Read news from:
Austria
SHARE
COPY LINK
For members

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.

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.
For members

PROPERTY

Why do all homes in Norway seem to look the same?

Of course not every home in Norway is identical but there are several major trends that are easily identifiable in most cities that might give you the impression that they all look the same.

Published: 25 June 2024 12:47 CEST
Why do all homes in Norway seem to look the same?

Before we explain the similarities there is plenty of variety among homes in Norway.

Different regions in Norway have their own styles, and people’s personal tastes and modern trends also play a role.

Furthermore, urban areas are way more eclectic compared to rural and more isolated regions, and at the same time, the biggest cities need to deal with population pressure.

READ MORE: What you need to know about the Norwegian housing model

However, it is undeniable that a few significant trends dominate the landscape in most of Norway’s towns and cities.

The traditional wooden house

The first trend is the traditional wooden house, which is often medium-sized and square.

These homes, painted in classic colours such as white, dark red, ochre yellow, or brown, are omnipresent across Norway.

While you will easily spot them in any smaller town, even the two largest cities – Oslo and Bergen – still boast many traditional wooden houses.

READ MORE: Oslo versus Bergen: Five big differences between Norway’s two largest cities

If you take a walk to Bergen’s Old Town, you’ll find an array of traditional wooden houses in the area behind the UNESCO-protected Bryggen Wharf. Many wooden houses can also be found in the centrally located Verftet neighbourhood on the Nordnes peninsula.

Their uniform appearance stems from historical building practices and the practicality of using wood as a primary construction material in a forest-rich country.

These homes not only serve as a testament to Norway’s architectural heritage but also adapt well to the country’s climate, providing insulation against the cold.

Additionally, local building regulations often dictate specific architectural styles to preserve the cultural heritage of Norwegian towns and villages – especially in neighbourhoods with a rich past.

Lofoten houses

Wooden houses in Reine, Lofoten Islands, northern Norway. Photo by Jonas Geschke on Unsplash

Modern Norwegian housing

The second trend includes more modern housing solutions, such as terraced houses, new builds, and apartment blocks.

These structures are increasingly common in urban areas where space is at a premium. Many construction projects in the outskirts of Bergen feature this kind of development as the city expands to accommodate its growing population.

This trend reflects contemporary architectural styles and is often designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind.

The uniformity here is driven by modern urban planning in cities like Oslo, Bergen, Trondheim, and Stavanger.

Aker Brygge

The Aker Brygge wharf area in central Oslo. Photo by Meriç Dağlı on Unsplash

Traditional vs modern: What advocates of the two styles say

Supporters of traditional Norwegian homes argue that these old structures are very durable. They point out that the wood used in homes from 40 to over 80 years ago comes from slow-growing trees, making it dense and rot-resistant.

Compared to modern building materials, which they often view as inferior, they claim that wood in these older homes ensures longevity – as long as the house has been adequately maintained.

READ MORE: What you should know before buying a house in rural Norway

Furthermore, the longevity of old wooden houses in Norway is well-documented. Many homes built in the early 20th century still retain their original structure despite multiple renovations.

As long as the wood remains dry, it can last for decades – or even centuries.

On the other hand, with advancements in building technology, modern houses are designed to minimise heat loss, reduce energy consumption, and lower utility bills – particularly relevant in the cost-of-living crisis plaguing Norway and Europe in recent years.

These homes often feature high-level insulation, double or triple-glazed windows, and advanced heating systems, which make them more environmentally friendly and cost-effective in the long run.

Another key advantage of modern homes is their adherence to strict building codes and standards.

Today, Norwegian houses are built to high specifications, ensuring safety, comfort, and durability. Mandated ventilation systems improve indoor air quality and prevent issues like mould and dampness.

In addition to technical improvements, modern homes are also designed with contemporary lifestyles in mind. Open floor plans and larger windows create bright and adaptable living spaces.

SHOW COMMENTS