The Norwegian mountain code: How to best prepare for hiking

The Mountain Code, as we know it today, was first introduced in Norway after a tragic Easter accident in 1950. But with the recent changes in Norwegian cabin culture, a desire to revisit The Mountain Code arose, in order to adapt them to suit all seasons.

The deep fjords and the tall mountains towering over them is the number one tourist attraction in Norway, but not everyone who visits knows how to approach this breathtaking and challenging terrain. Every year, many tourists are rescued from Norwegian mountains, and although the reasons for this are numerous, familiarity with The Mountain Code could have prevented most of these cases.

The Mountain Code is a great place to start if you want to go hiking in the Norwegian mountains and will make you confident that you are prepared for whatever you might encounter on both short and long hikes – regardless of the season, as well as the age and level of experience of the hikers in your group.

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What is ‘godt fjellvett’?
‘Fjellvett’ is a Norwegian word describing the collected knowledge of how to interact with the mountains and the intuition that comes from experience with nature. Because even though The Mountain Code describes some of the most important elements to consider before embarking on a hike, staying safe in the mountains entails so much more.

Having ‘Fjellvett’ means that you can make conscious decisions based on the nature around you – ensuring that the choices you make and the actions you take are based on both what you encounter in the mountains and the well-being of you and your hiking companions. While The Mountain Code serves as an excellent guide, the mountain itself, your hiking group, and the terrain are the most important markers for a safe and exciting adventure.

1. Plan the hike and inform someone about the route you are planning to take

There’s an abundance of stunning hikes in Norway, so when planning your trip it’s important to consider the group's ability and fitness. Having multiple alternatives for the same hike planned if the preferred route proves to be too challenging for some members of the group is really important. Always inform others of your whereabouts and any alternative routes before heading out in case something happens and you need help.

Here are some of the most important elements:

• Ensure you have enough information about the area and the trails
• Listen to experienced hikers
• Choose a route based on knowledge, skills and physical fitness
• Consider the terrain and the local conditions of the season
• You’ll most likely lose service and it’s hard to know how long a hike will take, so make plans accordingly
• Always inform those at home of your route and approximately when you expect to return

2. Adapt the plan and route according to ability and conditions

It's easy to choose a hike based on breathtaking views and wanting to be challenged, but it’s important to align your ambitions with what will actually give you a great experience.

Here are some of the most important elements:

• Continuously assess the conditions in the mountains and adjust your plans and possibly your route accordingly
• Show consideration for other hikers
• Greet everyone you meet on the trail. A quick hello or a head nod is considered polite and is an integrated part of the Norwegian hiking culture
• Hiking in a group increases safety, so be extra cautious if hiking alone
• Respect changes in weather conditions and change your route accordingly or turn around in time if needed
• Encourage open and direct communication within the group so that you can accommodate requests for breaks, food, or other needs that may arise along the way

3. Pay attention to the weather forecast and potential avalanche warnings

The weather in the mountains is known for changing quickly and seemingly out of nowhere, which can be both surprising and frightening if you're not well-prepared.

Here are some of the most important elements:

• Keep an eye on the weather and avalanche warnings and understand how they affect the route you have chosen
• In Norway, you can check the weather forecast on websites like yr.no, storm.no, and varsom.no.
• Adjust your plans according to the current forecast and opt for shorter hikes in simpler terrain if conditions are too challenging for more difficult hikes to be safe
• Stay humble and turn around in time. If the weather changes, your route should too. This is important in order to not put yourself at unnecessary risk

4. Be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on shorter trips

Dressing appropriately for the mountains can feel challenging, but do as the Norwegians – bring extra clothes in your backpack. The weather can change quickly, so having the ability to both add and remove layers is essential to having a good experience.

Here are some of the most important elements:

• Dress according to the weather
• Bring extra clothes in case the weather changes
• Pack the equipment required for the route you have chosen
• Remember to bring a packed lunch and enough to drink – it’s recommended to bring more than you think you might need as you might get hungrier than expected and need extra fuel

Guide: How to pack your backpack for a summer hike in the Norwegian mountains

5. Bring the necessary equipment in order to help yourself and others

What you need for a hike depends on the season, route, and ability. But there are some things that are always good to have in your backpack.

Here are some of the most important elements:

• A reflective vest will help a potential rescue team find you if an accident should occur
• A first aid kit
• A headlamp
• A mobile phone and fully charged power bank
• Extra food, drinks, and snacks – this is convenient if the hike ends up taking longer than expected, you need to wait for help, or encounter other hikers in the mountains who need need help
• Download the app Hjelp 113 to get help faster in case of an emergency

6. Choose safe routes – recognize avalanche terrain and unsafe ice

Interpreting the mountain and nature overall can be difficult for inexperienced hikers, because ‘fjellvett’ is something that comes with experience. That's why it's always important to follow the marked trails. In Norway, these are clearly marked with a big red T and you’ll find them on rocks along the trail.

Here are some of the most important elements:

• Always follow clearly marked trails (look for the red T)
• Always be aware of the nature that surrounds you – rain and other weather conditions can make marked trails more challenging, and detours may be necessary
• Always inform someone about your route and any changes made to it along the way

7. Use a map and a compass – always know where you are

Using a map and compass is something most people don't have experience with today, but because you can’t rely on your phone in the mountains, because the cell signal is famously unreliable, maps and a compass can become your best friends in challenging conditions.

Here are some of the most important elements:

• Maps and compasses always work regardless of the cell signal, learn how to use them
• Continuously read the changing landscape so that you know where you are and keep track of landmarks
• Follow marked trails and note where you are on the map
• Keep those at home informed about your whereabouts

8. There’s no shame in turning back

Reevaluating plans continuously is one of the most important things to remember when you’re in the mountains. Reaching the top can quickly become impossible to achieve if you feel exhausted, don’t have enough food or are met with bad weather, and suddenly, the descent back to the foot of the mountain can feel impossibly long. Always remember to check in with how your travel companions are feeling instead of just powering through.

Here are some of the most important elements:

• Encourage your travel companions to be honest about how tired and hungry they are, and whether they need breaks. You might need to change the route and there's no shame in turning back
• Plan B is just as good as Plan A
• Consider turning back if conditions change and you're unsure if the route is still safe and manageable for everyone on the hike
• The most important thing is that everyone in the group is doing well

9. Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary

When you embark on a hike, safety and good spirits are just as important as a sense of accomplishment and breathtaking views. Preserve your energy, the hike often feels more exhausting than expected. Allow yourself to finish strong.

Here are some of the most important elements:

• Remember to eat and drink often – hikes in the mountains are demanding, and giving your body frequent replenishment is the best way to have a good experience
• Keep water and snacks like biscuits easily accessible in the outer pocket of your backpack – taking a breather to "admire the view" is even better when accompanied by biscuits or a chocolate bar
• Set the pace according to the slowest member of the group, ensuring that everyone enjoys the hike
• Weather conditions will affect how tired you feel; in strong winds, you'll need to rest more often than in calmer conditions
• Take short breaks more frequently – you can never have enough of the beautiful view anyway

You’ll find countless exciting hikes and breathtaking scenery in Norway and there are challenges suitable for every hiker. You’ll find family-friendly trails, where even the smallest family members can experience the sense of accomplishment in the Norwegian mountains and steep peaks you can get to via ferrata. Tailor your dream hiking vacation in Norway and create your own Collection with your favorite cabins.