Norway on skies

Polar night, Northern lights, outdoors, chocolate for lunch, brown sweet cheese, hot chocolate and smores by the campfire. These are some of the activities and natural wonders you can experience if you adventure into the Norwegian wilderness in winter. Go experience Friluftsliv or the Scandinavian definition for outdoor activities. However, it stands for outdoor activities which includes an overnight in nature :)

Many people avoid Scandinavian countries because of the high costs they come with. A easier way to enjoy a unique holiday in Norway is by doing what the Norwegians do. Book your flight to North Norway, Tromso or Alta. Rent out a pair of cross-country skies, a tent and make sure you have a warm sleeping bag. Fill your bag with food supplies and make sure you have a propane tank. Then adventure into the mountains

Norway is very easy to explore by skies, there are ski lines you can follow, or just grab your map and a compase and ski your way into the wilderness. Set up your tent by a lack or river, so you have water to cook and to fill up your bottles for the next day. You are allowed to make fire but you are asked to use common sense and to respect the environment as well as the other skiers. So make sure you clean up after yourself. 

When you are deep into the wild, far from the city lights, you get the opportunity to see Northern lights stronger and to enjoy their "dance". It is very nice and unique experience to rest by the fire, under the open sky after a long exhausting hike day ( I mean ...you will be carrying the tent, sleeping bag, cloths, food, propane tank, pots in your backpack, or a sledge all day, it is not the easiest of a hike). 

I mentioned above the chocolate for lunch. Maybe the most popular snack in Norway is Kvikk Lunsj, a "four finger chocolate bar", locals always have one with them when they go on a hike. You should buy some to take with you, as it is a great reward and a motivation to keep pushing. Also very popular is the local brown cheese, just cut a slice, put it on a piece of bread and toast in on open fire. It has a unique taste slightly sweet. These would be 2 must have items to bring with you.

If setting up tents, and sleeping outdoor in down to -20 degrees Celsius are not your top priorities :))) well, in Norway there are many huts where you can sleep. Many of them are free of charge, you just have to clean after yourself. Those are open so anyone can stay for the night. There are others you will have to pay for and make a reservation, make sure you check beforehand. However those huts are still budget friendly.

 

For those interested in an original experience, but not so self-sustained; if you are not into carrying all the supplies and setting up the tent yourself, there are a few local companies in Finmark organising traditional Sami trips. This means that you will probably be skiing but they will be carrying your baggage to the campsite. You will help setting up the traditional Sami tent. You will be picking up wood for fire. You will be ice fishing and assisting when they prepare traditional meals (beware that it is mostly reindeer meat, so if you are vegetarian or vegan make sure to mention it). It is a bit pricier but you will learn about the Sami culture and have a different kind of ski trip. 

Whatever your budget is, whether you are the active type, or you prefer a Snowmobile to drive you to the campsite, the Northern Norway is the best place. Though it is very cold, I definitely recommend to go in winter. Just book a few extra days before the ski trip to get acclimatized with the cold crisp air. Bring the warmest clothes and your good vibe and explore Norway on skies.