I arrived to Norway in the middle of winter, snow was on the ground and and the weather was bitter cold, with temperatures in the 20s — quite chilly for this Northern California girl. The temperatures were perfectly fine in the cozy confines of the Hurtigruten ship that I was cruising on for the week, but posed a chilling problem with the outdoor excursions everyday. I had learned my lesson on the first adventurous outing, dogsledding in Tromsø.
Toe warmers are a must.
Though the locals claimed that there is no such thing as cold weather just bad clothing, I bundled up the next time I ventured outdoors, this time for a snow hiking excursion. I had three layers of clothing on, plus a scarf wrapped tightly around my neck, a wool hat firmly placed on my head and heated toe warmers that had a life span of five hours. I practically had to waddle off the Hurtigruten boat. I may have barely been able to walk, but there was not a chance that I would be cold in the frigid Norwegian winter.
Though, snow hiking may be tricky with this many layers.
Kirkenes
The snow hiking excursion was a two-hour trek along the Prestoya trail in Kirkenes, with the Hurtigruten ship’s expedition team. Kirkenes, a town with a population of only 5,000, is situated just 15km from the Russian border.
So close that the street sign was in Russian.
It’s a small quiet city, where you can sleep in a snow hotel, fish for king crab or enjoy the scenery hiking along the mountains, getting a glimpse of a different country across the Pasvikelva river.
I had hiked many times before, but never in the snow…and never wearing 20 pounds (possible a slight exaggeration) of clothing.
This would be a challenge.
As we began, I was not sure what was more of a hindrance; my clothing or the snowy incline. But, as the hike continued a weird thing happened.
I got hot.
By the time we reached a small hut where yummy hot chocolate was served, I was ready to shed some clothes. I took off my scarf and hat, then unzipped my jacket. That gave me relief for approximately five minutes until I got cold again.
It was a vicious cycle.
Despite my body temperature issues, the incredible scenery along this hike was worth every step.
Hammerfest
After the semi-success of my first snow hike, I signed up for another. I was a little better prepared for the “Into the Ice” trek in Hammerfest, a place that is said to be the northernmost town in the world. I stilled bundled up, but left the snow pants on the ship.
Let’s go climb a mountain.
This next expedition was meant as a taste of the polar excursions of Adolf Henrik Lindstom, an impressive explorer (and chef) who was from Hammerfest. He was a part of three of the most famous polar expeditions that led to Norway’s status as a polar nation.
We were outfitted with Arctic expedition outfits; a white overcoat reminiscent of a lab jacket, googles, a warm ear-flapped hat and heavy gloves.
It was an interesting fashion statement.
A small group of us began the hike of Mount Salen, led by the guide who was carrying a Norwegian flag to plant on the summit. As we climbed, she told stories of polar expeditioners and their extraordinary crusades. I was out of breath on this short hike (uphill, mind you), it was unimaginable to think about how many of much more difficult expeditions like these that they had completed.
When we reached the peak of Mount Salen, we were rewarded with a panoramic view featuring Soroysundet sound.
Our Hurtigruten ship in the foreground.
We symbolically waved our Norwegian flag at the top. We had made it.
On the way back down we made a stop at cafe Framheim, a tent with a fireplace, to indulge in some of Lindstom’s favorites; Biff a la Lindstom and hot cakes.
A warm treat for the expeditioners.
The lengths a photographer will go to in order to get the “money” shot.
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Details
Both of these snow hiking experiences were not terribly challenging and led to unforgettable views of Norway, ones that you would have never seen otherwise. If you are interested in either of these experiences, they are offered on select cruises with my sponsor Hurtigruten.
Traveling Soon? Use my Favorite Resources for Booking Your Trip!
Book Your Flight
Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine, because it checks dozens of airlines so you can easily find the best fare deals. You can also select ‘cheapest month’ to find the lowest fares for your destination (I use this all the time!).
Book Your Accommodations
I use both Booking.com and Expedia for hotels, because each offers a couple different hotel choices and I like to compare the reviews on each one. If you have a group or are looking for more of a home atmosphere, head over to VRBO or AirBNB that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range.
Book Your Rental Car
If love the freedom to explore like I do, driving from place to place is the best option! I always book with Discover Cars for the best prices and top brand options.
Book Some Fun Tours!
Viator and Get Your Guide are my go-to search engines for cool bucket list experiences! Each one can have different tours, so check both—why limit yourself, right?
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel can be unpredictable. Whether it’s a last-minute cancellation, an injury, or (ugh) theft, things happen. That’s why I recommend never leaving the country without travel insurance. Here are my faves: Safety Wing and World Nomads.
Get Packing & Travel Essentials Ready
Check out the Bucket List Journey Amazon Store to find all my favorite travel essentials. Everything from Packing cubes, to travel adapters and toiletry containers to walking shoes.
*Lastly, check travel.state.gov for visa requirements and safety information.
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Snow Hiking in Northern Norway
Norway’s Northern Lights: Aurora Borealis Cruise with Hurtigruten
As a middle eastern i have great passion have such experience. Sun here is the ear round thus snow hiking is one of the travel experience i put of the top of my whitelist. Thanks for topics.
Snow hiking in winter, it’s pretty awesome. I’m planning to go for snow hiking this winter.
thanks for your nice post.
This is very good information for traveling. Been researching where to travel to next and didn’t really think of Norway. I was in Canada last year and i loved it. Judging from your pictures, I’ll definitely fall in love with Norway!
It’s an easy place to fall in love with!