---
title: "MASSIV – a guide to one of Norway's most demanding long-distance trails (thru-hiking 101)"
description: "MASSIV runs 341 km across boulder fields, tundra, and a glacier in southern Norway. This guide covers logistics, DNT cabins, resupply, the glacier crossing, and gear tips."
canonical_url: "https://gramino.com/blog/massiv-norway-guide"
last_updated: "2026-10-26"
---

# MASSIV – a guide to one of Norway's most demanding long-distance trails (thru-hiking 101)

Authors: Barbora Vrátná

Date: 2026-10-26

MASSIV runs 341 km across boulder fields, tundra, and a glacier in southern Norway. This guide covers logistics, DNT cabins, resupply, the glacier crossing, and gear tips.

High mountains, tundra full of reindeer, glacial lakes, and a glacier crossing below Norway's highest DNT cabin. MASSIV is the longest and most demanding of the so-called signature trails of DNT, the Norwegian Trekking Association. Whether you want to rough it and sleep only in a tent, or you're looking for a more comfortable cabin-to-cabin option, the trail won't disappoint – not in its views, and not in its challenge.

The trail is about **340 kilometers** long and crosses four mountain areas: Breheimen, Jotunheimen, Skarvheimen, and Hardangervidda. It starts at the Sota Sæter mountain farm and ends at Haukeliseter on the southern edge of Hardangervidda. Along the way, it links **20 mountain cabins**, so you can hike it cabin to cabin without a tent, or combine it with camping. Even though the cabins might make it seem like an easy trail, it isn't. The terrain is very demanding – endless boulder fields with minimal trail marking, waterlogged tundra, and a glacier crossing – and combined with unpredictable Norwegian weather, this is **a trail for more experienced hikers**.

**This article was written by Ema Albrechtová:**

My name is Ema, and I've hiked several long-distance trails – [PCT](/blog/pacific-crest-trail-pct-guide) and [Kungsleden](/blog/kungsleden-guide) – and this summer a friend and I created a new technical long-distance route in the Alps, Alta Linea Continua. I live in Oslo, so the Norwegian mountains are literally on my doorstep. I hiked MASSIV with a friend in 2024 from south to north, and it rained on 20 of our 24 days. In this guide, you'll find everything I wish I'd known beforehand.

## **Key facts and article contents**

- **Trail name:** MASSIV (official), Massivruta (Norwegian), Massif Trail (English)
- **Location:** southern Norway (Breheimen, Jotunheimen, Skarvheimen, Hardangervidda)
- **Total length:** 341 km
- **Total elevation gain:** approx. 12 000 m of ascent
- **Highest and lowest points:** Fannaråken (2 068 m), Sota Sæter (819 m)
- **Duration:** 18 stages, approx. 3 weeks
- **Direction and season:** officially north to south, but you can also hike it in reverse; season from July to early September (ideally August)
- **Start and end points:** Sota Sæter (north), Haukeliseter (south)
- **Official information source:** [DNT](https://www.dnt.no/en/Trips/Recommended-trips/Signatures/Massiv/), planner [ut.no](https://ut.no/turforslag/1115677/signatur-massiv-langrute-fra-sota-ster-til-haukeliseter)
- **Planning and preparation:** permits (none), visas (none), insurance (travel, watch out for the glacier), navigation and maps (Mapy.com, UT app)
- **Gear:** sample [gear lists](/blog/how-to-build-an-ultralight-gear-list) for long-distance treks, plus a sleep mask, mosquito net, and DEET repellent
- **Logistics on the trail:** cabins and camping, resupply, water
- **Hazards and difficulty:** weather, terrain, glacier, injuries and health issues, animals, plants
- **Stages and alternatives:** individual sections, route without the glacier crossing
- **Final practical tips:** DNT membership, key, and apps, SjekkUT and Hall of Fame, payment, cell signal and data, language, charging electronics

[Map](https://mapy.com/s/lobesamoso)

## **Trail name**

The official name of the trail, according to the Norwegian Trekking Association DNT (*Den Norske Turistforening*), is **MASSIV**. The trail is one of DNT's so-called signature trails, which is why it's also called **MASSIV SignTUR**. The name refers to the mountain massifs the trail crosses, as well as to the "massive" demands it places on you. In Norwegian, you'll also come across the name *Massivruta*, and in English *Massif Trail*.

