. Train information is available here.
Please contact us to discuss travel if required.
It is your responsibility to ensure any insurance taken out is appropriate for your trip and the activity you will be undertaking. Tracks & Trails cannot advise on insurance policies or be held responsible if, in the event of a claim, your insurance is inadequate.
Activity, Injury and Mountain Rescue It is a condition of booking you are insured for mountain rescue, medical expenses, injury, illness, death, cost of repatriation and personal accident risks. The exception to the mountain rescue insurance requirement is if the trip is taking place in the United Kingdom or Norway where mountain rescue is free of charge. Ensure your insurance covers you to the maximum altitude given on your trip itinerary. The maximum altitude can be checked in the 'At A Glance' box on the trip page.
Trip Cancellation/Curtailment Insurance Insurance should be booked as soon as we confirm your trip is going ahead. Deposit and balance payments are non-refundable unless it is Tracks and Trails who cancel the trip due to a failure to reach the minimum numbers required. In this case we offer a full refund or the option to transfer to another trip.
Baggage Loss/Equipment Damage We advise insurance which covers baggage loss/equipment damage.
All the above is detailed in our Terms and Conditions. For further information on insurance options click here.
When packing for a trip in the mountains it is important to have appropriate equipment and clothing. This kit list features items we believe are necessary for the weather you might encounter and accommodation you will be staying in. If you have any questions with regards to what to bring, do not hesitate to get in touch with us.
The terrain in the Rondane can be rocky, so boots with a good tread are very important. Most of the huts we will stay in have a 'drying' room to dry kit overnight.
When travelling to meet the group we suggest that your 'hand luggage' contains as many items as possible to allow you to hike should your main bag be misplaced or delayed.
Equipment
- Walking boots - comfortable & waterproof, with good tread. We have no objection to ‘low cut mountain walking shoes’ if they have a stiff sole for rough terrain. Be aware that early season snow can remain on the high passes.
- Walking Poles – highly recommended, especially early season with snow on the route
- Rucksack – 35-40 litres, with a chest and waist strap, try using it loaded before your trip
- Rucksack liner or cover - to keep the contents of your rucksack dry
- Water container - 1 to 1.5 litres, or hydration system
- Short gaiters – useful, but not essential
- Umbrella - useful for shade on very hot days/rain showers
- Microspikes - for early season snow cover (we will advise nearer departure when we have an update on conditions)
Clothing
- Waterproof jacket - this MUST be waterproof. We can encounter heavy rain in the mountains and you need to be able to stay dry and warm
- Waterproof over trousers - we consider these vital items for the reason given above. We reserve the right to ask you to purchase waterproof trousers if we deem them necessary, or to ask you to miss a day of the trip if you are not properly equipped for the weather
- Trousers - comfortable walking trousers allowing free movement
- Shorts/skort
- Sun hat
- Warm hat
- Gloves x 2 - one thick, one thin
- Base layer e.g. t-shirt, thermal tops
- Fleece jacket/shirt
- Socks - technical walking socks 2/3 pairs
- Waterproof socks - a good idea for Norway
- Duvet jacket/second warm jacket
- Thermal leggings - optional
Comfort
- Sunscreen
- Lip salve
- Sunglasses - eye protection is essential
- Tissues
- Antibacterial hand wash - small bottle
- Swimwear - optional, we sometimes swim in lakes/rivers
- Supplementary snack bars/chocolate/trail mix
- Book/Kindle/Music
- Insect repellent
- Eye mask - in June it will be almost 24 hours of daylight
Documentation
- Passport, plus a paper copy
- Mountain Rescue Insurance - compulsory
- Travel Insurance
- Credit Card - Norway is moving towards a cashless society
- Cash - some Norwegian Kroner
- Waterproof bag for documents
- GHIC - if travelling from UK for medical cover
Personal First Aid
- Personal medication - if required
- Antiseptic cream/spray
- Painkillers/anti-inflammatories
- Glucose tablets
- 2 x Rehydration sachets – like Dioralyte
- A few throat lozenges
- Blister plasters
- Blister tape eg. Strappal
Additional Items
- Slippers for use at accommodation
- Sheet sleeping bag 'liner' - lightweight ‘silk or cotton liner’ *
- Pack towel*
- Ear plugs - optional, but advised if room sharing
- Clothing for use at accommodation
- Eye mask if you struggle to sleep - in June we have 24 hours of daylight
- Camera
- Toiletries – soap/shower gel; not all accommodation supplies these
- Head torch - plus spare batteries
* We do not include bed linen at the DNT huts nor towels as this would increase the trip cost by around £220 per person and we prefer that you can choose to bring your own sheet sleeping liner and pack towel, or you can hire on arrival.
