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DISCOVER NORWAY

How to enjoy a free overnight trip in the Norwegian wilderness this summer

There are several great opportunities to go on a free overnight trip in Norway, if you know where to look.

Published: 19 June 2023 16:47 CEST
Lofoten cabin
There are a lot of ways of enjoying Norway that don't entail spending a fortune. Pictured is a traditional Norwegian cabin. Photo by Andrew Slifkin on Unsplash

The weak exchange rate of the Norwegian krone and persistent inflation are likely to affect the summer travel plans of many people living in Norway, likely leading to more domestic vacations.

According to a recent survey by SpareBank 1, roughly 1.5 million Norwegians (that is, 1 in 3 people living in the country) said that the weak krone had affected their holiday plans.

Out of the 1,5 million, some 600,000 said they’re being extra careful about spending money abroad, while around 420,000 people said they were entirely dropping summer holidays abroad this year.

So, if you’re looking for ways to spend your hard-earned kroner in Norway this summer season, know that you’re not alone.

A little-known feature that enables free overnight trips

There are a lot of ways of enjoying Norway during the summer that don’t entail spending a fortune (the country has some of the most amazing natural scenery in the world, and fantastic hiking opportunities are usually easily accessible from most cities and towns).

READ MORE: How to have a fulfilling social life in Norway without breaking the bank

However, in recent days, the Norwegian media have devoted a lot of attention to popularising a special feature enabled by Statsskog, the Norwegian state-owned enterprise responsible for the management of forests and mountain real estate, that many people don’t know about – the free use of a number of their smaller huts.

There are over 130 free-to-use huts in the Norwegian mountains and forests that are ready to welcome visitors without them spending a single krone.

This offer is part of Statsskog’s measures to facilitate sustainable hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities in Norway.

“These (huts) can transform a day trip into a small nature holiday with an overnight stay,” Statskog’s communications manager, Trond Gunnar Skillingstad, said in a recent press release.

The open-type huts are unlocked and available to everyone. However, just in case someone gets there before you, it might be a good idea to have a tent in your bag.

You can find an overview of all such huts operated by Statskog on their website.

Note: The norm is to use the hut for one night only so that others can also have the opportunity to enjoy it.

Other affordable options

In addition to these small cabins, Statsskog also rents out larger cabins, but for an affordable fee. They have around 100 cabins available for short-term rent across Norway.

“The price varies, but most cost between 750 – 1,500 kroner per night. Some of them have many beds,” Skillingstad said.

Know that while some of the cabins have electricity and running water, others offer just the bare basics. What they all share, however, is the fact that they’re surrounded by beautiful Norwegian nature.

Many are also located by the water and include a boat. These are often particularly popular with families and groups of friends.

You can find an overview of all rental cabins operated by Statskog on this webpage.

Reservations for Statskog cabins are made via the online portal inatur.no, and you can identify popular tours in the area through the UT.no tour portal.

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SPORT

The key info you need to know about fishing in Norway

Norway is widely considered one of the best fly-fishing locations in the world. Whether you've planned a trip or always wanted to give fishing a go, you'll need to get up to speed with the rules.

Published: 7 June 2024 13:22 CEST
The key info you need to know about fishing in Norway

Fishing has traditionally been a cornerstone of the Norwegian economy, and the country’s seafood is considered some of the best in the world.

The country still has a large fishing industry, but recreational angling probably attracts the most interest these days.

This is because the country is considered one of the best destinations in the world to cast a line due to its clear and bountiful freshwater lakes and rivers.

Whether you’re located in Oslo or above the Arctic Circle, you are likely to be near a good spot, too.

The rules for fishing are typically divided into two categories: freshwater and saltwater.

Saltwater fishing

You don’t need a permit to fish, and you can fish from land when you aren’t in built-up areas. You can also cast a line from a jetty in other areas.

Anglers can only use handheld tackle, and it is illegal to catch species that require gear other than handheld tackle. There are also minimum size requirements to catch certain species.

There are also regulations on the minimum size of the fish you catch, boat drivers must have a boating licence, and life jackets must be worn in the vessel.

When fishing, you must be at least 100 metres from the nearest fish farm. It is also illegal to sell your catch, but you can give it away.

Only tourists with a registered camp or guide can take their fish products out of the country, with weight limits also in place.

Furthermore, spiny dogfish, basking shark, porbeagle, blue ling, lobster, bluefin tuna, silk shark, eel, and wrasse are protected species and cannot be caught. You cannot catch cod in the Oslofjord, either.

Some species, such as redfish, cod, halibut, and Greenland halibut, are also protected during the year. Halibut above 2 metres long must also be released.

More information on the regulations can be found on the Norwegian Directorate of Fisheries website.

Freshwater fishing

Those who want to fish freshwater in Norway will typically need to purchase a licence from the local rights holder. Local sports shops and tourist offices will have more information on where to purchase the fishing licence.

There will also be local fishing rules and a fishing season for fish like salmon (typically between June and August).

When fishing for migratory fish, like salmon, you can only use worms, lures, spinners, wobblers and flies as bait. There are also restrictions on hook sizes, or single hooks, the maximum gape size is 15 mm, and for double/treble hooks, it is 13 mm.

There is a national fishing fee of 329 kroner for salmon, Arctic char and other fish that migrate upstream that can be purchased online. This is paid in addition to any local fishing licence fees.

Catch and release?

In almost all cases, you can keep your fish and eat it if you want. This is due to the Norwegian right to roam and forage.

However, local restrictions may mean there are certain types of fish you need to release, furthermore prohibited species and those not meeting the minimum size requirements must also be released.

The exception to this rule is if it is clear that the fish will not survive in the wild.

Catch and release is a growing trend in Norway and is something you can choose to do, too, if you wish.

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