## **Location**

The trail runs through four national parks in southern Norway, so you get to enjoy several different faces of the Norwegian mountains.

Officially, the trail starts in the north in **Breheimen** National Park, a wild and little-visited region of glaciers, bouldery passes, and deep valleys. The very first days here are among the hardest on the entire trail. Next comes **Jotunheimen**, the "Home of the Giants", Scandinavia's highest mountain range, with more than two hundred peaks above 2 000 meters. Here you'll cross the glacier below Fannaråken and descend into the green Skogadalen valley. **Skarvheimen** is gentler, greener, and friendlier, with pastures, waterfalls, and flocks of sheep. Finally, the trail takes you onto **Hardangervidda**, the largest mountain plateau in Europe, where the landscape opens up into endless plains full of lakes and rivers – but also Norway's notorious bogs.

*Hardangervidda*

*Jotunheimen*

*Breheimen*

## **Total length**

The trail is officially **341 km** long, and DNT recommends **18 days** to complete it. You can stay at a mountain cabin every night, so you can hike with a lighter pack and no tent. The actual distance may vary slightly depending on whether you cross the glacier or go around it, and whether you combine some stages or split them up by camping in your own tent. When planning, I recommend setting aside a few extra days for rest and for waiting out bad weather.

## **Total elevation gain**

Over the whole trail, you'll climb roughly **12 000 vertical meters**. That number alone doesn't sound so dramatic, but watch out: it's very unevenly distributed. Most of the elevation gain is in Breheimen and Jotunheimen, where you'll face long climbs over boulder fields up to steep passes, and steep descents. Hardangervidda, by contrast, is mostly flat.

But don't be fooled by the numbers. On MASSIV, **it's often the terrain, not the elevation gain, that slows you down**. On long bouldery stretches, you might cover just 2 kilometers an hour, so more than 20 km a day is an ambitious plan in Norway.

## **Highest and lowest points**

The highest point on the trail is the summit of **Fannaråken** (2 068 m) in Jotunheimen, home to the cabin of the same name, **Fannaråkhytta**, the highest DNT cabin. This is also where guided crossings of the Fannaråkbreen glacier start.

Your lowest point will be at the start of the trail, at the **Sota Sæter** cabin (819 m).

## **Duration**

DNT divides the trail into **18 daily stages**, so set aside about three weeks for the whole trek. If you can, add 2–3 days of buffer for bad weather or rest. The official stage times in the UT app are fairly accurate for a hiker in good shape. Don't count on cutting them down much, especially in Breheimen and Jotunheimen, where daily stages can take up to 10 hours. In my experience, the pace tends to be slower, especially on boulder fields in bad weather.

## **Direction and season**

The trail **officially runs from north to south**, and most people hike it that way. The biggest advantage is starting at Sota Sæter, which is hard to reach from Oslo. The bus only runs three times a week, and it's easier to plan the start of a trip for an exact date than the end. The downside, though, is that **you start with the hardest part of the trail**. The first two days cross endless boulder fields, and you'll also climb a lot of vertical meters. Don't let the map fool you – 1 000 meters of climbing in Norway really isn't the same as in the Alps. Another downside is that **you start with the most beautiful part of the trail** and finish on the flat Hardangervidda, the least scenic and boggiest section of the whole trail. I hiked the trail **from south to north** and would definitely **recommend it**: the route gradually climbs from flat plateaus into the high mountains, so by the time you get there, you're in good shape and can enjoy the views more.

**The season is short.** DNT cabins open in late June, but at that time there's often still a lot of snow at higher elevations, some of the summer bridges over rivers aren't up yet, and in colder years the trail can be practically impassable. **July** brings the longest days, when it barely gets dark, but also the most snowfields. **August** is generally the safest choice: most of the snow is gone, the bridges are in place, and the blueberries are ripening. In **early September**, the landscape turns autumn colors, but the nights are already cold, the days are getting shorter, and some cabins gradually close. If you're hiking early in the season, keep checking the latest trail condition reports (look for "føremeldinger") and the snow cover on [senorge.no](https://senorge.no/).

