DNT Cabins in Norway

Hi there,

I have a question about the DNT cabins in Norway. Based on the official DNT site, some cabins are locked with the standard DNT key that can be borrowed at staffed lodges and DNT offices. The same site has a search field to find detailed info on any of the cabins, including info on locking, but that's too time-consuming. 

I'm wondering if there is an online map (ideally a map that can be used offline in Android phones) of Norway showing which cabins/huts are (un)locked. On the UT map they distinguish 3 types only (staffed, self-service, no-service).

Thanks for help ...

The short answer is no. There's no single list or map like you describe. There's also no simple answer according to the hut type. Staffed huts will always be unlocked when they are staffed, but at other times of the year may operate as a self-service (or occasionally unserviced) hut, which is likely to be locked but some may be unlocked. Self-service and Unserviced huts fall into locked and unlocked. Add to that some locked huts turn out to be unlocked when you get to them (but if it's badged as locked I wouldn't want to risk getting there without a key).

You do need to look up the details and dates for individual huts. But, in case you hadn't realised, the UT map you linked to is clickable, so you can zoom in to an area, click the hut symbol to get a pop-up, and then click the hut name to open it's info page (if you open in a new tab you can easily open all the huts in an area).

And (not sure if you've sussed the Norwegian words)

stengt - closed

betjent - staffed/serviced

selvbetjent - self-serviced

ubetjent - noservice

ulåst - open (no key needed)

DNT-nøkkel   - DNT key

 Thanks for the detailed answer. I had actually not realized the hut symbols on the UT map were clickable. However, it's still not much practical. Furthermore, info on locking is not always available. For example, the Caihnavaggihytta site does not display any such info.

Also, is DNT membership the only way of being entitled to borrow a DNT cabin key? The DNT homepage does not have any info on this.

Thanks ...

If the information on UT is incomplete I guess you could always try emailing the DNT direct with your questions. That's obviously easier if you've a list of specific huts you know you're interested in. But I've found them to be quite good at answering emails.

Otherwise I'd assume that any self-service or unserviced hut is going to be locked unless you can find positive information from UT or DNT that it isn't. I wouldn't want to risk turning up and being unable to get in (mind, I mostly use the huts in winter). 

And yes, being a DNT member is the only way to get hold of a key. You can turn up and use staffed huts without joining (you pay a higher day rate), but access to the keys is a benefit of membership... which doesn't strike me as unreasonable, it's a fantastic hut system but it takes a lot of upkeep, and without people paying to join it the system couldn't exist.

Generally what Matt said

One thing is that different regional sections tend to have their own policy on whether or not they lock their cabins, i.e., all Bergen Turlag self-service huts are unlocked while all the Oslo ones are generally locked. So just get in touch with the regional DNT branch where you are thinking of going and they should be able to tell you. Also note that some cabins like the Oslo ones (Hardangervidda, Jotunheimen etc.) actually have periods during the year, mainly in winter, when they are closed completely, i.e., not even the DNT key will get you in.

You can use self-service huts as a non-member at a higher rate, too, but if you want to use them as backup for a tent-based trip in an area where they are locked, one of your party will have to become a member to be certain that you will be able to get in.

I agree that the info of how the huts in Narvik mountains are locked shold be clearer. It is there if you go to the pages of NOT and open their section "hytter og ruter" and then the hut you want to check. Lower on the page you find the DNT-nøkkel mentioned under the text Nøkkelsystem. So the hut is locked with the DNT-key.

It is not correct that only a DNT membership gives access to the key. If you are a member of STF (Swedish hiking organisation) of the Finnish and Icelandic you are given member rights and prices on most huts. I had this information available before, but as DNT has changed their website I was not able to find the link for you. As a member in either of the nordic countries hiking organisations, you enjoy membership advantages in the other countries.

Otto

Are you sure that STF and members of other affiliated clubs can borrow DNT hut keys? I know that they get full members rights in terms of rebates etc, but does that extend to borrowing keys? The reason I ask is that membership of STF is much cheaper than membership of DNT, and, given that, why would anyone join DNT if they could get all the benefits as a member of much cheaper STF?

Rob, do you mean that you can borrow a DNT key even if you are not a member of any trekking association?

Also, just to be sure, I need just one key for all norwegian cabins, not one key for one area, and a different key for another area, right? 

Ludo - here, fresh of today's press, is the email from them:

"Yes, you can still use the same key, in all our huts in all parts of Norway. And the system with filling out credit card details is still the same.

For more information about payment and other useful information, please have a look at this web site: http://english.turistforeningen.no/english/index.php?fo_id=3615"

And yes, neither my mate nor I are or were members.  But in case things have changed, email them?  I htink the keys are fairly readily available - after all, your dosh is good for them.  And you pay much more as a non-member - see earlier post.

Just came back from Norway. Here's my experience with the DNT cabins:

1)It's wise to obtain a DNT key well in advance. We had counted on borrowing it in the Bodo DNT office, but on the day we were there the office was closed due to illness...

2)Apparently, you can borrow a key at other places than DNT offices and staffed cabins. We borrowed it in the Intersport shop in Bodo and returned it in the Fauske one.

3)I still don't know what membership (if any) is required to have the right to borrow a DNT key.

4)In some places there are two cabins - one locked and another one unlocked. For example, there are two Sorjos cabins. The new one is locked while the old one is unlocked.

1) Yes agree, tell everyone about it.

2) Very flexible, isn't it.

3) I'm 99% sure you obtain the key as STF member or DNT.

4)A lot of places have two cabins, but either both are locked or both are open depending on the local TF that owns/runs the cabins. The Sorjus hut is an exception, due to the severe wind conditions that may occur there. They may be horrendous.

It would be nice to have a tour report if that is possible LL.