What You Need to Know Before Renting a Cabin in Norway

“What do I need to know before renting a cabin in Norway?” “Are towels included?” “Will I be stuck in the snow?” We hear these questions all the time—and they’re great ones. Renting a cabin in Norway isn’t like checking into a hotel. It’s a cozy, personal, and often self-sufficient experience rooted in the Norwegian love for nature and simplicity. But if you don’t know what to expect, it can be confusing. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—so you can skip the stress and go straight to the good stuff: lighting a fire, watching the snow fall outside, and enjoying the peace and quiet of the mountains.

First things first: Cabins in Norway are often privately owned

Most cabins in Norway are owned by private individuals and rented out through professional agencies like ours. That means the cabin owner might live hours away—or in a completely different city. We act as the bridge between you and the cabin, and we partner with local subcontractors to help if something urgent arises. This also means things work a little differently than at a hotel. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered.

Want to rent a cabin? Check out all our cabin’s here!

What’s included when you arrive?

We do our best to make sure you have the essentials when you check in. Here’s what’s typically waiting for you: 4 toilet paper rolls, 1 roll of kitchen paper, a few dishwasher tablets, dishwashing liquid, dish brush, and sponge. Everything else—like food, firewood, and toiletries—you’ll need to bring yourself or buy at a local shop. In some areas we offer firewood delivery by pre-order. Some areas also offer food delivery through services such as oda.no.

What about towels and bed linens?

These are not included by default. In Norway, it’s common for people to bring their own, even when renting. But we know that’s tricky for international guests, so you can pre-order linens and towels from us for a fee. Just make sure to do so before your stay.

Winter in Norway: Beautiful, but unpredictable

Picture this: you arrive at your mountain cabin, it’s snowing gently, the air is fresh, and everything looks like a Christmas card. But first—you need to shovel your way to the front door. That’s just how it works here. In many cases, our cleaners may have been there to clean the cabin, or someone may have been there that day. If it hasn’t snowed since they left the cabin, there will be easy access to the cabin. Snow clearing is usually handled by the municipality or cabin association, not private owners. Crews work hard to plow and sand roads, but delays can happen, especially after a big snowfall. It’s smart to check the weather forecast before you travel, bring warm clothes and snow-friendly shoes, and be prepared to clear a bit of snow on your own.

Heating, water systems and how to stay warm

Some cabins have water systems that are turned off between guests to prevent freezing. You might need to turn on the main water valve, switch on electric heating, and start the fireplace. Don’t worry—we’ll send detailed instructions. Just know that cabins may feel cold at first, especially in winter. Light the fire, put on a sweater, and give it time. It’s all part of the charm.

Komfyrvakt – the mysterious beeping thing in the kitchen

Norwegian cabins often come with a “komfyrvakt” – a stove guard. This safety device monitors your use of the oven and will automatically shut off the power if it senses overheating or if the stove is left unattended. If it starts beeping, it’s just trying to keep you safe. You can usually reset it by pressing the small button near the stove.

What about charging my electric car?

Some cabins offer EV charging, but this is not always included in the rental price. Because electricity is expensive in Norway, EV charging must be arranged in advance, and there may be an additional fee. If this is important for your stay, always check the listing or ask us before you arrive. Norway also has many charging stations, including in mountainous areas.

Planning your stay: Activities, ski passes, and local tips?

Whether you’re planning a ski vacation or just looking to unplug, we recommend checking the websites of local ski resorts for snow reports and lift status, reading our local area guides on our website for tips on where to eat, hike, and relax, and looking up the exact location of your cabin and what’s nearby. If you’re heading to the slopes, it’s helpful to know that ski equipment and ski passes (“heiskort”) can be rented or purchased directly at most ski resorts—and often also online in advance. We strongly encourage checking which ski resort is closest to your cabin and visiting their website ahead of time to buy lift passes and book gear rental.

Trash, toilets, and other important bits

Many cabin areas don’t have private trash bins. Instead, you’re expected to bring your garbage to a central disposal station, often located a short drive away. These are maintained by the cabin association. If you’re traveling without a car, let us know—we’ll help find the best solution. Toilet paper? You get four rolls from us at check-in, but you’ll need to buy more if needed. And yes, some guests have improvised, but trust us—just grab a pack at the store.

Sundays and holidays: Norway slows down

Here’s something that surprises many first-time visitors: most shops in Norway are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Yes, even the grocery stores. Only small kiosks and gas stations might be open. So stock up before the weekend! Especially if you’re arriving on a Friday or Saturday.

Safety tips before you travel

Before you head to Norway, it’s a good idea to look up the emergency numbers (113 for medical, 112 for police, 110 for fire), download offline maps of your cabin area, learn how to use Google Translate or similar apps for signs and local info, and bookmark our contact info—we’re just a message away if you need us!

Final thoughts: It’s all part of the experience

Renting a cabin in Norway isn’t supposed to feel like a hotel stay. It’s slower, quieter, and more connected to nature. It might take a few extra steps—but in return, you get the kind of peace you can’t find anywhere else. You might arrive in the dark and need to fumble with the light switch. You might have to shovel snow in your socks (true story). But then you light the fire, hear the crackle of the wood, and everything just… melts away. So come prepared—but come with curiosity. We’ll take care of the rest.

Still haven’t booked your trip to Norway yet? Check out all our cabins here!