## **Start and end points**

The trail officially starts in the north at the DNT hunting lodge **Sota Sæter** in Breheimen. Getting there by public transport is quite a puzzle, though. First, you need to take the train from Oslo to the town of Otta (3,5 hours), then continue by bus to the village of Bismo (about 1,5 hours). From there, during the summer season, a local bus **runs three times a week** all the way to the lodge (45 minutes). In summer 2026, it ran on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Note that this bus **must be booked** at least an hour before departure – it only runs on demand. You'll find the latest information about the connection on [the lodge's website](https://www.dnt.no/hytter/betjente/sota-sater/om-hytta/adkomst). For other connections, I recommend searching the Norwegian railways website [vy.no](https://www.vy.no). If, like us, you decide to hike the trail in reverse and reach the end on a day when there's no bus, you can catch a ride with someone leaving the lodge at least as far as Bismo, which has daily connections. Norwegians are very friendly, and they'll be happy to help, especially when they hear you've just finished the whole MASSIV.

The finish is at **Haukeliseter**, a mountain hotel on the southern edge of Hardangervidda. From here, **buses run regularly** back to Oslo (5 hours) and to Bergen (5 hours with a transfer), so you don't need to plan your return as precisely as your arrival. The best place to look up connections is the website of the bus operator [nor-way.no](https://www.nor-way.no).

Along the way, the trail passes several places connected to public transport, where you can break off or start your trek: **Sognefjellshytta** (bus to Lom), **Fondsbu** (bus to Oslo), and **Finse** (train to Oslo or Bergen).

The fastest way to get there is to fly into **Oslo (Gardermoen)**, which has direct connections from **many European cities**. Keep in mind that the connection to Sota Sæter leaves central Oslo in the morning, so it's sensible to arrive a day early, spend the night in Oslo, and stop by the DNT store for a stove gas canister and the DNT cabin key.

## **Official information source**

You'll find basic information about the trail, a list of cabins, and Hall of Fame registration on [DNT's website](https://www.dnt.no/en/Trips/Recommended-trips/Signatures/Massiv/). Unfortunately, the detailed day-by-day stage descriptions on the DNT website are only available in Norwegian.

For practical planning, [ut.no](https://ut.no/turforslag/1115677/signatur-massiv-langrute-fra-sota-ster-til-haukeliseter) comes in handy. You'll find the complete MASSIV route there, descriptions of individual sections, estimated stage times, and above all detailed information about each cabin: opening times, type (staffed / self-service), capacity, and contacts.

## **Planning and preparation**

#### **Permits**

You don't need any permit or authorization to hike MASSIV.

#### **Visas**

If you're an EU/EEA citizen, you don't need a visa or residence permit to stay in Norway. A valid national ID card or passport is enough. Travelers of other nationalities should check Norway's entry requirements for their country.

#### **Insurance**

Most of the trail follows marked hiking trails, so travel insurance that covers mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation will do. But watch out for the glacier crossing: check whether your policy also covers glacier travel (even with a guide and roped up).

#### **Navigation and maps**

MASSIV follows DNT trails, which are marked with the typical **red letter T** painted on stones and rocks, along with **cairns** and signposts with cabin names. But as is typical in Norway, the marking isn't all that great, so it pays to keep checking your map. Watch out for **fog, snowfields, and boulder fields**, where the markers can be harder to see or stay buried under snow that lies in the mountains all summer. It often happens that you can't see where the trail continues beyond a snowfield or in a boulder field.

For navigation, I recommend [Mapy.com](https://mapy.com/s/fodacoturu), where the whole route is mapped. The Norwegian online maps in the UT app are a useful supplement ([ut.no](https://ut.no)), as they're more accurate than Mapy.com when it comes to water sources.

## **Gear**

If you hike MASSIV cabin to cabin, you don't need to carry a tent, sleeping bag, or stove. Staffed cabins provide bedding and hot meals, and self-service cabins have blankets and a kitchenette. You will need your own [sleeping bag liner](/c/sleep/sleeping-bag-liners), though. Even so, keep in mind that you're moving through high mountains where the weather changes within minutes, and your day gear has to handle rain, wind, and snow.

If you also want to camp outside in a tent, you'll need a full set of gear for long-distance treks. You can read how to put together an ultralight gear list [in this article](/blog/how-to-build-an-ultralight-gear-list). Get inspired by what we pack for our treks: a gear list with a [base weight under 4 kg](/blog/ultralight-gear-list-1-under-4-kg) or [under 5,5 kg](/blog/ultralight-gear-list-2-5-5-kg). [Your tent](/c/sleep/tents) has to be stable in the wind, because there's nowhere to hide on the open Hardangervidda. Likewise, choose a warmer [sleeping bag](/c/sleep/sleeping-bags) or [quilt](/c/sleep/quilts) and a good [sleeping pad](/c/sleep/sleeping-pads): nights around freezing aren't unusual even in August.

