Planning on hiking or driving in Norway? PLEASE be a responsible traveller and research beforehand!

Norway is vast, wild, weather changes rapidly and help could be very far away. In 2022 in Lofoten, more people died in the mountains than on the roads. Rescue helicopters rescue over a thousand people who underestimate the mountains every year. We Norwegians hear about tourists getting exhausted, stuck, lost and yes – dying – on the mountain all year around. Even in summer you could be surprised by sudden snow, fog, or intense wind and rain. Are you prepared for that?

Here are some helpful links and tips to help you prepare responsibly:

Weather forecasts: www.yr.no
(RESPECT WEATHER WARNINGS!)

Traffic info: www.vegvesen.no/trafikk

In case of emergency:
Memorise the emergency numbers:
112 (police), 113 (ambulance), 110 (fire dept)
You can call any of these or 999 or 911 and they will connect you to the proper service.

Police (non-urgent): (+47) 02800

Know your location at all times. You can download the «hjelp 113» app, it allows you to call emergency services and shares your location.

Save the number of a road rescue company if you’re driving, Viking or HAF covers most of Norway, but there could be better local options.

Save the number of a local person or your hotel, if you’re in a situation and need help, they might be able to get you quick and proper help. (Non-emergency obviously)

Research public transportation, don’t assume there are buses or boats departing every ten minutes.

And of course bring proper equipment for your trip. Pack PROPER clothes, enough food, shelter – and then some extra. Know at what elevation there could be snow at the time of year you’re visiting. DO NOT underestimate the weather, the footing and the difficulty of the hike. Take weather warnings seriously, and be prepared to cancel or turn back if you don’t feel safe.

Don’t wear flip-flops on a hike. Seriously.

Thank you for being a responsible traveller – please don’t add to the statistic of people we have to rescue from our mountains every year! And just to be clear, hiking in Norway is very safe – as long as you’re prepared 🙂

Thanks for visiting and recommend us to all your friends <3

Dear Norwegians, if you have more tips I forgot about feel free to add them to the comments.