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Inspired by DNT – less is more!
You pause, taking in the endless, untouched nature. It’s just you and the mountains, a pure luxury far from the rush of everyday life. Spotting the cabin ahead, you feel a deep sense of accomplishment. The DNT key unlocks a simple, cozy space, with everything you need and nothing more. The scent of wood greets you as you light the gas stove for a warm meal and a cup of coffee or tea, a peaceful calm settling over you. This is where you truly experience the Norwegian concept of “hygge”.
This is a different kind of luxury—one of simplicity and self-sufficiency. Alone, yet connected by tradition. With the sound of the nearby stream, you drift off to sleep, grateful for today’s adventure.
The next day, you wake up ready for a new trail, with a beautiful hike ahead to the next cabin. Don’t forget to fill your thermos, just like Norwegians have done for generations. No distractions—just you, the cabin, and the stillness of the mountains. Simple, yet fulfilling!
WHAT IS "INSPIRED BY DNT"?
As a proud partner of Den Norske Turistforening (DNT), the Norwegian Trekking Association, we offer a collection of hikes along the network of traditional DNT mountain cabins. Our goal is to provide you with the most authentic hiking experience, the core of Norwegian mountain culture.
This page will not only give you an overview over our “Inspired by DNT” products, but also provides you with useful information about the DNT cabin system and our destinations. Take a look and get inspired for you next trip!
Jotunheimen Travel x Inspired by DNT – A Special Collaboration
Since 1868, the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) has been a leader in outdoor adventures, making Norway’s stunning nature accessible to all. Powered by passionate volunteers, DNT operates almost 600 staffed and self-service cabins all over Norway, maintains trails, and allows hikers to explore the Norwegian nature safely.
Now, we at Jotunheimen Travel are proud to be the first tour operator in our region to partner with DNT to offer hiking holidays in Norway in the most iconic hiking landscapes. Together we create unforgettable experiences that promote Norwegian outdoor life the DNT way.
Why Do A “Inspired by DNT” hike with Jotunheimen Travel?
When you book one of our “Inspired by DNT” trips, we provide you a frame for your journey where you may have a lot of uncertainties – especially when you have never used a DNT cabin in your life. But don’t worry, we got you covered.
We take care of a lot of big and small things regarding organisation, such as providing a DNT key, map, reservation of beds in the cabins, as well as giving you a lot of ressources and knowledge beforehand around how DNT cabins work. And of course, as on all our other trips we offer, we take care of logistics, luggage transport at the start and end of the hike, itinerary, packing list and much more.
All you really need to do is hike from cabin to cabin and have a great authentic Norwegian hiking experience.
5 REASONS WHY OUR “INSPIRED BY DNT” HIKES ARE DIFFERENT
1. Be more courageous: These hikes are more adventurous, and you will be more independent in more remote landscapes, and therefore need just a bit more knowledge. You are not sure which hikes are the right ones? Please contact us: [email protected]
2. Be more prepared: You need to carry your own bed liner and towel, since we use partly self-service cabins.
3. Be your own compass: We only use marked trails, but on our Inspired by DNT hikes, you will sometimes hike along less used trails, and you will meet less people. So, you should know where the north on a map is, and be familiar with using a navigation app.
4. Be your own chef: The pantries at our self-service cabins are stocked with easy-to-prepare meals, perfect for refueling after a day of hiking. You’ll find all the kitchen tools and gas you need to whip up a tasty meal. Just don’t forget to use the dishwashing supplies—help us keep the cabin just as welcoming for the next guests!
5. Be each other’s guests: It’s common to share the cabins with fellow hikers, which means being mindful of others. But it’s also a golden opportunity to connect with like-minded adventurers and swap stories from the trail! A shared cabin can lead to unforgettable moments and new friendships.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DNT CABINS
DNT offers almost 600 cabins across Norway, from cozy staffed lodges to charming self-service getaways.
On your hike with us you will use staffed lodges and self-service cabins. What does this mean?
- At the staffed lodges, you’ll be treated to delicious meals (often a three-course dinner), warm beds in rooms or dormitories, showers, electricity and a welcoming, authentic atmosphere with simple yet great comfort. It is comparable to a small mountain hotel or the lodges you can find in the Alps.
- The self-service cabins are more intimate, offering a simpler standard but still everything you need for a memorable adventure. There is no staff there, you are responsible and trusted to treat this cabin like it is your own. You find a pantry stocked with essentials for breakfast, lunch, and easy dinner options. These cabins come fully equipped with beds, outdoor toilets, firewood, gas stoves, and kitchen utensils. Just bring a sleeping liner, and you’re set!
The Rules
At all the DNT cabins, there are a few unique house rules that reflect DNT’s core values and traditions. They add to the charm of your stay, and also ensure that the cabin is nice and safe to use for everybody. While staffed and self-service cabins differ slightly in amenities, they all share the same cozy, relaxed vibe that makes every DNT experience unforgettable.
For instance:
- You’ll leave your shoes at the door
- Share all facilities with fellow hikers
- Eat dinner around a communal table, creating a warm, social atmosphere
- Take all your trash with you! Keep the cabin and nature pristine for the next visitor by carrying out all your waste and disposing of it in designated areas.
- Sign the guestbook. It’s a lovely tradition and a key safety measure. Share your adventure and leave a trace for those who follow.
- Remember to lock the cabin when you leave.
How to “Hike” in Winter?
You were probably wondering how to hike in snow – yes, we will use skis or snowshoes.
Snowshoes are easy to handle and to learn for everybody – not as fast as skis but easy. So, if you are not willing to learn skiing (or do not have experience from before), choose a snowshoe hike.