The key is **protection from rain and wind**. Expect it to snow and rain for several days in a row. A waterproof jacket, pants or a [skirt](/p/liteway-rain-skirt), and your gear packed in a [waterproof pack liner](/p/gramino-ultralight-waterproof-backpack-liner) or a [dry bag](/c/gear/drybags-and-organisers) are a must. Layer your clothing – with merino layers, a [down jacket](/c/clothing/men-s-clothing/men-s-jackets), a [hat](/c/clothing/hats), and [gloves](/c/clothing/gloves).

When it comes to footwear, [trail running shoes](/c/footwear) prove their worth here too. The terrain is rocky, but water is a more common problem than ankles: fords, waterlogged stretches, and snowfields. Pair lightweight, quick-drying trail running shoes with good grip with neoprene or [waterproof socks](/c/clothing/waterproof-socks), or possibly gaiters. You can read why trail running shoes are the better choice for long-distance treks [in this article](/blog/hiking-boots-or-trail-running-shoes).

On boulder fields and long descents, [trekking poles](/c/gear/trekking-poles) will help you a lot. Early in the season, also consider [microspikes](/c/gear/microspikes) for snowfields that freeze overnight. You don't need your own glacier gear (harness, crampons, rope) – the guide will lend it to you. Don't forget DEET repellent, which you can also buy in Norway, and a [mosquito net](/p/sea-to-summit-head-net) – there are lots of mosquitoes, especially around the lakes on Hardangervidda and in Skarvheimen. It doesn't get fully dark at night, so a sleep mask comes in handy too.

- [Gramino Ultralight Waterproof Backpack Liner](/p/gramino-ultralight-waterproof-backpack-liner.md)
- [Liteway Rain Skirt](/p/liteway-rain-skirt.md)
- [Montane Men's Minimus Lite Jacket (2026)](/p/montane-mens-minimus-lite-jacket-2026.md)
- [Montane Women's Minimus Lite Jacket (2026)](/p/montane-womens-minimus-lite-jacket-2026.md)
- [Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Bag](/p/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-dry-bag.md)
- [Sea To Summit Reactor Liner Mummy](/p/sea-to-summit-reactor-liner-mummy.md)
- [Sea To Summit Reactor Midweight Liner](/p/sea-to-summit-reactor-midweight-liner.md)
- [Sea To Summit Head Net](/p/sea-to-summit-head-net.md)
- [Sea To Summit Nano Mosquito Headnet](/p/sea-to-summit-nano-mosquito-headnet.md)
- [Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Eye Shade](/p/sea-to-summit-ultra-sil-eye-shade.md)

## **Logistics on the trail**

#### **Cabins and camping**

Your nights on MASSIV will look quite different depending on whether you want to use **mountain cabins** or sleep outdoors. Most hikers combine both depending on the weather and their budget.

*Kongshelleren self-service cabin*

*Camping on Hardangervidda*

If you plan to use the cabins, it's definitely worth getting **DNT membership**. It gives you not only **discounts on lodging and meals** at the cabins, but also the option to **borrow a DNT key**, without which you can't get into self-service cabins. In 2026, an annual membership costs 885 NOK for adults and 375 NOK for youth aged 13–25.

- **Staffed cabins (*****betjent hytte*****):** full-fledged mountain cabins with beds, showers, and hot meals. Full board includes a three-course dinner and a breakfast buffet, where you can also make sandwiches to take along for lunch. In peak season, it's a good idea to call a day or two ahead and book.
- **Self-service cabins (*****selvbetjent hytte*****):** cabins equipped with a kitchen, blankets, and a pantry stocked with non-perishable food that you buy and pay for through the app. They're locked with the standard DNT key, which DNT members can pick up for a deposit.
- **No-service cabins (*****ubetjent hytte*****):** simpler cabins without food supplies, where you cook your own food.
- **Camping (*****allemannsretten*****):** Norway's right to roam lets you pitch a tent for one night practically anywhere, as long as you're at least **150 meters from the nearest dwelling** and don't damage nature.

