Route Type:
Snowshoe hike and nature exploration
Distance:
4-5 km
Elevation Gain:
240 metres
Difficulty:
2/5 (see below). No experience necessary!
Group Size:
2 to 8
Dates:
January to April
Want to book a private tour? Get in touch.
Tour Description
Location: Wilderness around Finse
Finse sits at 1 222 m on the highest railway station of the Bergen Line between Oslo and Bergen, surrounded by open plateau and arctic tundra.
Surrounded by mountains and next to a majestic glacier Finse exposed for the cold and wild weather. In Winter, the landscape can feel close to what you would expect in Svalbard or Antarctica; it's wild and beautiful!
Hiking a small peak using snowshoes
Your guide will help you with snowshoes and poles, then lead you on a hike up one of the small peaks next to the village.
We enjoy the nature on the way up looking out for animal tracks and snow formations and at the top get a view of the village and the Hardangarjøkulen glacier.
The area itself is only accessible by train and we'll take you even further to sweet spots only accessible by foot.
Physical Requirements
2/5: Suitable for those used to hiking. You'll walk about 4 km and climb up 250 metres. Likely you will be exposed to cold and windy weather.
What to bring
Finse's weather is often wild and windy. But don't be afraid of the weather, our guides are trained to help you be comfortable in bad weather and storms often make the best stories!
But to be ok, you must bring the right clothing.
Choose layers to wear so you can easily remove them you get warm while walking and add them if you get cold.
You must bring:
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Footwear to keep your feet warm and dry. No trainers.
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Windproof pants and jacket. We recommend a jacket with a hood.
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Hat and gloves.
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A buff or scarf to protect the face from wind. Thermal base layers for legs and body.
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Extra warm layers, like 1 or 2 fleeces or a wool jumper.
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A warm jacket for example a down jacket or puffy coat.
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Some snacks.
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A small thermos with water or juice for hydration.
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A backpack to carry your extra layers.
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From February, bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
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If it’s windy, goggles are needed to protect the eyes.
Included:
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Use of snowshoes and poles
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Trained and qualified guide
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All safety and group equipment
Not included:
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Snacks or drinks
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Activity insurance
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Personal clothing
Important:
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You must be able to communicate in English to join our excursions.
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To ensure your safety we may refuse participation if you are not properly dressed for hiking in the conditions.
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Minimum age is 12.
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This activity is dependent on conditions and weather. We might need to adjust it for your safety but we'll still do our best to make it a good experience.
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Booking implies you have read and agreed with our Short Trips Booking & Cancellations Policy.
Getting to Finse
Finse can only be accessed by train; there is no road. Book train tickets at www.vy.no Read about getting to Finse in detail in our blog 'Getting to Finse by train.'
We time the start and end of our trips to coincide with the trains for your convenience.
Accommodation
Staying overnight in Finse is highly recommended to fully experience the remoteness of this little village.
Accommodation options include DNT Finsehytta and Hotel Finse 1222.
Read about all the accommodation options in Finse in our blog, 'Where to stay in Finse, Norway.'
