The longest Nordic trail became known to the world after the so-called Norge på langs ("Norway lengthwise") that was a kind of relay completed by local rovers in 1951. Since then many adventurers have crossed Norway south to north or reverse, yet everybody paved their own path across gorgeous Scandinavian mountains, fjords, and lakes because there's no officially marked route. The only sure markers of Norge på langs (abbreviated as NPL) are its start and end points, namely the southernmost point at the Lindesnes Lighthouse and the northernmost tip of the country—at Nordkapp or Northern Cape. However, even this data can be argued by the most stubborn hikers, for Knivskjellodden is located further north than North Cape.
So if you're determined to complete the Norge på langs challenge, you have the liberty to make up your own unique route. Naturally, the length will vary, but it's always approximately 3,000 kilometres, and a thru-hike requires approximately four to five months. The ability to create your own route may result into your trail being easier if you stick close to the cities, or wild if you choose more remote trails in the mountains.
The NPL can be done from south to north and vice versa. If you move south to north, orient to such marks as Ljosland, Finse, Randsverk, Innset, Stugudalen, Sveet, Nordli, Hattfjelldal, Lake Kilpisjärvi, Masi, and Lakselv. The majority prefer northwards route and avoid wintertime, notorious for avalanches, blizzards, and white outs. Winter time is for the utmost professionals, who have already tried everything. Five best months for hiking in Norway are June to October. In fact, it would be perfect to finish by mid-October before the snowfall. It's also important to start after the most snow has melted, that's not earlier than June.
Practical info
What is the length of the Norge på langs trail and how long does it take to hike it?
Completing the Norge på langs trail takes approximately four to five months and spans about 3000 kilometers. There is no officially marked route, so hikers can choose their path making each hike unique and resulting in varying trail lengths and times. Show more
Can you choose your own route for the NPL challenge?
Hikers can design their own trail for the NPL challenge. Since there is no officially marked route, hikers have the opportunity to create a unique route that may result in a more comfortable or challenging hike depending on the path chosen. Show more
What are the starting and endpoints of the NPL trail, and are they fixed?
Starting at the southernmost point, the Lindesnes Lighthouse, and ending at the northernmost point, the North Cape, the NPL trail encompasses about 3000 kilometers. However, Knivskjellodden, further north than North Cape, is also a potential end point and is in contention for the official end location. Show more
What are the best months to hike NPL and why?
It is advisable to start hiking the NPL trail from June to mid-October after heavy snowfall has melted but before the snow starts again. These months offer great weather conditions with no excess snow accumulation, making it safe to hike. Winter weather conditions can make hiking treacherous with blizzards, avalanches, and white-outs. Show more
What are some landmarks for those completing the NPL from south to north and vice versa?
Markers such as Stugudalen, Ljosland, Innset, Sveet, Finse, Nordli, Hattfjelldal, Masi, Lakselv, and Lake Kilpisjärvi are a few of the many landmarks for hikers to familiarize themselves with before starting the NPL trail. These markers are helpful for identifying one's location throughout the hike, but hikers may create an alternate trail that includes different landmarks. Show more
