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Hiking and Visiting the Fjords and Islands of Norway – FAQs

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Norway FAQs

Learn the answers to the most commonly asked questions about traveling in Norway.

Joining a Wildland Trekking trip to Norway? We have compiled the most frequently asked questions that Wildland Trekking guests have about visiting and hiking in Norway.

We invite you to peruse the categories below and find answers to your questions.

Money

What are the local customs regarding tipping?

  • While you are on your trek, all expenses will be handled by your guide except for souvenirs and alcohol.  In general, in Norway, tipping is not as common as in the US.  If you would like to tip your shuttle drivers, 50 to 100 NOK (Norwegian Krones) would be a fair tip.    
  • For tipping your guides, tipping is completely discretionary and always appreciated.  For most guides, sharing wild places with others is a true passion and way of life. Tips enable them to make a livable wage while providing an outstanding experience to others. The industry recommendation is 5-10% of total trip cost per person.   
  • If you have two guides, typically they will split the tip evenly. Please ensure that you have cash in Norwegian Kronor (NOK) or USD for tipping guides.  Venmo and Zelle will not work for European bank accounts. Thank you! 

Are ATMs readily available on this trip?

  • ATMs are readily available in cities and towns in Norway.  You will want to let your bank know that you will be travelling so they do not put a hold on your card.  Also, it is a good idea to research which of your credit cards have the cheapest international transaction fees.  Lastly, it’s best if your pin is 4 digits, not 6 digits, when travelling in Europe.  If you have a 6-digit pin, you will want to change your pin to 4 digits.   
  • Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted while American Express is not.  Exchanging USDs into NOK is typically most convenient at an ATM. 
  • If you are on the Mountain to Fjords Hut to Hut Trek – you will want to exchange money in Oslo before departing for the Mountain Huts.  The Huts prefer card to cash but cash is accepted. American Express is not accepted in the Norwegian Hut system.
  • If you are on the Lofoten Islands Inn-based Tour, ATMs will be available in Svolvær before meeting up for your orientation meeting. 
  • For additional information on current currency exchange rates you can click here. 

Connectivity

What is the internet access like?

  • Internet access throughout Norway is readily available and reliable in cities and towns.  When you are in the more remote huts and lodges, you will not have access to WIFI and cell phone coverage will be limited.   
  • If you purchase a SIM card for your phone upon arrival, you can purchase data and use that for connecting.  Again, up in the mountains, connectivity will be patchy. 

Can I use my cellphone in Norway?

  • Purchasing a SIM card upon arrival should give you the cheapest and most reliable cell phone coverage while in Norway.  You can also call your phone carrier and ask about international phone plans or activating global roaming.  Make sure to ask about pricing for these options.   

Toilets

What are the toilets like on this trip?

    • Western toilets are the standard in Norway. The more remote huts will have basic toilet facilities.  
    • While on trail a waste bag or “blue bag” is used to store waste to then be disposed of once back in the front-country.  The same ethics of Leave No Trace will be observed here so we pack out what we bring in, this includes waste, toilet paper etc.

Gear

What kind of hiking poles and day packs are provided?

  • Norrona 35-40 L Daypacks are provided.
  • Trekking poles will be provided

Travel

Our flight is earlier than you recommend for departing Bergen. Do we need to try and find a later flight?

  • Transport needs outside of the group shuttle will need to be a private taxi at your own cost. The guide can help set that up when you arrive.   

Accommodations and Amenities

Is there a list of our nightly accommodations for the trek?

Do the huts have electricity?

  • Most of the huts will have electricity, but the outlets will be limited.  You may want to bring a small power pack.  
  • Norway operates on a 230 supply voltage and 50Hz. Norway uses a type C plug which has two round pins and a type F plug which has two round pins and two ground clips on the side. You will need adapters for your electronics, be sure to research if your device is compatible with the change in voltage and hertz compared to that of your home country.  

Can I store extra luggage on this trip?

  • You will not be able to store extra luggage and all luggage you have will need to be transported with us during the trip.  If staying in Norway before or after some hotels may store your extra luggage. 

Will I need to bring a liner or any linens for sleeping?

  • No, all bedding will be provided by your lodgings.

Food and Water

What types of hiking snacks are provided while on the trail?

  • Guides often have the notorious Norwegian milk chocolate from Freia, “Kvikklunsj” it is like a Kitkat, but better.  Locally produced dried sausages or cheeses are an option too.

Is the water safe to drink along the trek?

  • Tap water throughout Norway is safe to drink.  You can fill your water bottles at the huts and lodges in the morning before you begin hiking.  Regarding filtering water from natural sources, please ask your guide about this at the orientation meeting. 

“I read that most meals are fish, and I do not eat a ton of fish. What are the entrees like?”

  • The dinners will vary.  The huts in Jotunheimen often serve local meat for the main course. A typical Norwegian diet is with both fish and meat so it’s not like we only eat fish – that’s more common up North near the sea.