OUTDOOR LIFE NORWAY fall
Western Norway
Do you want to spend a year in the world's wildest, rawest, and most beautiful classroom? We have hand-picked the best of Norwegian outdoor life and will experience the enormous diversity Norway has to offer through trips throughout the year.
This is what you will learn:
Fall:
Glacier course
Campfire atmosphere and cooking over a campfire
Kayak
Camping and bivouacking in different outdoor environments
Climbing (indoor and outdoor)
Top rope and lead certificate
Solo 24 hours out in nature
Surfing
First Aid
Trip planning
Outdoor life in Western Norway's nature
At Friluftsliv fall you get to experience Western Norway through a fall filled with outdoor activities. We use fjords, mountains, glaciers, forests and coasts as classrooms, together with others who enjoy being outdoors. You don't need much previous experience. Through trips and courses you learn new skills, challenge yourself and become safer and more independent on trips.
You don't need much previous experience. Through trips and courses, you will learn the skills you need to become safer and more independent outdoors.
From fjord to mountain
We start with basic outdoor activities and go on trips around the Sognefjord and in the mountains around Sogndal. You will learn, among other things , orienteering with a map and compass, trip planning, first aid, camping and cooking outdoors . We will spend the night in tents, establish a base camp and get to know what it is like to be outdoors for several days together.
Gradually we move higher into the mountains. On glacier courses you learn to travel safely on glaciers, walk in rope formations and use crampons and ice axes. You also get to try climbing, kayaking, mountaineering and solo 24-hour trips in nature .
Throughout the fall we follow nature and the weather. Some days offer long hikes and new challenges, while others are about lighting a campfire, cooking and having a good time together. It gives you experience with many different aspects of Norwegian outdoor life.
Experience Western Norway
One of the things that makes this line special is that we have so much nature to explore right around us. During one fall You can experience glaciers, high mountains, deep fjords, forests and coast , and see how nature changes throughout the season.
Among other things, we go on a trip from cabin to cabin in Breheimen or Jotunheimen , travel to Stad to surf in Hoddevika and use the mountains and fjords around Sogndal throughout the semester.
Our study trip also takes us to Western Norway . It is a conscious choice. We want to show that great experiences do not have to involve long flights. With a focus on sustainable outdoor activities , we explore our own region and experience how much there is within relatively short distances.
Throughout the semester you will learn to plan trips, take care of nature and adapt to weather and conditions. At the same time, you will become part of a community where we collaborate, help each other and share both the demanding and the quiet days outdoors.
The goal is that after the fall you will feel safer and more independent on your trip , and have knowledge and experience that makes it easier to create your own outdoor experiences in the future.
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Kayak and wetsuit
You will learn basic paddling techniques and safety before we go on a kayak trip on the Sognefjord.Basic outdoor activities
You will learn orientation with a map and compass, trip planning, camping, campfires and outdoor cooking.Tent life and overnight trip
We go on trips with tents and sleeping bags and learn how to establish a good camp and enjoy being outdoors for several days.Mountain hikes and fishing
We explore the mountains around Sogndal and other places in Western Norway, with both day trips and longer hikes.Glacier course
You will learn how to travel safely on a glacier, go in a rope formation and use crampons and an ice axe.Climbing and bouldering
We climb both indoors and outdoors. You will learn about belaying, equipment and climbing techniques and can take a steep pass.Surfing in Hoddevika
We travel to Stad and try surfing in Hoddevika.Cabin to cabin
We go on a trip from cabin to cabin in Breheimen or Jotunheimen and experience several days together in the mountains.Solo day
You get to spend time alone outside and use the skills you have learned throughout the fall.First aid
You will learn what to do if someone gets injured or needs help on a trip.
Field trip
Study trip fall : Western Norway
On this study tour we explore more of Western Norway, with fjords, mountains and some of Norway's most famous hiking destinations. We travel from place to place, go on both short and long mountain hikes and stay in cabins, campsites and tents along the way.
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On this study tour we explore Western Norway, with fjords, mountains, cabins and some of the most famous hiking destinations in Norway. We travel around over several days and combine mountain hikes, boat trips and overnight stays in different places.
Along the way we go on both short and long hikes. We can visit famous hiking destinations such as Preikestolen and Trolltunga, walk along the fjords and take a trip up some of the many mountains we encounter on the way. Some days will be long, with many kilometers and meters of elevation gain, while other days have a slower pace.
We stay in cabins and campsites, and parts of the trip can also be done in tents. We cook together, pack what we need and gain experience in being on a trip for several days and moving from place to place.
We want to travel as sustainably as possible and use boats, ferries and other means of transport along the way. The journey itself becomes part of the experience, and we get to see a lot of Western Norway along the way.
During the trip you will also use much of what we work on at the school. Trip planning, orientation, equipment, cooperation and assessment of weather and conditions are put into practice when we are on a trip over several days.
It will be a varied trip with lots of outdoor activities, long days outdoors and many experiences together. At the same time, we will get to know Western Norway better and see how much it is actually possible to experience without traveling far from home.
Equipment list
For an active year with outdoor life in challenging West Norway nature, you need some equipment.
The overview below covers what you should have in terms of personal equipment. Remember that old, good equipment is often just as useful as the latest model, so look in the attic or borrow from your family or friends!
Included in the price, all students at Sogndal Folk High School receive a training card at the Sports Center with access to all facilities.
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Shell jacket
Shell pants
Hiking pants
Gaiters
Mountain boots or shoes with high ankle
Beanie
Buff / scarf
Thick wool sweater
Down jacket
2 sets of wool underwear
Wool mittens
Shell mittens
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Hiking and outdoor activities
Daypack approx. 40L (preferably with attachment for helmet/ice axe, can be used on skis)
Backpack approx. 70L
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Plate, cup & cutlery
Thermos & drinking bottle that can withstand boiling water (e.g. Nalgene)
Headlamp (simple type)
Map folder & compass (360°)
Knife
Sunglasses & sunscreen
Travel & practical
Travel insurance
Simple bike for the local area (on asphalt) + helmet
(if you have a long way to travel, we will help with this at school)
Winter equipment
Warm down jacket or thick wool sweater
Sunglasses
Outdoor education teacher Norway:
Eric Hansen
Eirik, our world-renowned river paddler. He is so good it's almost unbelievable! In addition, he is incredibly enthusiastic and makes everything cozy, safe, exciting and challenging all at the same time.
Eirik loves to share what he knows, and meets students at their level. Whether you are trying something for the first time or already have a lot of experience, he makes you feel mastery and want to learn more. With Eirik on tour, it is rarely boring!