In 2026, a night with full board at a staffed cabin costs approx. 1 095–1 315 NOK for DNT members and 1 430–1 710 NOK for non-members, depending on room type. At self-service cabins, it's 340 NOK per night for members and 520 NOK for non-members.

Whether you use the cabins or save a good chunk of money and sleep in a tent is up to you. Norwegians spend a lot of time in the mountains, but in the vast majority of cases they sleep in cabins – if you camp, you'll have the landscape all to yourself. Keep in mind that if you don't stay at a cabin, you can't use its facilities. Norwegians are really strict about this.

Honestly, I'd recommend a combination of both. When I hiked the trail, we planned to sleep only in the tent, but the Norwegian summer weather (it rained on 20 of our 24 days and was only just above freezing) forced us to rethink our plans. The cabins also have something special about them: they're often beautifully furnished, and you can always light a fire in the fireplace and dry your things. The self-service cabins in particular – standing in the middle of nowhere and looking like luxury hotels inside – are my favorite memory from the trail.

*A luxurious breakfast at a staffed cabin*

*Inside a self-service cabin*

*View from a cabin*

#### **Resupply**

MASSIV doesn't pass through a single village with a store. But don't worry – you don't have to carry food for the whole trip on your back.

At **staffed cabins**, you can buy breakfast, dinner, and a packed lunch for the trail, and at **self-service cabins**, you'll find a pantry with non-perishable food (pasta, canned food, knäckebröd, soups, cookies, and even dehydrated meals from the Norwegian brand Real Turmat). But food in Norway is very expensive, and you have to factor in a mountain markup. Supplies are brought to the cabins by snowmobile in winter and aren't restocked during the season, so definitely don't rely on this option, especially if you're on the trail later in the season.

If you want to cook from your own supplies, I recommend **sending yourself resupply boxes** either from home or from Oslo. You can send a parcel to the DNT cabins **Fondsbu and Finse**, which split the trail roughly into thirds. But you need to send the parcels in time and arrange it with the cabin in advance. If you don't want to send boxes, you can take a train or bus from Finse or Fondsbu to a town with a small supermarket. Keep in mind, though, that it'll take you a whole day. On top of that, all stores in Norway are closed on Sundays, so time your resupply carefully.

#### **Water**

There's **plenty of water everywhere** on MASSIV, maybe even too much. Water in the mountains above the pastures is usually very clean, and many Norwegians drink it untreated. Still, I recommend carrying a [**water filter**](/c/gear/water-filters), especially in Skarvheimen, where lots of sheep and cows graze.

- [Sawyer Squeeze SP129](/p/sawyer-squeeze-sp129.md)
- [Sawyer Micro Squeeze SP2129](/p/sawyer-micro-squeeze-sp2129.md)
- [Sawyer Mini SP128 Black](/p/sawyer-mini-sp128-black.md)
- [Sawyer Single Mini](/p/sawyer-single-mini.md)
- [Katadyn BeFree AC 1 L](/p/katadyn-befree-ac-1-l.md)
- [Katadyn BeFree Gravity 3 L](/p/katadyn-befree-gravity-3-l.md)

## **Hazards and difficulty**

#### **Weather**

On MASSIV, expect to experience **all four seasons** within a few days, sometimes even within a single afternoon. In the valleys, it can be around 20 °C in summer, but at higher elevations in Breheimen and Jotunheimen and on the open Hardangervidda, temperatures often drop **to a few degrees above freezing**, along with strong wind, fog, and **persistent rain**. **Snow showers** aren't unusual even in August.

Check the forecast regularly in the [yr.no](https://www.yr.no) app, which can show forecasts for individual cabins and peaks. It's better to plan demanding stages, like the first days or the glacier crossing, for good weather and, if needed, take a rest day at a cabin.

In June and July, you'll get nights when it barely gets dark. So instead of a headlamp, you'll find a sleep mask more useful.

#### **Terrain**

MASSIV is **physically very demanding** and better suited to experienced hikers who know how to move in the mountains, even in bad weather. The biggest challenges are the vast, sometimes **ten-kilometer-long boulder fields**, where you move slowly and have to focus on every step, especially in the rain when the rocks get slippery. The hardest are the opening stages in Breheimen and Jotunheimen: long climbs, bouldery passes, **snowfields**, and steep descents, sometimes using your hands. If you're planning the trek early in the season, consider microspikes. In Skarvheimen, the terrain eases into forest trails and meadows, and on Hardangervidda you'll face mostly flat but very waterlogged terrain – here I definitely recommend neoprene socks.

