10 reasons why you’ll love hiking in Norway.

Going for a walk in the city or in the mountains is a typical Norwegian attribute. It’s been like that for generations. I get the point and I have totally adopted this fresh air habit , as the fresh air in Norway is really special.

Hiking in the city. It can be short or long, alone or with friends. Stavanger region is rich in parks, mountains and forests, just like pretty much all Norway. We’re lucky to choose where to go each time.

Health, breathtaking views, contact with nature, fresh air and sense of accomplishment are mood boosters. Each season has its charm.

If you’re not convinced yet, here is my list:

1. Health. It’s healthy. Hiking oxygenates the brain, improves blood circulation. It activates various muscles. Good strength and balance training by walking on irregular terrains.
2. Norway’s fantastic landscapes. Yes, the wow pictures you see on Instagram? They are for real. Such beautiful views come trough our eyes and bring a feel good sensation. Contact with nature has positive and relaxing effect.
3. Norway is hiking friendly. Since it’s part of their culture, there are hiking tracks everywhere in the country, with red marks on stones along the way, maps available at tourist offices, even guided tours.
4. It’s a way to integrate to the Norwegian society. Put on appropriate clothes (see guidance below in this post, and more general tips here) and do a typical Norwegian activity. I feel happy each time I meet foreigners on my hiking paths. It’s super important for the kids to feel included, as they too have done the same as their school classmates.
5. Security. Norway is a safe place to hike. Criminality is low in Norway. That encourages all citizens to outdoor experiences.
6. Mindfulness is practiced as we have to focus on what’s happening now and watch our steps. We forget about the problems from the past and future. Even executives use such activities to come up with better solutions for their businesses.
7. Norwegians are at their best. It’s a magical effect nature has on Norwegian people. We find smily faces and Norwegians greet us all the way when hiking in the nature. And they expect you to greet them back. It’s incredible how happy and extrovert they get as opposed to meeting them in the city. Then they never greet strangers.
8. Social skills development. When we hike in pairs or groups, it tends to strengthen the friendship bonds. You’ve been through something exhilarating together. Some Norwegian companies stimulate such activities as part of team building.
9. Less screen time for you and the children. Children are instinctively active. Hiking gives them all the sense of adventure, contact with nature and trains their balance just like us adults. Let’s be honest. If we were at home right now instead of exploring the nature, we’d be scrolling through social media.
10. Sense of accomplishment. Reaching the top is an indescribable feeling.
11. Bonus reason: It’s fun! Don’t you think? You can still change it and make it fun. It’s up to us. Bring your favorite snacks, take pictures, sit and have a picnic, play outdoor bingo, have your favorite playlist. Pick a very nice day, with no wind and you’ll have a good time.

Hiking in the mountains. Spectacular nature experience guaranteed. It needs more planning than in urban areas. Please check the list below.

CRUCIAL IMPORTANT INFORMATION before you start your hiking adventure:

• Always check the weather forecast beforehand for temperature, wind and rain. If there’s storm predicted, abort the mission.
• Dress accordingly to the weather. It gets colder up in the mountains than in the city. Remember gloves, hat, comfortable shoes (trust me: it’s not the time to try your new mountain boots. Leave them for a short trip).
• Always bring extra wool clothes (specially under layers) to change in case you get wet. Wet body can get hypothermia even in the Summer.
• If it’s a new place for you, study it first, see the map, read about it.
• If you are going alone, let someone know where you’re going, or have your mobile’s GPS on. Even hiking experienced Norwegians (fjellfolk) get lost.
• Watch your step so that you don’t twist your ankle or fall. Some Norwegians use even stocks on long walks.
• Bring water and snacks (bananas, apples, sandwiches, granola bars, chocolate Kvikk lunsj is the Norwegians’ top choice as hiking snack).

The mountain weather rules

1. Plan your trip and report where you are going.
2. Adapt the trip according to ability and conditions.
3. Pay attention to weather and avalanche warnings.
4. Be prepared for storms and cold, even on short trips.
5. Bring the necessary equipment to be able to help yourself and others.
6. Make safe choices. Recognize avalanche-prone terrain and unsafe ice.
7. Use a map and compass. Always know where you are.
8. Turn in time, there is no shame in turning around.
9. Save energy and seek shelter if necessary. More official info here .

What to wear. Appropriate hiking clothes are: lightweight flexible hiking pants, boots or hiking shoes, wool (or cotton) long sleeves under layer, a sweater and wind/waterproof jacket. Wear good socks. I prefer wool as they absorb the sweat and keep my feet warm.

When it gets cold, a water resistant puff jacket is all we need. This one is the same as in the cover picture.

Where to go. In Stavanger, Sola and Sandnes region, there are fabulous places to hike: Stokkavatten, Sørmarka, Dalsnutten, Øvre Eikenuten, Preikestolen (my Pulpit Rock hike here), among others. Stavanger Tourist Association provides guided tours in the nature. Check their website here. You can choose from a variety of options like the duration, place, time, etc.

Do you like this post? Please share with your friends so that they also can benefit.

Subscribe for exclusive content and be updated on the posts.