**Supplementary snacks if you follow a gluten free or coeliac diet**
Leaders are all first aid trained and will carry their own first aid kit
ADVENTURE LIGHTLY, LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINTS
Carry your own kit – it's all part of the adventure, no support vans
Cosy hut stays – escape to peaceful, hidden trails
Local produce – enjoy meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
Keep it green – our stays are big on recycling!
Say no to single-use – help us cut down on plastic waste
Leave no trace – everything, even tissues, comes off the mountain with you
Hop on a train – train travel to destination available
On many trips there will be an element of 'group kit'. This kit will will be minimal and usually a case of sharing a few lightweight 'survival shelters'. For example, on a week-long trip you may carry a shelter for one day before passing it to the next person. If you are booking a trip in winter there will be a few additional safety items, such as a snow shovel, probe, spare ski pole etc.
For each trip a minimum number of guests is required before we can confirm your trip will go-ahead. Minimum and maximum numbers are displayed in 'At a Glance' on the righthand of the trip page. If you book travel before we have emailed to confirm the trip is guaranteed we cannot be held responsible for any financial loss.
When booking a holiday as a solo traveller a twin bedded room comprising of two single beds, is booked as standard. This will be with someone of the same gender unless you request to pay extra for your own room. Single rooms are often limited in supply so if you would like to pay a supplement for a single room we urge you to get in touch as soon as possible. There will normally be the possibility of a single room on the first night at Hjerkinn, and also on the last night at Høvringen. This trip has a single supplement for those two nights of £95 in 2027.
Tracks and Trails go to great lengths to work with first class guides who are passionate about their work. They are fully qualified, insured, and hold the correct documentation. Your guide has our authority to make any route changes they believe are necessary in the interests of safety and enjoyment. Your hiking guide will be a qualified International Mountain Leader. IML's are not only qualified to ensure the safe management of the group, but are also a source of knowledge about the local flora and fauna, culture and traditions. You can learn more about our guides on the About Us page.
The statistics given on your itinerary relating to ascent, descent and distance should be used as a 'general' indication of the effort required. This is a guideline to help you decide if, based on previous experience, your fitness and stamina are correct for the trip. We ask you to note that the even the most modern of technology can show considerable variations in terms of ascent, descent, and in particular distance.
Your leader will carry the correct maps and you are not expected to navigate, but if you would like to have a map detailing the hike you can refer to the one below:
Calazo.no - Rondane 1:50 000
The weather in Norway is similar to that of the Scottish Highlands; you can have 4 seasons in one day. From snow showers to strong sun. You should come equipped to deal with all weather, and have sufficient waterproof stuff sacks in your rucksack to keep items dry. You can check a ten day forecast here. Even in summer you may need a pair of warm gloves if the weather turns inclement. Water proof socks are a good idea as we will often have to cross streams and rivers, hopping from rock to rock. All accommodation has a 'drying' room to dry kit overnight. In June and July the average temperatures ranges from 12°C (54°F) to 5°C (41°F). In late autumn it ranges from 7°C (44°F) to 1°C (34°F). Winter snow can lie on the trails till mid-summer.
Food On our trips we encourage you to experience local tastes and dishes. If you are vegetarian catering for your diet is not generally a problem. If you have a 'special' diet because of an allergy/intolerance we ask that you make your needs clear on your booking form so we can discuss your requirements with the accommodation. A diet that is not related to an allergy/intolerance or beliefs cannot be catered for. It is simply not possible for mountain accommodation to deal with many variations in diet while providing meals for groups.
In addition, if you have an allergy/intolerance we would suggest you bring/purchase suitable snacks as a supplement to the picnic lunches. At times finding gluten free bread, for example, can be an issue. If you would like to discuss the suitability of a trip for a vegan diet, gluten or lactose intolerance please contact us. We request that you do not CHANGE your dietary requirements during the trip as we will have pre-ordered your meals.
Water If the accommodation has a problem with the water supply they will post a sign over the tap indicating that you must not drink the water, otherwise it is normal to drink from the tap. Hotels - It is not uncommon for restaurants to charge for tap water at the evening meal. If this is the case then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost. Mountain Huts - If your trip features a stay in a mountain hut/refuge and the tap water is not potable then Tracks and Trails will cover the cost of bottled water at the evening meal. Sparkling water is not included in this option and any cost should be covered by you.
Plastic credit or debit cards or smartphone pay systems are increasingly accepted throughout the areas where we run trips. Some countries, such as Norway, are moving towards a cashless society. However, in Europe, in the mountain areas where we run trips, a small amount of cash in the local currency is useful. For example, if you stop at a family-run mountain cafe or farm they may not accept cards or smartphone systems, and cash will be necessary. We recommend having enough cash in the local currency to pay for a few snacks and drinks. Whether to bring cash or not is at your own discretion.
