True Facts about cabins in Norway that nobody tells you.

The idilic dream of you and me and a cabin in the mountains can turn into a real nightmare if you’re not prepared for the unexpected.

Beside the weather conditions, there are the unspoken rules that every Norwegian should know, but obviously not all foreigners do.

Here’s what nobody warned me before I took my first cabin trip in Norway.

Check the cabin’s location before you book your trip. Depending on the place, you can’t park near the cabin. I promise it’s not fun to walk half a mile uphill carrying three backpacks, a baby, a dog, two bags with food, in the cold wind, sinking your feet in the fluffy snow up to your knees.

Check the weather forecast. Always! Even during your stay! The weather changes abruptly in Norway. That’s a fact. In the beginning of April, for example, when Spring is official. Some flowers have begun to decorate the struggle-to-be-green grass. The Sun is warmer and our expectations are high. One day it’s Sunny, warm and you dare to show your legs to the world again, after a long cold Winter. Next day, there comes a snow storm. Temperatures plummet, traffic gets chaotic, people get literally stuck in the cabin. It’s wise to have plan B, like a good book and making waffles while the storm is on.

You have to clean it up. Yep, no dear cleaning service here. You’re expected to even wash the toilets before you leave so that the next guest will find it clean and tidy, ready to use. Plan ahead and spare some time to do the cleaning before you leave. It’s important to keep track of time if you have to take the ferry or if it’s the end of a national holiday and you’re gonna be stuck in traffic. Remember to take out the trash with you. Near parking lots there are big containers with the sign: Hytteavfall. That means cabin garbage. Throw your trash there. It’s rare to see trash cans for recyclable stuff in remote areas.

Watch my fun video about these tips on my Instagram. Click here.

Cabin owner is responsible for the kitchen and cleaning supply. Yes, that’s true. You don’t need to bring toilet paper. Remember to bring food that is easy to prepare in case you run out of electricity.

Have an emergency kit. In case of fever, flu, cold symptoms you may be far from the nearest pharmacy or hospital. Remember that accidents like cutting yourself when preparing food can happen.

Sunscreen year round. Even in the snow, you can get sunburned.

Two individual duvets instead of one big. Brazilians are used to one big duvet for the couple to share in bed. In Norway, each person has his/her own duvet.

Norwegian Flag. Norwegians usually set a flag outside the cabin when they arrive. Just FYI.

Information for renting a cabin here (Stavanger Tourist Association) and here (The Norwegian Trekking Association).

Enjoy! ‘Cause life at the cabin is awesome! Waking up in a cabin is magical. More about cabin culture in Norway, click here.