⛰️ Safety in the Norwegian mountains: "short evenings" and daytime hikes 🌄

A guide to picking a loop that is between 60 and 120 minutes long.

A short evening trip is a route that you travel in a loop near the city. You finish the trip at the same place you started. The route does not have any long, difficult sections. This format gives you control over your time, makes it easy to find your way around and reduces risks.

The important things to consider are how much the path goes up and down, what the surface is like, and how easy it is to see the trail.

1. Elevation gain. For 60–120 minutes, try to go up a small hill and take it easy. Urban forests, lake embankments, prepared "forest roads" and gravel loops are ideal.
2. Surface. Gravel/hard surfaces and wide trails are best for the off-season and at night. Narrow paths, wet rocks and steps can be tiring and make it more likely that you will not be able to stick to your schedule.
3. It's easy to see the trail. The routes are clearly marked, there are popular "circles" near water, the areas are well-lit and they are close to public transport.

You can easily select "evening loops" via UT.no (DNT database: filters "Enkel", "Rundtur" and by time/length) — both on the website and in the app.

The time it takes to get to the sunset and the time it takes to get there with the light still there.

Check the time the sun sets and add an extra 30 to 45 minutes (so you don't end up walking in the dark without expecting it). You can see sunrise and sunset times in the Sky View and in the hourly table on the Yr app. TimeandDate also has a useful astronomical cheat sheet.

Layered clothing (base layer / insulation / windproof layer)

Three layers are the basic principle for Norway in the off-season and in the evening:

● Base: synthetic or merino wool, moisture wicking.

● Insulation: fleece/synthetic (easily adjustable with a zip).

● Wind protection/precipitation: lightweight membrane (hooded).
Add: light gloves, buff/hat, headlamp (headband) and reflective elements — according to Fjellvettreglene, it is important to plan and be visible/findable.

Offline navigation and energy (maps, power bank, energy-saving mode)

1. UT app: save the offline area for your route → "Lagret" → "Offline map". This is the official way to have a map without a connection; if coverage is poor, download it in advance.
2. Backup layer: save the area in Google Maps offline (for arrival/return, parking addresses/stops).
3. Power: phone at ~80–100%, power bank ≥ 10,000 mAh, limit background apps, enable power saving and "airplane mode" when navigation is stable.
4. Where you are now: in UT, you can view the coordinates of the point — useful if you need to explain your location.
   
   

"Share your route": who, how, what to specify

This is point 1 in Fjellvettreglene: plan and communicate where you are going. Evening loops are no exception. Who and how:

● Contact on shore: someone in town who is not going with you.

● Message (template): "Today 18:30–20:15, loop [name/UT link], start/finish at [point], going alone/with a friend, will be back by 20:30. If not, call 112/113."

● Within the group: discuss Plan B and the "turnaround time."
Fjellvett emphasises: adapt your plans to the weather, be aware of avalanches in winter, stay in touch and know how to say "no".

Useful: for emergency calls — the official Hjelp 113 app (English interface, shows coordinates and the nearest AED).

Cancellation criteria and Plan B

When to cancel/curtail:

● The weather has deteriorated significantly (strong gusty winds, heavy rain, thunderstorm).

● Fog/visibility < 200 m in open areas and you are unsure of the trail.

● Ice/black ice on rocks/decking, no grippy soles.

● Darkness is falling earlier than planned, no light/energy supply.

● Winter/off-season: there are avalanche hazards nearby or on accessible slopes — check official Varsom warnings (daily from 1 December to 31 May). If in doubt, do not go into a sloping/open avalanche area.

Plan B (in the evening):

● Replace the trail with a well-lit forest road/city park.

● move to a circle near water;

● shorten the loop to the nearest bridge;

● postpone and do urban "scandi walking" along well-lit embankments.

3 short sample loops

Below are 30–90-minute "evening loops" near the city. Assess the surface/slope and seasonal conditions on site.

Oslo — circle around Sognsvann (≈ 3.7 km, ~1 hour, "Enkel"). A classic flat gravel loop by the water: accessible year-round, suitable for most levels, wheelchair accessible. Parking and T-Bane nearby. A great option for a quick, safe loop, especially after work.

Bergen — from Fløyen (upper station) to Skomakerdiket (10–15 min) + loop around the lake (up to ~45 min). An easy walk on gravel; can be extended to 60–90 minutes using the recommended Fløyen loops (e.g. Fløyvarden ~1.5 hours, 3.5 km). Convenient as a "plan B" in case of unstable weather: you can quickly get to the funicular.

Tromsø — a loop around Prestvannet (on Tromsøya, easy, suitable as an "after work" walk). Close to the centre, part of the route is lit in winter; a well-known place for a quiet walk and even for viewing the northern lights (seasonal). Be especially careful in icy conditions.

This is general information and does not replace instruction/legal/medical advice. Check local rules/warnings before leaving.

Found an inaccuracy or want to suggest an "evening loop"? Write to us — we will update the material.