Along the way, you'll face plenty of **fords**, sometimes across sizable rivers. DNT builds summer bridges over the larger rivers during the season, but they may not be up yet at the start of the season. Also watch out for **snow bridges** over streams: the snow above the water can be dangerously thin.

#### **Fannaråkbreen glacier**

The third stage, from Sognefjellshytta, crosses the **Fannaråkbreen** glacier. It can be crossed **only in a group with a certified guide**, roped up. It's a very dynamic glacier, and the crossing route changes every year. Guided crossings run every day during the season, but you need to book a spot at least **two days in advance**, either [online](https://www.dnt.no/hytter/betjente/fannarakhytta/breforing/) or by phone. Crossing the glacier on your own without experience and equipment is very dangerous. In 2026, the guided crossing costs 280 NOK for DNT members and 360 NOK for non-members.

If you're coming from the south, keep in mind that you won't have signal for two days before the crossing, so book your spot in time. When hiking south to north, the crossing can only be paid for in cash; when hiking north to south, you can pay by card at the cabin.

If you want to avoid the glacier crossing, you can take an alternative route from Sognefjellshytta through the forest along the Utla river straight to Skogadalsbøen cabin. This route is shorter and has a much gentler elevation profile.

#### **Injuries and health issues**

On boulder fields and wet rocks, there's a risk of **sprained ankles, falls, and scrapes**, so don't take chances – slow down. Descents are hard on your knees and tendons, so don't underestimate trekking poles. Constant moisture and wet shoes, in turn, contribute to **blisters and pressure sores**. Dry your feet regularly, apply foot balm, and change your socks. In cold, windy weather, watch out for signs of **hypothermia**.

A large part of the trail runs far from civilization and signal is limited, so consider a **satellite messenger** and let your loved ones know where you are. The emergency number in Norway is **113**. Download the **Hjelp 113** app, which sends your location straight to rescuers.

#### **Animals**

The symbol of MASSIV is **wild reindeer**. Hardangervidda is home to the largest herd of wild reindeer in Europe, but smaller populations also live in other areas along the trail. Unlike the semi-domesticated reindeer in northern Norway, they're very shy. If you see any, **keep a good distance**, and avoid their herds, especially during the calving season in spring and early summer. DNT has a [separate article](https://www.dnt.no/en/Trips/Tips-and-tricks/articles/Show-Consideration-for-the-wild-reindeer/) on how to behave around reindeer.

Along the whole trail, especially in Skarvheimen, you'll be accompanied by **sheep and cows**, so a water filter comes in handy. Large predators (wolf, bear, wolverine) are very rare in southern Norway and extremely shy. What can give you a hard time, though, are **mosquitoes**, mainly around the lakes and bogs in the southern part of the trail.

#### **Plants**

Vegetation changes with elevation: from birch forests in the valleys through dwarf willows and shrubs to bare, rocky tundra covered in **mosses and lichens**, which the reindeer also feed on. In August, you'll enjoy **blueberries**, and in the peat bogs of Hardangervidda you might even come across **cloudberries**, which are great in oatmeal.

Dangerously poisonous or strongly irritating plants don't occur along the trail to an extent that would pose a major risk to hikers. Common sense applies: don't eat unknown berries or mushrooms. The tundra is very fragile and takes many years to recover, so **stay on the trail** and follow the [Leave No Trace](/blog/leave-no-trace) principles.

*Cloudberries*

*Endless boulder fields*

*Reindeer antlers*

- [Fizan Compact](/p/fizan-compact.md)
- [DexShell Trekking](/p/dexshell-trekking.md)
- [DexShell Thermlite 2.0](/p/dexshell-thermlite-2-0.md)
- [DexShell Terrain Walking 2.0](/p/dexshell-terrain-walking-2-0.md)
- [DexShell Longlite Socks](/p/dexshell-longlite-socks.md)
- [Snowline Chainsen Pro](/p/snowline-chainsen-pro.md)
- [Snowline Chainsen Trail](/p/snowline-chainsen-trail.md)
- [Snowline Chainsen Light](/p/snowline-chainsen-light.md)
- [Fizan Ice-Snow](/p/fizan-ice-snow.md)

## **Stages and alternatives**

You don't have to hike MASSIV in one go. DNT divides it into **four sections by mountain area**, and you can complete them one at a time over several seasons.

