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Norway Unplugged: Reindeer Herds, Sunsets and Tent Life

Meike Sunderbrink

Conducted and written by Seija Cecile Lahteenmaa

Sea to Summit ambassadors Henrik, Mara, and their furry companion, Nala, made the bold decision to leave their home in Germany and explore Europe—and they’re not looking back. After three months of traveling across Norway, they’re ready to share all their favourite experiences and top tips for both backpacking and van life adventures.

Where in Norway have you been? And where was you favourite place?

We spent a full three months traveling all across Norway, with a focus on exploring the south. One of the highlights was the Sunnmøre Alps region and the incredible islands we visited. Runde Island was especially magical: we pitched our tent at sunset, cooked a delicious pasta meal, and were lucky enough to see a herd of reindeer nearby.

"We are incredibly happy that Sea to Summit has made our adventure possible. Giving us the ability to stay in the most beautiful places in the world with the best equipment."

Henrik & Mara

What was one "standout" moment?

Seeing animals in their natural habitats was one of the most memorable parts of our trip – it’s a totally different experience when you encounter them from a tent! We saw countless bird species, reindeer, deer, and even elk.

What have you learned on your trip?

Slow down and let go of rigid planning, instead savoring each moment as it comes. It was especially refreshing to put our phones aside while camping and enjoy being unplugged, allowing ourselves to fully connect with nature.

What’s the biggest advice you'd give someone who is thinking about planning for a similar trip?

[Try not to be] too driven by expectations or strict plans. Norway’s nature and weather are unpredictable, so it’s essential to stay flexible and prepared for anything. We’ve been caught in sudden storms more than once, despite forecasts predicting clear skies!

What Sea to Summit gear did you use and would recommend on a trip like this?

Our most essential gear on this trip was the Telos TR3 tent, the Spark Down Sleeping Bag, and the Spark Women’s Sleeping Bag. We love the sleeping bags because we can zip them together to create one large bag – perfect for our dog to fit in, too! And they keep us warm in the chilly mountain nights. We also love the Frontier Ultralight Cooking Set. It’s so compact and lightweight that we take it with us on every hike.