Norway

[Chew]

Seems like an excellent place to go for an adventure.

Anyone been?

What are the access laws like, trails, routes etc?

[99percentchimp]

Hi Chew,
Access is great - you can camp anywhere within reason - responsible access is the name of the game.

I skied, kayaked and backpacked to stay in huts (excellent system - see Den Norske Turistforening http://english.turistforeningen.no/) and camped in the hills without hinderence.... excellent countryside and pretty variable from wooded SE Norway to massive fjordland in the west to high Arctic plateaus (Hardangavidda http://www.switchbacktravel.com/norway/hardangervidda in the south and Finnmark in the north).

Not too sure on legal access to trails by bike but everyone seems to mountain bike where they want within reason. Hut touring with some bikepacking would be great and it's on my list to try out combined with a work trip. Ask away if you need any more info/pointers.

Weather can be a bit hit and miss... it was absolutely hosing down last Wednesday in southern Norway and then 25 degree and sunny on Thursday... nice walk in the hills in the afternoon!

[Chew]

Seems like a fantastic place to go, just so much information to go at its knowing where to start :?

Getting there seems to be less than easy either. Shame the Newcastle to Bergen ferry isnt running any more :(

[99percentchimp]

Chew, one possibility might be a ferry to Esbjerg, Denmark... train or cycle up Jutland and then a loop from Kristiansand in the south, up through Setesdal (fantastic valley with MASSIVE slab climbing) towards the Hardangervidda area then some sort of loop and back along the south coast by train or bike.... depends on how long you've got really.

I've been thinking of bringing a bike over by plane too which should be straight forward.. loads to go at really but some of the walking routes are hard work in the summer between huts as you have to avoid/circumnavigate all the lakes that you can simply ski straight across in winter. It would really pay to choose a route that is rideable track - it will feel remote as soon as you are out of sight of a house/village!

You know the issues with food/beer prices too I guess. Public transport isn't too bad - paid 88 NOK return on the ferry the other day to go walking.... 50 minutes ride each way for ~ £8.

I know what you mean about the ferry... I'll miss the singing waitresses in the restaurant and it was convenient(ish) when I was living in Derbyshire... just up the A1 to Stavanger really!