- **Breheimen (Sota Sæter – Sognefjellshytta):** short, but the hardest and wildest section of the trail. Along the way, you can climb several impressive 2 000-meter peaks, which count as high mountains in Norway. I especially recommend Tverrådalskyrkja, which offers a stunning view of the surrounding glaciers.
- **Jotunheimen (Sognefjellshytta – Slettningsbu):** the glacier, the trail's highest point, and the iconic scenery of Scandinavia's highest mountain range. I recommend staying at Fondsbu cabin, where the food is excellent. If you're looking for a shorter version of MASSIV, combine Breheimen and Jotunheimen and skip the southern part of the trail.
- **Skarvheimen (Slettningsbu – Finse):** greener and gentler terrain, pastures, and waterfalls. The most forested part of the trail – expect mosquitoes. Don't miss the Kongshelleren self-service cabin.
- **Hardangervidda (Finse – Haukeliseter):** a flat, remote, and very windy plateau with reindeer. The landscape around Finse is breathtaking, but the terrain is extremely waterlogged, especially early in the season.

#### **Route without the glacier crossing**

You can bypass the Fannaråkbreen glacier on a shorter and gentler route from Sognefjellshytta along the Utla river to Skogadalsbøen cabin (more details in the Fannaråkbreen glacier section above).

## **Final practical tips**

**DNT membership, key, and apps:** before your trip, sign up for **DNT membership** online. You'll save money at the cabins, and as a member you can borrow a **key** to the self-service cabins. You can have the key mailed to your home before the trip or pick it up at the DNT store in Oslo. Don't forget to download the **UT app** with offline maps and the **DNT app**, which holds your digital membership card and lets you pay at self-service cabins too.

**SjekkUT and Hall of Fame:** with the **SjekkUT** feature in the UT app, you can digitally "check in" at every cabin along the way. Anyone who completes all four sections of the trail makes it into the **Hall of Fame** on the MASSIV website. That way, it's officially confirmed that you've completed the trail, and you can get the official badge and T-shirt. If you don't want to rely on technology, you can collect stamps in a paper passport at the cabins.

**Payment:** you pay in **Norwegian kroner (NOK)**. At staffed cabins, you can pay by **card**, and at self-service cabins via the **DNT app**. You'll only need cash for the glacier crossing when hiking south to north – in fact, the vast majority of places don't accept cash at all.

**Cell signal and data:** Norway is part of the EEA, so if you have an EU/EEA SIM card, **EU roaming** applies on the same terms as at home; otherwise, check your carrier's international rates. On the trail, though, expect **long stretches without signal**, especially in Breheimen and in remote parts of Hardangervidda, and the cabins don't always have signal either. Download your maps for **offline** use.

**Language:** Norwegians speak excellent English, so you'll have no trouble communicating at the cabins. But a few basic words like *Hei* (Hi) and *Takk* (Thank you) always go down well.

**Charging electronics:** a powerful [power bank](/c/gear/powerbanks) is a must. You can usually charge at staffed cabins, but self-service cabins often have no electricity, or only a limited supply. You'll find information about the facilities at specific cabins, including electricity, on [ut.no](https://ut.no).

*A trail passport for collecting cabin stamps*

*Breathtaking views on the MASSIV trail in Norway*

Norway is calling, but you're not quite ready for MASSIV yet? Try the [St. Olav Way](/blog/st-olav-way-guide) – a pilgrimage trail from Oslo to Trondheim that's longer but technically easy and runs mostly through valleys between farms and villages. It also crosses the Dovrefjell mountains, so you won't miss out on real Norwegian wilderness here either.

- [Nitecore NB10000 Power Bank GEN4](/p/nitecore-nb10000-power-bank-gen4.md)
- [Nitecore NB20000 Power Bank GEN3](/p/nitecore-nb20000-power-bank-gen3.md)
- [Nitecore NB Air](/p/nitecore-nb-air.md)
- [Flextail ZERO Power 10000 Power Bank](/p/flextail-zero-power-10000-power-bank.md)

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