Hiking in the Nordic countries
In the Nordic countries of Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden there are large sparsely populated areas suitable for wilderness backpacking and multiple day lodge-to-lodge hiking, and areas for day hikes even near most towns and villages – in Norway including hikes to high summits. There is a rich variety of landscapes in the Nordic countries, from volcanic Iceland to the eastern forests in Finland, from the alpine mountains of Norway to the gentle lowlands of Denmark and southern Sweden. The freedom to roam, also called right to access or, in Swedish/Norwegian/Finnish allemansrätten/allemannsretten/jokamiehenoikeus ("every man's rights"), gives access for anyone to most of the nature.
In the winter, which may mean from January to February or from October to May, depending on the destination, cross country skiing is the way to go, at least for longer distances in many areas – wilderness backpacking and back-country skiing are more or less considered the same activity. At destinations with hiking trails, there are often skiing tracks in the winter.
Some of the advice below is also relevant for other ways to explore the natural landscape.
For Faeroe Islands, Greenland and Svalbard, see their main articles.
While wilderness areas in Denmark are very small compared to other Nordic countries, the country still has some opportunities for outdoor life. See Primitive camping in Denmark.
UnderstandHe hath need of fire, who now is come,numbed with cold to the knee;food and clothing the wanderer craveswho has fared o'er the rimy fell.
DestinationsThe freedom to roam allows you to go more or less anywhere. There are forests or other kinds of nature open to the public in all parts of the countries.
GearFor a basic idea about what to pack, have a look at wilderness backpacking and cold weather.
Get inFrom most towns there is some hiking terrain in reach by local bus and by foot. Here is some advice for more remote destinations, such as most national parks.
Fees and permitsThere are no entrance fees to national parks, wilderness areas or other hiking destinations, and entry is usually allowed from anywhere.
Get aroundFreedom to roam is mostly about getting around by foot or ski, but you may also want to use other equipment. There are often trails but seldom roads inside the protected areas.
SeeBefore you begin you should work out some sort of plan or goals you'd like to achieve while hiking.
DoSwimming is allowed and possible nearly everywhere in the hundreds of thousands lakes around the region – or in the sea and rivers.
EatYou are allowed to pick berries and mushrooms (except in a few nature reserves) and you can buy permits for fishing (some fishing is free, but this varies by region) and sometimes even for hunting (be sure to complete…
DrinkIn the wilderness you can usually drink good-looking water from springs and streams without treatment, and most hikers do.
SleepGetting a good night's sleep is critical when hiking. It allows one to recharge the batteries physically and also mentally. Waking up refreshed is a great way to start the next day.
BuyYou might want to buy an all-round hiking and handicraft knife, either a Finnish "puukko" or a Sami "leuku" or "niibi", and a Sami wooden cup "guksi" (Finnish: kuksa, Swedish: kåsa).
Stay safeAs the Norwegian mountains have been "discovered" by the world, even people without mountaineering experience have come to think "I have to go there".
RespectRespect towards locals, the nature and fellow hikers is an important underpinning of the hiking culture, and even a prerequisite for free roam in the outdoors.
Place names and useful wordsAs names on maps and signs usually indicate topography, understanding some landscape words can be useful.
ConnectThere may be mailboxes and stamps available at shops and tourist businesses. Instead of poste restante you might want to use a suitable c/o address. Ask about local practises.
CopeThere are often waste bins at huts, shelters and campfire sites. Especially where there is no road you should avoid using these, and pack out instead.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Hiking in the Nordic countries" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0