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Camping in Norway advice

Hi,

Excited about our in late August for 9 days! I have a rough draft of where to go but no timeframe.

Arrive/depart from Bergen
Trolltunga
Sognfjords
Pulpit Rock
Hardangerfjord

Renting a car for the entire trip,

Plan to:
Rent bikes
Kayak

This post is more about camping. We plan to camp in some location and catch the sunset/sunrise. Not sure where to camp yet but The plan is to bring hammocks, no tent. I would like to know if I may run into problems with finding a place for a hammock. For example, being up at the top of the fjords, will there be trees for the straps? Im trying to search for pictures but not much luck. Don’t want to bring a hammock and be out of luck.

thanks everyone!

Thanks!

Posted by
5837 posts

Tree line is low in Norway. Hardangervidda tree line is about 800 or 900 meters ASL as a rough guess.

Here's how to locate DNT huts. Some will include photos of the huts and environs:
http://english.turistforeningen.no/cabin.php?fo_id=6469

You will first want to download the DNT route map with hut locations. The winter routes appear to be displayed but the huts are the same as the summer routes.

http://english.turistforeningen.no/index.php?fo_id=3982

http://english.turistforeningen.no/location.php?fo_id=3980

Posted by
2 posts

Thanks for valuable information! And most of the mountains peak well above that? At least 2000 ft?

Posted by
5837 posts

Rough treeline is closer to 3000 ft ASL. A meter is about 39 inches or 3.28 feet. Of course tree line is not distinct.

My experiences in Norway are all skiing and we are pretty much above treeline in the national parks. The trees are small and few/scattered in the transition zone which would make hanging a hammock problematic. At least you don't need to be concerned about bears.

Given Norway's every man's rights to roam you will have a lot of flexibility in camping. On one ski trip "dog man" ran his husky team on much of the same route we followed. He camped a 100 meters or so away from the huts but would have meals at the huts. He said the dogs would get nervous if he was away too long. So tenting near the huts but buying food and drinks is an option.

Posted by
5847 posts

I haven't camped in Norway, but keep in mind that nights can be cool and wet in the summer. I'm not picturing how the hammock works for you in the rain. Can you rig a tarp over it to keep dry?

Posted by
5837 posts

Laura's question brings to mind the Norwegian Mountain Code printed on the paper lunch sacks provided at many of the staffed mountain huts.

http://mylittlenorway.com/2011/05/the-mountain-code/

After a particularly accident-prone Easter holiday in 1967, where 18
people died, the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) and the
Norwegian Red Cross started a campaign to get people to put safety
first when trekking in the mountains. They worked out a set of nine
rules that became known as the “Mountain Code” (Fjellvettreglene). The
rules were meant to encourage people to still use nature for what it’s
worth, but also to use common sense (“vett”). The rules help you avoid
nasty surprises, as well as giving you tips on how to survive until
rescued – should things turn bad.

The Mountain Code:

  1. Be prepared. Be sufficiently fit and experienced for your intended trek.

  2. Leave word of your route. This can mean life or death in case a search is necessary.

  3. Be weatherwise. Check the weather forecasts, but don’t always trust reports of good weather. Good weather can turn bad in an instant.

  4. Be equipped for bad weather and frost, even on short walks. Always carry a backpack and proper mountain gear.

  5. Learn from the locals. Experienced local trekkers can inform you of safe routes, weather conditions and things to look out for.

  6. Use a map and compass. GPSes are handy too, but don’t rely on them. A flat battery and poor reception can cause problems.

  7. Don’t go solo. Being all alone in the mountains can be a magnificent experience, but in case of an accident it’s good to have
    someone who can give first aid or get help.

  8. Turn back in time; sensible retreat is no disgrace. If you are not sure if you can reach your destination because of weather or
    conditions, turn around! Others might have to risk their lives trying
    to rescue you. Also try to notify anyone that may have been expecting
    you.

  9. Conserve energy and build a snow shelter if necessary. Eat and drink frequently, and try not to work up a sweat. If you need to build
    a shelter, do so before you are exhausted.