The DNT stands for Den Norske Turistforening, which translates to the 'Norwegian Trekking Association'. Local member associations operate 550 cabins across Norway, maintaining a network of 22,000 km (13,730 miles) of marked hiking trails and 7000 km (4375 miles) of branch-marked ski tracks. Each year, volunteers work a total of more than 800,000 hours maintaining this system. DNT Cabins are either 'staffed' or 'self-service'.
Staffed cabins Serve all meals; breakfast, dinner and a packed lunch which you make from the breakfast buffet. Meals are excellent in both quality and quantity. Almost all cabins have hot showers and electricity, either from the power grid or from a local generator. You can charge electrical items. They are cosy and traditional in style and are just as comfortable as a rustic hotel. They serve alcohol and normally sell basic items such as snacks, batteries, first aid items etc. Staffed cabins are open only in certain seasons.
Self-service cabins Equipped with all we need for cooking and sleeping. Firewood, gas, kitchen utensils, table linen and bunks with blanks or duvets and pillows. You should bring a 'sheet sleeping bag liner' for reasons of hygiene. The cabins are stocked with tinned and dried food. It is not possible to 'reserve' beds in self-service cabins and it is a case of 'first come, first served'. In the self-service cabins we look after ourselves: fetch water, cook food, wash up and chop wood.
You can read more about the DNT system and what to expect in terms of accommodation at the cabins in our Exploring Norway's Quiet Trails.
A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required. We suggest keeping your passport in your rucksack, and a paper copy of your passport in your luggage. If your trip does not include luggage support carry a paper copy with you, but separate from your passport. You should check passport requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate for the country you are visiting, paying attention to your citizenship. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents and visas for your holiday. Visa requirements and charges are subject to change without notice.
NEW European Travel Regulations 2026 If you are travelling to Europe you may be impacted by a change to travel regulations. In the last quarter of 2026, the European Commission will roll out a U.S. style electronic travel authorisation system for visitors from countries that are currently not part of the EU. It is your responsibility to check for updates with regard to the introduction date.
We recommend you check if you require an adaptor for your electrical items at: Plug, Socket & Voltage by Country
If your trip involves staying in a mountain refuge/rifugio/hut a slimline and lightweight 'battery pack' can be useful for recharging phones etc. This type of accommodation will generally have electricity, but it may be limited in supply, and it is not always possible to charge items.
If you would like help preparing for your adventure you could consider booking a Quick Fix session with personal trainer Kate Brown. This is aimed at those who want to get ready for any of our Summer activities. Your booking with Kate will involve a 45 minute 1:1 video consultation and action plan. You can read more about her ethos and experience here. We also offer free training videos on our YouTube channel - the following are aimed at those who hike in summer, and continue to do so in winter on snowshoes:
Tracks and Trails pays guides/instructors a fair and appropriate fee for their professional service. If you feel your guide/instructor has provided an excellent service that went 'above and beyond' then it is at the discretion of each guest whether to tip or not. Guests will often give a tip of between 2 - 5 per cent of the total value of their trip. It is entirely up to you and any gesture will no doubt be appreciated no matter the size.
Before booking consider whether you expect to be in the appropriate physical condition on the date of your departure to allow you to fully participate in and enjoy your holiday. If you have any doubts because of an illness or injury it would be advisable to check with your doctor. We advise you always carry your insurance documents with details of the Emergency Medical telephone number for your insurance provider, and your policy number.
GHIC For UK residents travelling to an EU country you should obtain and bring your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The GHIC gives access to state healthcare in Europe either free or at a reduced cost. The GHIC is not a substitute for medical travel insurance.
EHIC If you have a UK European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) it will be valid until the expiry date on the card. Once it expires, you should apply for a GHIC.
We feel strongly about protecting the environment and do not encourage the use of single-use plastic items. We would ask that you arrive with a ‘water bottle’ or ‘hydration system’ that can be used repeatedly. We operate a zero tolerance for rubbish, and would ask you to remove all items from the mountain, this includes toilet tissue, and those items you consider to be bio-degradable.
The waste water in mountain huts, also known as refuges/rifugios, often runs into nearby streams and rivers with a potential impact on the eco-system, though in many places steps are now being taken to avoid this. Whether or not your trip involves staying in a mountain hut we would nevertheless recommend you consider nature friendly sunscreens which only contain mineral UV-blocking ingredients such as oxide, and titanium dioxide.
