Massif Trail

Understand

The trail is best suited for experienced hikers who are comfortable navigating in mountainous terrain, often far from roads and with limited resupply options. The name refers to the great mountain massifs it crosses, and the trail showcases the dramatic contrasts of Norway's high country, from alpine plateaus and steep ridges to quiet valleys and glacier-fed rivers.

Prepare

There is a registry available for hikers who have completed the route at the trail's hall of fame. Be sure to collect a stamp book before you start hiking, and collect stamps at all of the cabins that belong to the DNT along the way. Most hikers complete the route in about 3 to 4 weeks. The trail is well-marked, but fog is common. Use a topographic map, compass, and GPS or offline app.

Eat Several cabins have a small shop available, the ones that do are listed as buy listings in the sections below. Many more have restaurants available. The trail also passes over several roads, such as highway 7, that lead to towns such as Eidfjord, offering you the ability to resupply along the way. In general, food is not difficult to find, but be sure to carry additional food when not using lodges.

Drink Flowing water coming from the mountains is generally safe to drink (except those directly from glaciers) and these streams are not difficult to come by.

Sleep There are DNT cabins along this entire route, as well as several privately owned lodges. It's possible to hike the trail without carrying a tent, although you do forego the great views that come with camping up on a high spot!

Climate The trail is most commonly hiked during the summer season, typically from late June through early September. Mountain weather changes quickly. Even in summer, expect cold, rain, or snow. Bring warm clothes, rain gear, and wind protection.

Get in

The southern terminus of the trail, Haukeliseter, is reachable by bus directly from Oslo. The northern terminus is harder to reach. The closest large town is Otta. A bus connection from Otta is available to Bismo, where a taxi service to Sota Sæter is available, reachable at ☏ +47 95 95 09 40.

Walk

Leaving Sota Sæter, the trail climbs steadily through birch forests and into alpine terrain. The ascent toward Illvatnet is the steepest of the entire route, about 860 m (2,820 ft) up. In good weather, you can detour with a guided glacier walk across Fortundalsbreen (optional) or otherwise follow the summer path via Illvatnet. High on the plateau, the route traverses a long stretch consisting mostly of boulder fields. Nørdstedalseter is reached after a gentle descent into Fortundalen, past a large glacier lake.

1 Sota Sæter. Restaurant 2 Nørdstedalseter. Very small store, restaurant

The trail ascends eastward through Vetledalen, gradually leading you toward Sognefjell Pass. As you approach, you'll momentarily feel as though you're leaving the wilderness behind. The route briefly intersects a highway before reaching Sognefjellshytta, a well-known tourist hub offering excursions to several nearby glaciers. From the lodge, you can see the Smørstabb Massif and Fannaråken peak in clear weather.

3 Sognefjellshytta. Restaurant

Head south from Sognefjellshytta into the heart of Jotunheimen. This stage includes a guided glacier crossing of Fannaråkbreen (rope and guide usually required). After crossing the snow-covered ice, a steep climb on a rocky ridge leads up to Fannaråkhytta, perched atop Fannaråki (Fannaråken) at 2,068 m (6,785 ft). On a clear day the 360° panorama is amazing. You can see the jagged Hurrungane peaks as well as the Skagastølsridge and Norway's third-highest summit, Store Skagastølstind (Storen). Enjoy the sunset above the clouds if you're lucky.

4 Fannaråkhytta. Highest DNT cabin in Norway, restaurant

After experiencing sunrise from Norway's rooftop, begin the long descent. The trail drops steeply off Fannaråki's western side, skirting the edge of the glacier. The trail drops 1,200 m (3,900 ft) m via Keiserpasset into Utladalen, one of Norway's deepest valleys. By early afternoon you arrive at Skogadalsbøen, a charming DNT lodge nestled at the confluence of lush valleys and roaring streams. Wildflowers and birch trees abound at this lower elevation.

5 Skogadalsbøen. Restaurant, small store

The trail leaves Skogadalsbøen by climbing out

Stay safe

When venturing out, be prepared for challenges. While some sections of the trail are marked, fog is common, so it's essential to use a topographic map, compass, and either a GPS device or an offline navigation app. Observe Wildlife and reindeer (only some of these are wild) quietly and from a safe distance. In case of an emergency, remember that mobile signal is unreliable, so carrying a personal locator beacon (PLB) or other emergency beacon is highly recommended, especially if you're hiking alone. The emergency number is ☏ 112. Due to the challenging conditions and potential for delayed rescue, always leave your itinerary with a trusted person before you set out.

Go next

After completing the Massif Trail, hikers looking to explore more of Norway's backcountry can head north to the Nordlandsruta, a remote and challenging route that stretches through the wilderness of Nordland county toward the Arctic Circle. For a more established and accessible long-distance experience, the famous Kungsleden in northern Sweden offers well-marked trails and staffed mountain huts.