OUTDOOR LIFE NORWAY SPRING 2026
Lofoten
Would you like to spend six months in the world's wildest, most rugged and most beautiful classroom? We've picked the best Norwegian outdoor activities have to offer.
This is what you will learn:
Spring:
Cooperation and community
Mountain skiing
Mastery in various weather conditions
Winter mountain hike with tent
Cabin-to-cabin tours
Establishing basecamp
Map and compass
First Aid
Ice climbing
Surfing
Trip planning
Winter outdoor life
Snow cave bivouack
Winter outdoor life in Western Norway's nature
We embark on varied ski trips – sometimes with daypacks, sometimes with big packs – where we experience everything from mountain skiing to building and spending the night in snow caves, and exploring magical blue ice caves. When spring takes hold and the snow melts, we head to Hoddevika to surf and enjoy the waves along the coast.
Throughout the year, it's about learning how to thrive in nature regardless of the weather. We provide you with a solid and versatile introduction to outdoor life, where both individual skills and collaboration are in focus. Whether you are experienced or a beginner, you will be challenged, develop, and create strong bonds with your fellow hikers.
As a highlight, we travel to adventurous Lofoten, where we encounter a landscape that must be experienced to be understood. Here, the Northern Lights dance across the sky on clear winter evenings, and the small, colorful fishing villages lie like pearls along the wild coast. Perhaps you will try your luck at fishing as the locals have done for generations – or simply enjoy the tranquility and the spectacular view of the mountains that plunge straight into the sea.
We will also explore some of Norway's most spectacular outdoor areas, travel sustainably, and focus on small footprints in magnificent nature. There will be nights under the open sky, conversations around the campfire, cabin trips, and memorable experiences in tents.
This will be a year full of magical moments, nature experiences, and genuine outdoor joy!
Study trips
Study trip spring: Lofoten
Experience Lofoten, a journey filled with northern lights, dramatic mountains, and white beaches! This trip combines cod fishing, bonfire atmosphere, and unique experiences.
-
Join us on a fantastic road trip to Lofoten, where the Northern Lights, steep mountains, white beaches and magical sunsets await! Here we will experience skrei fishing, eagle safaris, campfires and all the amazing nature has to offer.
We naturally take the most environmentally friendly travel route, so that we can enjoy not only the destination, but also the unique experiences along the way.
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 pass at the Sports Center with access to all facilities, and a lift pass at Sogndal Ski Center.
-
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
-
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 (comfort down to -20 °C, possibly two sleeping bags inside each other)
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
Passport
Winter equipment
Shell mittens
Warm down jacket or thick wool sweater
Ski boots
Mountain skiing
Climbing skins
Telescopic poles
Ski helmet
Snow shovel & search pole
Sunglasses & ski goggles
Teacher Outdoor Norway spring
Martin Buch Larsen
Martin is a skilled carpenter with a bachelor's degree in nature, culture, and outdoor guidance from the University College of Southeast Norway. He has also completed a one-year program in social sciences. In addition, he has specialized in snow avalanche forecasting at Prescott College, and alpine skiing at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. Martin is also an NMGI-certified bike instructor at level 1, and he runs an organic smallholding, where he combines his passion for nature and sustainable agriculture.
Martin is very committed and good at seeing solutions, often with his guitar in one hand. Cycling and skiing were the reason he ended up in Sogndal, but the reasons for staying are completely different. If you need tips for the local winter route, ask Martin.
martin@sogndal.fhs.no 97657451
