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After a lot of accidents and casualties in Norwegian mountain during the easter of 1950, Red Cross and the Norwegian Tourist Association lunched a campaign to promote safer hiking. This campaign was a set of rules, referred to as “fjellvettreglene”. It can be translated into something “common sense rules of the mountains”. These rules, though slightly revisited since the 1950s, are still the golden rules of mountain hiking in Norway today.
Most people know the general ideas, although they might mix up the order and the words. These rules are made for hikes in the wilderness, so not everything here is equally important if you are going for a stroll around your local pond. Still, it is important to be aware of them, and every Norwegian will be impressed if they hear you listing up the famous Fjellvettreglene. So here they are, both the original and the translation:
1. Planlegg turen og meld fra hvor du går / Plan your trip, and let others know where you are going
You should always plan your outing according to the abilities of the least experiences person in your group. Make sure that you have enough information about the areas you are going, and make sure to listen to advice from more experienced people. Also, keep in mind that you will not have phone reception or Wi-Fi most remote places.
2. Tilpass turen etter evne og forhold / Adjust your hike after your abilities and the circumstances
.. And reevaluate as you go. Weather may change quickly, and you have to respect it. Do not start out with a long hike if you are unexperienced, or you don’t know enough about the conditions where you are going. This is especially important if you are hiking alone. In general, it is always safer to go together. Make sure there is transparent communication amoung the members of your group, so that everyone knows where you are going, and feel comfortable communicating their needs and concerns.
3. Ta hensyn til vær- og skredvarsel / Take account of weather forecast, including avalanche warnings
Always check the forecasts for weather and avalanches. The Norwegian Meteorological Institute will make sure this is updated on yr.no. Normally they will also put some advice according to the forecast in the area you are looking at.
4. Vær forberedt på uvær og kulde, selv på korte turer / Be prepared for storm and cold weather, even on short trips
Again, weather changes quickly. Bring extra clothes, according to temperatures and terrain. Some extra food and water supplies can help you and others if the trip takes longer than planned.
5. Ta med nødvendig utstyr for å kunne hjelpe deg selv og andre / Bring necessary equipment to help yourself and others
Proper clothing, shoes and supplies is a must. It is also recommended to always bring a head torch or a flash light, as it makes you a lot easier to find if something has happened to you. The Norwegian Tourist Association provides some tips for what to bring for different types of trips. You can find the lists here.
6. Ta trygge veivalg. Gjenkjenn skredfarlig terreng og usikker is/ Choose the safe pathway, and recognize dangerous terrain and unsafe ice
Chose the paths according to weather and avalanche warnings. Avalanches can reach three times as far as the height they are starting from. Do not walk on ice unless you have the proper training or expertise to measure the thickness of it.
7. Bruk kart og kompass. Vit alltid hvor du er / Use map and compass. Always know where you are
Pay attention to the map, even if you are walking on a marked route.
8. Vend i tide, det er ingen skam å snu / Turn around in time. There is no shame in cancelling
This one is particularly made for people who are so committed to their trip, that they are willing to take big risks just to complete it. Don’t do it. You don’t look cool when your dead. Reevaluate your route according to your group and the weather as you go.
9. Spar på kreftene og søk ly om nødvendig / Save your energy, and find shelter if necessary
The pace of the trip should be according the the slowest person, and if you are hiking as a group you should stick with it. Have lots of breaks, and remember to eat and hydrate. Snow and strong wind will demand more energy. Do not wait until you are completely out of energy to seek shelter. If you are lost in a snowstorm, it is better to dig a whole to shelter and insulate yourself, rather than walking out in the storm.
I hope the ending was not too dramatic! If you are unexperienced, you should of course start with a short group hike in the summer months, rather than an overnight stay in the winter mountains by yourself.
And one last important notion, although not part of the official rules:
Always remember to be cautious in nature – leave no traces.
Best,
Hannah, OLS Communty Manager – Norwegian