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Which offline maps work best for hiking and driving in Norway?

UT, Norgeskart and Google Maps without mobile coverage.

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Short answer

For hiking, the free UT app from the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) lets you download maps for areas without coverage, while Google Maps offline areas give driving directions. Kartverket's Norgeskart lets you print your own hiking maps for free. Google Maps gives no walking directions offline, so do not rely on it on the trail.

Digital safety kit: apps and maps a smartphone with a signal icon and a small SIM card, a Wi-Fi symbol above a fjord outline

Why

  1. DNT runs UT.no with partners including Kartverket, Statskog and the Norwegian Environment Agency, and both the website and the app are free.
  2. Kartverket says you can print your own hiking maps free of charge on norgeskart.no.
  3. Google says offline maps give driving directions only if the whole route is inside the downloaded area, and that walking, cycling and transit directions are unavailable offline.

Details

The UT app shows the date each offline map was downloaded, and DNT recommends downloading it again after 6–12 months. Google Maps offline areas expire and must be updated; with auto-update on, they refresh over Wi-Fi when they are 15 days or less from expiry. For detailed topographic maps offline, the Norgeskart friluftsliv app from Ture Apps uses Kartverket's maps, with offline download in the Pro version at NOK 99 a year.

Tip

Download the map areas for both the hike and the drive at home on Wi-Fi, and check the Vegvesen trafikk app for road and tunnel closures while you still have a signal.

What may differ

Offline driving in Google Maps shows no live traffic and no alternative routes, so it will not warn you about closures.

People also ask

  • Where can I find a topographic map of Norway?
  • Does Google Maps work offline in Norway?
  • Which apps and maps should you use for hiking in Norway?
  • What is the best hiking app for Norway?

Sources

Information checked on 15 October 2026.

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