Project NPL – Norge på langs

A long-distance hike – a long-cherished dream that will come true for us in 2022. Years ago, we saw a documentary about the Appalachian Trail and since then, the topic has remained with us. The big long-distance hiking trails in the USA – like the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) – are probably familiar to everyone who has ever been involved in long hikes. However, the fact that there are also great long-distance hiking trails apart from the Way of St. James in Europe, which means right on our doorstep, is something we only discovered years later. We will walk one of them in 2022: the Norge på langs, or NPL for short, which means “Norway lengthwise”.

Norge på langs (NPL)

Unlike many other long-distance trails, the NPL does not (yet) have a fixed route. Therefore, each traveler plans his own route. Not even the starting and ending points are set. You start somewhere in the south and finish high up in the north. Or the other way around, of course. Most hikers, however, start at the lighthouse in Lindesnes. For many, the North Cape or Knivskjellodden – a rocky outcrop near the North Cape, which lies a little further north – have become the destination for their hike. In between there lies a distance of about 2,500 to 3,000 kilometers. This can be covered on foot, by bicycle or, in winter, on skis. Or a combination of different modes of transportation.

Our plan

Our version of the NPL starts on May 15, 2022: the sabbatical has already been approved (Katharina) and the employment contract has been terminated (Manuel). The route is also planned. At a length of about 2,700 kilometers, it will take us from the Lindesnes lighthouse through Norway, Sweden and also a small stretch through Finland northwards to the North Cape. We have about 150 days for this route before Katharina has to be back in Germany in the middle of October.

Track our Norge på langs tour live on the map

As soon as we hit the trail, you will be able to see us on the map in this blog article, more or less updated on a daily basis. Until then, you can find our planned route here:

NPL at a glance

However, there is still a lot to do before we can start, other things we have already finished. What we are currently working on and what we have already checked off, you can see in the following lists.

NPL To-Do list

• Identify locations where we can send resupply packages to
• Planning of possible resupply points along the route
• Determining what kind of photographic equipment we will take with us
• Obtain health insurance for abroad
• Buy several parts of clothing
• Bring flowers to family to be taken care of
• Pack backpack
• t.b.c.

NPL Got-Done list

• Clarify time period for the hike and time off from work
• Route planning
• Technical implementation of live location on mywanderfullife.de
• Vet check Lando
• Buy six pairs of hiking boots (three per person)
• Planning an eastern detour to avoid Hardangervidda in case there is still too much snow
• Planning the trip Germany –> Lindesnes (train trip to Hirtshals is booked)
• Buying various clothes (partly completed)
• Make DNT membership
• Dissolve one of our two residences
• Decide what to pack in the backpack

Living article

This trip is still a bit abstract for us in some parts. We always find new aspects that we consider in our planning. Therefore, our planning also changes from time to time. This article will therefore be updated and expanded by us regularly.