📱 Digital safety kit: official apps & maps 🗺️
Why this set
One screen with four icons covers the key risks: avalanches/landslides and water levels (Varsom, Se havnivå), planning and offline trail maps (UT.no), emergency calls with coordinates (Hjelp 113). Below is what exactly to include and how to prepare offline mode.
Disclaimer: this is an overview. Always check official warnings/rules before setting out.
Top 4 cards
1) Varsom — avalanches, floods, landslides, ice and observations
What it provides: Official warnings and an avalanche relief map: slopes steeper than 30° (bråtthetskart) and areas of possible avalanche runout. There are topographic maps and avalanche layers for offline use, which can be downloaded in advance for your area. The app combines warnings from varsom.no and field observations from Regobs.
Important: download the offline map before you set off — communication in the mountains is unreliable. Interface/language. Available in English (and Norwegian), with support for several European languages.
2) Se havnivå (Kartverket) — tides, water levels and storm surges
What it offers. This web service shows observed and forecast water levels for almost any point along the Norwegian coast. For the next 5 days, use the level forecast (this is the sum of the astronomical tide and the weather allowance); for a longer period, use the classic tide tables.
Offline. This is an online service, but you can download a PDF tide table for your chosen location and keep it offline.
3) UT.no — DNT trails/shelters and offline maps
What it offers. Search for trails, huts and ready-made "loops" near the city; there are offline maps with custom cut-outs — save the area in advance.
Notes. The support service warns that downloading offline maps can sometimes be slow — do this in advance using Wi-Fi.
4) Hjelp 113 — one tap to 110/112/113 and your coordinates
What it does. Shows your coordinates, the nearest AED and makes a quick call to 110/112/113; created by the Norwegian Air Ambulance Foundation. If automatic location sharing (AML) is not available, dictate your coordinates from the screen.
Notes. AML is a system function that attempts to send your location from your phone when you call 110/112/113, but not all calls are covered, especially with foreign SIM cards — keep your coordinates handy.
How to prepare offline map sections
Varsom. Open the app → select the area → download offline maps (topography/slope/avalanche layers). Check that the slope layer is available without a network connection.
UT.no. Profile → "Mine offline-kart" → "Nytt offline-kart" → select the desired area with a frame → Last ned → give it a name and save. The finished offline maps are in the profile list.
Se havnivå. Download a PDF tide table for the point (suitable for planning without a connection). For the next few days, it is better to keep the online "water level" forecast (it takes into account wind/pressure).
Hjelp 113. GPS coordinates are displayed in the app; if there is no network connection, take a screenshot of the coordinates at the scene of the incident and dictate them when the connection is restored.
Accessibility (a11y)
● Large font/contrast are taken from iOS/Android system settings.
● Varsom is available in English/Scandinavian languages — convenient for visitors.
● Hjelp 113 has an English-language page and clear icons (coordinates, AED, call).
"Low connection" mode: how to extend battery life
● Download offline maps via Wi-Fi and keep a power bank handy.
● Switch to power saving mode while on the route; if necessary, switch to airplane mode (on many devices, geolocation can be left on).
● In cold weather, keep your phone close to your body — the battery will drain faster.
● In an emergency call, AML can transmit your coordinates; but always know how to read them aloud.
Integration with checklists
● Save your routes and starting points in UT.no, and add a "contact on shore" to your notes.
● In Varsom, enable notifications for your region and keep an offline area.
● In Hjelp 113, activate the app (enter the number/allow geolocation), add 110/112/113 and your home address to your favourites.
FAQ
Varsom: yes, maps/slope after download; alerts themselves require internet. — UT.no: yes, after saving offline snippet. — Se havnivå: data online; PDF tide table available offline. — Hjelp 113: coordinates are displayed without internet, but the call will require a network connection.
Open Se havnivå and find the nearest point/sensor; the service shows water level observations/forecasts and tide tables for almost any location along the Norwegian coast.
Open Hjelp 113 and read the numbers from the screen when calling 110/112/113. If AML does not work (e.g. foreign SIM card), voice dictation of the coordinates is sufficient.
