Cruise with an overnight stay in a secluded hut: the "fjord-to-hut" format
Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime, because not all fjords end with a car park and a souvenir kiosk! Some end at a wild granite wall, where a trail leads to the only wooden cabin for miles around – what an adventure! The fjord-to-hut format transforms a regular cruise into an unforgettable mini-expedition. You step out of your cabin, grab your backpack, feel the breeze on deck, and a couple of hours later, after passing through a spruce forest and a terraced landscape, you close the door of your self-service DNT cabin behind you. As evening falls, the fjord is awash with a million stars, and the crackle of the stove adds to the charm.
The route is absolutely perfect for exploring Norway's stunning national parks. Imagine hopping on a floating "bus" instead of your car, following a scenic trail to a secluded cabin where you have the entire place to yourself, and enjoying breathtaking panoramas along the way. This is a unique adventure that ranks among the best hikes in Norway, where the order of the day is: spend the night, wake up, and then capture the perfect moment with a photo. Here's a simple, step-by-step process you can easily repeat on any deeply cut arm.
Day 1. Cruise deep into the fjord
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Train + bus | In the morning, take the Vy train to Sogndal or Olnes, then a 30-minute local bus ride to the pier. |
| Electric catamaran | Zero-emission vessels call at small piers twice daily; tickets via Entur, with free backpack storage onboard. |
| Disembark at the trail | The captain drops you off on request—silence reigns as you step onto a narrow wooden pier and begin Norway’s hiking trails. |
The route to the hut is a 2–3 hour adventure. The first part follows an old shepherd's path, climbing 400–600 metres, then enters a cedar forest and leads to a bare plateau with a view of the azure fjord. Every 500 metres, you'll stumble upon a stone cairn, and even if you lose your mobile signal, you won't lose your way thanks to the GPX track loaded into Norgeskart.
Evening and night in the DNT cabin
● Key. A universal "DNT Nøkkel" key can be obtained in advance from the service point or from a vending machine at the station.
● Interior. A potbelly stove, a wood box, bunk beds, a supply of candles and books about the glacier that feeds the fjord.
● Water. In summer, there is a stream 50 metres away; in winter, melt snow.
● Food. The cupboard contains emergency provisions: spelt, tomato soup, Kvikk-Lunsj chocolate. Replenish if you take anything.
When darkness falls, the main show begins: the fjord transforms into a mirror, stars pierce the darkness, and only the crackling of the fireplace reminds you that civilisation is two mountain passes and one flight away.
Day 2. "Ring of Panoramas" and descent to the water
In the morning, make sure you're all set for the day by packing a light backpack: Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you soar 6–8 km along the ridge, enjoying breathtaking views that are usually only available from a helicopter! The small planes below look like tiny fireflies, and you stand on the top, where the lichen is softer than a carpet.
Before you go, make sure you close the hut behind you, throw a log on the fire, and update the guest book. In just two hours, you will be back at the quaint little pier! Get ready for the experience of a lifetime on the electric catamaran, which will be mooring at noon. You'll have had the chance to rest, wash your face with glacier water, and be ready to continue your outdoor adventures in Norway!
Practical "fjord-to-hut" checklist
| What to take | Why |
|---|---|
| 30-litre backpack ≤ 7 kg | The climb is steep, and you'll be carrying all your gear. |
| Sleeping bag (+5 °C) | Huts have mattresses and blankets, but a warm bag guarantees a good night’s sleep. |
| Gas burner | Easier to cook soup; 230 g cylinders are allowed on catamarans. |
| Powerbank (10 000 mAh) | No electricity—your phone is navigator and camera. |
| Trekking poles | Helpful on wet stone steps, especially with heavy gear. |
Fjord options for the "fjord-to-hut" format
| Fjord | Hut | Trail | Ascent time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tafjorden (Sunnmøre) | Reindalseter (DNT) | Via Rellingsætra and Lake Grøndalen | 2 h 45 min |
| Hjørundfjord | Tyssenaustet (DNT) | The old "milk route" to the alpine pastures | 3 h |
| Åkrafjorden | Sandvasshytta | Through Trollskogen forest and Sandvass plateau | 2 h 30 min |
| Lyngenfjord | Emilbu | Steindalen glacial moraine, bridges over streams | 3 h |
| Nærøyfjord | Breidablikk | Rimstigen steep trail, 700 m elevation gain | 2 h |
The incredible fjord-to-hut format is the best of Norway's national parks! Enjoy clean catamaran navigation, uncrowded trails and overnight stays where windows replace TVs and candlelight reflects off the water far below.
Plan your adventure: find a cosy hut above your favourite fjord, book a drop-off ticket, and pack a light sleeping bag — and let us know how the crackling of wood mixes with the lapping of water beneath the deck. Your experience is going to add a whole new point to the map of hiking trails in Norway, and the next traveller will pick up the key you left in the door to continue the story of adventure without borders and without the glare of city lights.