Need-to-know before hiking in Norway

Hiking in the mountains around Bergen is a nice way to get to know the nearby nature and the nearby Norwegians. The Norwegian mountains can be enjoyable and safe if you take the necessary precautions and come prepared. 

Rules to follow for hiking

• Always bring extra clothes, food and drink, even for short hikes. 
• The weather can change rapidly. Dress in layers and use wool. 
• Always bring a map and compass when hiking. And learn how to use it. 
• Bring a first-aid kit with essentials. Join a first aid course if you can.  
• Always check the avalanche info before skiing off piste (skiing backcountry)! 
• Do not go without proper knowledge about conditions, equipment and clothing. 
• Familiarise yourself with and follow the Norwegian mountain code to stay safe.
• The emergency number in Norway is 113. Only use it in an actual emergency. 

Follow The Norwegian Moutain Code (Fjellvettreglene)

The Norwegian Trekking Association wrote (1967) to help people stay safe in Norway's natural landscape, and has become integrated into Norwegian cultural heritage.

The code covers trip planning, equipment, routes and other safety tips. 

Read the Norwegian Mountain Code

The right to access

Everyone in Norway has the unrestricted right of free access in the countryside (including the national parks!), but please respect Norway's nature.

• Open fires are not permitted in or near forested areas between 15 April - 15 September. 
• Do not disturb animals or birds, including nests and nestlings, and do not litter. 
• Do not camp closer than 150 m from houses/cabins. Respect people's private property. 
• Do not camp on or near church yards, football fields etc. as this is considered very disrespectful. 
• Do not litter! Leave the nature as you found it! 

Harmful animals and insects

Norway and Bergen is quite safe for hiking regarding animals and insects. But there are two creatures that can cause some harm: 

• There is only one piosonous snake in Norway, Hoggorm (Vipera berus). The bite can be very painful if it has venom, and in some cases cause allergies and more serious harm. You need to see a doctor in case you get bitten. The Hoggorm is protected by law, which means no killing or harming the animal.  

• Disease spread by tick bites is an increasing problem in Norway. Ticks are small insects living in dense forrests, mainly in the south of Norway. A bite is seldom dangerous, but you still have to check yourself after hiking in a tick area and remove them at once. You can prevent tick bites - dress properly, use insect repellent on clothes and be careful where you walk in tick areas.

More Information 

For more information and tips visit:

• The Norwegian Trekking Association. Information in English, German and French. 
• UT.no. Information on where to hike (only in Norwegian. Also available as an app on google play and applestore).
• Kartutskrift.no. Print out your own, free map. 
• Norwegian institute of public health about ticks and other useful information. 
• You can download the app Hjelp 113 /Android/Iphone). The app shows your coordinates and where the nearest defribillator is. The app supports foreign phone numbers and can be downloaded abroad. To register a foreign phone number, you must be in Norway. The app will automatically be in English if you haven't set Norwegian as the default language on your phone. 

Enjoy the hikes, the scenery, and stay safe!