Berry hiking: where to pick cloudberries and blueberries on the trail

Picture this: you've had a busy day out in the beautiful Norwegian national parks, and now you're relaxing. What could be more relaxing than enjoying some delicious, fresh berries picked straight from the trail? Hey, have you ever thought about how berry picking is such a great way to enjoy travelling and trying new foods? We'll help you find cloudberries and blueberries, and we'll tell you how to keep their taste fresh for as long as possible.

Which Norwegian national parks have the most cloudberries and blueberries?

The best places for picking berries are Hardangervidda, Røndane and Jotunheimen. There are lots of cloudberries in Hardangerfjord in July and early August. Jotunheimen and Rondane have excellent blueberries until the end of August and even September. The trails through the wooded areas and open plateaus are full of berries.

Which campsites and huts are in a good place for berry picking?

Odda Camping (Hardangerfjord), Gjendesheim (Jotunheimen) and Rondvassbu (Rondane) are in a great spot for picking berries. Here, you can leave your equipment, go on easy walks to pick berries and then cook delicious meals right there.

Which animals can you usually see along berry trails?

When you go on berry trails, you might see reindeer, moose and foxes, who also like to eat berries. Be careful not to get too close, keep quiet and do not disturb the animals. It is also important not to leave rubbish or food scraps behind to avoid attracting them to campsites.

What's the best way to store berries when you're out hiking?

The best way to store berries when you're out hiking is in zip-lock bags. They are small, airtight and do not take up much space in your backpack. Store the berries separately so they don't get mixed up or damaged. Check it regularly and remove any damaged berries to keep it fresh.

What are the basic rules for picking berries in Germany?

Norwegian law (Allemannsretten) lets you pick berries and mushrooms almost everywhere, except on private property and within 150 metres of houses. Remember to be kind to nature: do not damage plants, do not pick berries to sell, and leave the place as clean as it was before you arrived.

What should you take with you for a nice walk in the countryside?

Take small containers or zip-lock bags, lightweight dishes for quick desserts on the trail, as well as wet wipes and hand sanitiser. It's a good idea to take a flask with a hot drink when you go picking berries in the cold.

Want to know how to make energy jam quickly when you're out hiking?

Take the picked berries (cloudberries or blueberries), mash them a little and put them in a small saucepan. Add a little sugar or honey to suit your taste and cook on a gas burner for between 10 and 15 minutes. The finished jam is great with bread, crackers or oatmeal. It will give you energy for the whole day.

Where should you stop to pick berries on your trip?

Choose a spot in the sun that is also slightly damp – this is where berries grow the biggest and taste best. Blueberries like dark forest glades, while cloudberries prefer open marshes and tundra plateaus. Look at the route in advance to see where is best for picking.

Why not try something fun and get out into the fresh air? A walk picking berries is a great way to experience the beauty of Norwegian nature. If you follow these simple tips and the rules of Allemannsretten, you can pick a delicious harvest right on the trail and cook up some great dishes in the open air.

Have you already picked berries on the trails in Norway? We'd absolutely love to know about your favourite places, recipes and photos, so please share them in the comments! We'll be publishing the best stories and photos in our catalogue to inspire other travellers to go on new adventures, so get those ideas flowing!