A Guide to Norwegian Cabin Culture: Five Things You Need to Know

A hyttetur, or a Norwegian cabin trip, is so much more than a weekend break. It’s a mentality, a chance to unplug (or plug in to slow TV), enjoy the beautiful scenery and Norwegian fjords, and reconnect with loved ones. While Danes love their summer houses, in Norwegian culture it’s all about cabins, huts, and cottages — all year round.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, there was mass outrage in Norway when the government placed restrictions that prohibited people from traveling to their cabins. This resulted in a wave of address changes so that people could legally spend time in their cabins. If that’s not dedication, then what is?

There’s a longstanding history of cabins in Norwegian culture, and the traditions surrounding them are many. Originally, they were a place to host travelers who made their way across the mountains by foot, housed fishermen along the coast, and were the living quarters for the Norwegian seter – a mountain farm used during the summer. These mountain farms became a popular tourist destination in the mid 1800s, marking the beginning of Norwegian cabin culture as we know it today.

Ever since the very first recreational cabins were built after the World War 1, families have taken great pride in building their own cabins. This is less common now, but most old cabins were built by their owners which provides an explanation to the personal relationships Norwegians have with their cabins.

If you’re thinking of taking a hyttetur, or staying in a cabin Norway, here’s everything you need to know about Norwegian cabin culture, plus some of the best types of cabins available to rent:

Be prepared for an outdoor toilet

You might think going to the bathroom is a straightforward process, but in a Norwegian cabin you should mentally prepare for having to head to an outdoor toilet shed, or utedo. It’s charming in the summer when it never really gets dark and you can still enjoy the view through the traditional heart-shaped hole in the door while you pee in the night, but less charming in the winter when you have to make your way through knee-deep snow in the pitch-black – don’t forget your wool socks.

Observe, then act

There are a lot of unwritten rules on how to behave and every family has its own cabin culture. If you are a guest, follow their lead rather than asking questions — the answers are better revealed than articulated. If they ditch their phones, do the same. You probably won’t have reception anyway.

Above: Nordmarka Cabin

Don’t act like a guest

In your temporary cabin community, everyone is equal. Make yourself at home: this means that you don’t have to ask if you can make a cup of tea or whether you can take a nap and are expected to help with the dishes without being asked.

When you go on a hike, say hello!

Norwegians have a reputation for being quite reserved and not particularly interested in talking to strangers. All of this changes as soon as you enter the great outdoors, so if you meet someone when you’re on a hike — say hello.

Write in the cabin book

The cabin book is a beloved tradition and resembles a diary, but a collective version that everyone visiting the cabin contributes to. It’s common for invited guests to leave something to be remembered by, and over time, the cabin book becomes a beautiful collection of stories and memories from both guests and family that will be cherished and re-read for decades to come.

Fancy a stay in a Norwegian log cabin? Here are some of the best cozy cabins available to rent in Norway now, from mountain lodges with stunning Aurora Borealis views to breathtaking cabins overlooking fjords:

Jelsa cabin

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Nordmarka cabin

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Tessand, Oppland cabin

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Korsvegen, Trondelag cabin

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Fjell, Hordaland cabin

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