Skiing: there is a type of ski in Norway, we call “Fjellski”. These skis can be translated into back-country skis and are wider than cross-country skis. They come with more stable boots and bindings, offering better support and control. Even if you’ve never skied before, you can learn quickly on these skis in easy terrain, guided by our experienced instructors. They’re perfect for covering longer distances with ease.
If you’re eager to learn or enhance your skiing skills, our backcountry skiing tours are ideal for you. However, if you’re not comfortable with skiing or prefer something less technical, our snowshoe tours are the perfect alternative!
What else is good to know about winter hikes in Norway?
- You will carry slightly more heavy backpacks (more equipment)
- You can borrow most winter related equipment from us
- You will make memories for your life!
Your Adventure Starts Here: Transportation to and from your next Journey
All tours offered include transport in the booking from either Oslo, Bergen or Lillehammer.
This means that when you arrive in Norway, either in Oslo, Bergen or Lillehammer, hop on one of our express buses (Valdresekspressen or Øst-Vestekspressen). Sit back and enjoy the eco-friendly ride as we take you effortlessly to your hiking starting point. Everything is prepared for a smooth, seamless, and comfortable journey, so all you need to do is relax and get ready for your adventure!
How We Handle Your Luggage
Many of DNT’s cabins are located far from roads, in breathtakingly remote locations, making baggage transport a bit of a challenge. But don’t worry—we’ve got it covered! We’ll handle your luggage from start to finish, so you can leave behind unnecessary weights at the beginning of your trip and pick it up when your adventure is over.
Not a fan of carrying a heavy load? Check out our “Discover Jotunheimen” tours, where baggage transport is included between every accommodation. Focus on enjoying the incredible scenery, while we handle the heavy lifting!
Navigation - Things to Keep in Mind
On “cabin-to-cabin” adventures like these, a few key skills can make your journey even more enjoyable and safe:
- Be comfortable with long day hikes.
- Understand that the weather in the mountains can change quickly.
- Have basic map and compass skills. (Not a requirement)
- A navigation app or GPS device can be helpful (just remember, cell service might be spotty!).
- Power bank for recharging your phone.
The Norwegian Mountain Code (Fjellvettreglene) is key to staying safe in Norway’s unpredictable mountains. These rules help hikers and skiers plan, pack right, and handle sudden weather shifts. By following them, you can prevent accidents and enjoy a safer, more adventurous mountain experience. We include the Mountain Code in the travel documents we send to you when you book with us.
Are there cultural experiences/local traditions to see in a skiing holiday in Norway?
Yes, during a cross country skiing holiday in Valdres, there are plenty of opportunities to explore local traditions and Norwegian cultural experiences. They include visits to traditional villages, tasting local cuisine, and experiencing the warm hospitality of the locals.
What are the Trails like?
The trails in the mountain areas in Norway are known for their rugged beauty—expect rocky paths, rolling terrain, and trails that vary in size. You’ll likely encounter some wet and marshy spots and hopping from rock to rock or even wading across a small stream. This is all part of the adventure! Embrace the challenge and get ready for a truly immersive hiking experience.
- Fun Fact: The Red T’s you will see on rocks and trees along mountain trails are the famous symbols of DNT’s marked routes. They will lead you the way through this amazing landscape and are renewed each season by volunteers of the DNT. In total, Norway offers over 22,000 kilometers of marked trails!
Can I always rely on my mobile phone when out in the Norwegian mountains?
It’s important to note that deep in the mountains, mobile coverage can be very unreliable, and in many spots, you may have no signal at all. That’s why it’s crucial to come prepared— bring a power bank to keep your phone charged, be confident in using maps, and have a GPS handy to stay on track. Adventure safely with the right gear!
What essential gear do I need to bring for my DNT Adventure?
- Sleeping liner
- DNT key
- Headlamp/flashlight
- First aid kit
- “DNT hyttebetaling” app/Visa card for purchasing food at self-service cabins
- Possibly some slippers, Crocs or thick wool socks
What are the bathroom facilities like in self-service DNT cabins?
Self-service DNT cabins are very simple in nature, so there mostly is no classic bathroom facility. You have a loo or compost toilet, which is often (but not always) located in a separate cabin. Inside the cabin, you often find a separate wash room with a bowl to do some rudimentary body cleaning. A wash cloth comes in very handy here.
What do I do when the cabin is locked?
When you are the first to arrive at one of the cabins, you may find that it is locked. Just get out your DNT key and you can easily access every cabin that is owned by DNT. Just like this, you will lock the cabin again when you leave the next day.
There are indeed cabins for which you need a special key or an opening code, but these are not along the routes we offer.
Rondane National Park
Rondane National Park is Norway’s oldest national park and one of the most classic mountain areas. Rondane offers both rugged and challenging landscapes, as well as gentler terrain, giving you a perfect and varied mix depending on what you prefer. Whether you’re seeking a tough adventure or a more relaxed hike, you’ll find one of the 8 cozy DNT-cabins nearby.
Skarvheimen National Park
Tucked between Jotunheimen and Hardangervidda, Skarvheimen is a hiker’s paradise with diverse terrain, from lush valleys to rugged peaks. Whether in summer or winter, explore this stunning area with 10 DNT cabins (4 staffed, 6 self-service) and well-marked trails that offer endless outdoor adventures!
Langsua National Park
Langsua National Park is a peaceful and beautiful destination for those seeking an authentic Norwegian outdoor experience away from the busier tourist trails. With 9 cozy DNT cabins and unforgettable natural beauty, it’s the perfect place for hikers and skiers alike to explore the best of Norway’s wilderness in a quiet, serene setting.
Experience Jotunheimen with us!