With renewed interest in Norway’s hut-to-hut hiking tradition, Up Norway is making this cultural experience more accessible to global travelers. Traditionally rooted in simplicity, community, and a deep connection with nature, hut-to-hut hiking in Norway has long been a cherished ritual for Norwegians. Now, Up Norway is reimagining this classic tradition by curating immersive journeys that combine rural cabins with boutique stays, regional cuisine, and cultural encounters, offering travelers an authentic and refined experience.
Norway is home to more than 550 “DNT hytter” (cabins managed by the Norwegian Trekking Association), many of which are only reachable by foot, ski, or bike. While these cabins provide necessary shelter, the real magic lies in the journey between them – moments of stillness in alpine meadows, foraging in the wild, refreshing swims in glacier-fed lakes, and candlelit bonfire dinners with fellow hikers. These elements reflect a uniquely Norwegian ethos of “kos,” or cozy contentment. Up Norway’s approach to hut-to-hut travel captures this magic by focusing on the destination and the transformative power of the journey itself.
Every Up Norway journey is tailored to the traveler’s preferences, fitness level, and interest in cultural immersion. In Jotunheimen National Park, travelers may hike across dramatic ridgelines and deep valleys, spending nights at historic DNT cabins such as Gjendebu (Norway’s oldest cabin, dating back to 1871), Memurubu (a scenic spot located on the shores of Lake Gjende), and Gjendesheim (nestled below the Besseggen ridge). In the Aurlandsdalen Valley, sometimes referred to as Norway’s Grand Canyon, travelers can follow a historic path dating back to the Viking era and beyond, from Finse to Flåm, staying in huts before concluding at the tranquil 29|2 Aurland eco-lodge, a riverside retreat known for its organic kitchen, artisanal interiors, and strong sustainability initiatives.
The Sunnmøre Alps offer a striking contrast between wilderness and luxury, where a summit hike to Slogen and overnight at Patchellhytta is paired with a fjord cruise and a stay at the legendary Hotel Union Øye, a historic hideaway that has housed Norwegian royalty and European nobility since the 19th century.
Adventurous travelers may opt for more demanding trails through Reinheimen and Romsdalen, combining hut-to-hut treks with via ferrata climbs, trail running and summit hikes. Others may prefer more accessible itineraries such as in the Hardangerfjord region where travelers can take on iconic hikes such as Trolltunga, a dramatic rock ledge jutting 700 meters above Lake Ringedalsvatnet, or the Queen’s Trail (Dronningstien), a scenic cliffside route with panoramic views of the fjord and surrounding orchards.
In the north, the Lofoten Islands and the Arctic Circle Region near the Helgeland coast feature itineraries that mix day hikes, remote cabin stays, fjord kayaking, floating saunas, and storytelling with local guides. These journeys often include opportunities to engage with Sámi culture, meet foragers or local farmers, and sample cuisine that reflects the surrounding landscape, such as a two-day hike to Rabothytta in the Helgeland region, known for its dramatic granite peaks, glacial landscape, pristine lakes, and coastal archipelago, followed by a restful culinary farm stay at by the fjord. By blending Norway’s long-standing hut culture with handpicked luxury experiences and local insight, Up Norway allows travelers to discover the country’s natural beauty through a meaningful and highly personalized lens. Each route is carefully crafted not just for adventure, but for reflection, connection, and a deeper appreciation of Norwegian traditions. For travelers seeking a new kind of active escape Up Norway’s hut-to-hut journeys offer the perfect balance of challenge and comfort.
