If you’re coming to Norway to hike, you’re in good company. We grow up on trails here, and the country is packed with shops that can kit you out for anything from a quick city-forest walk to a week in Jotunheimen. The trick is knowing where to look, what’s worth buying locally, and how to navigate Norway’s particular mix of premium brands, solid mid-range chains, and good second-hand options.
Short answer: You’ll find reliable gear nationwide at big chains like XXL, Intersport, Sport 1 and Anton Sport; specialist stores in the larger cities; Norwegian brand flagships such as Norrøna, Bergans, Helly Hansen and Devold; and surprisingly strong second-hand and rental options through BUA, DNT and local outdoor shops. Prices are high, but quality is equally high, and tax-free refunds for tourists help a little.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the world of buying hiking equipment and clothes in Norway.
National Chains You’ll Find Almost Everywhere
When you need gear quickly and want predictable selection, start with the national sports chains. They carry everything from hiking boots and rain jackets to gas canisters and maps.
XXL is the biggest player, with large stores in most cities and many towns. You’ll usually find a wide range of boots, waterproof shells, backpacks, hiking poles and camping accessories. Staff are used to fitting boots and helping visitors choose layers for Norwegian weather.
Intersport and Sport 1 have strong coverage as well. Selection varies more by location, but both chains stock trusted brands alongside house-label basics for socks, base layers and rainwear. Anton Sport has fewer locations but a solid reputation in urban areas, especially for trail running and technical apparel.
If you’re driving, plug these names into your map app and you’ll almost always find a branch within reach. For emergency bits like gas canisters, dry bags, headlamps or a forgotten mid-layer, these chains are the fastest fix.
Specialist Outdoor Stores in the Big Cities
If you’re after higher-end technical gear, expert advice, or niche items like alpine-style packs and lightweight tents, head for specialist shops in larger cities.
In Oslo, look for long-standing independent and specialist retailers with deep knowledge of mountaineering, climbing and backcountry travel. Staff tend to be hikers and climbers themselves, and they’ll spend time to get the fit and specs right. In Bergen, Stavanger and Tromsø, you’ll also find well-curated outdoor shops that cater to fjord, coast and Arctic conditions. Expect premium brands, careful boot fitting, and rental desks for ice grips, avalanche gear and touring equipment in season.
This tier is ideal if you’re planning hut-to-hut trekking in Jotunheimen or longer routes in Hardangervidda and need help dialing in pack weight, shelter choices and weather protection.
Norwegian Outdoor Brands and Their Flagship Stores
One of the perks of shopping here is access to our homegrown brands in their own boutiques.
Norrøna is known for premium shells and hard-wearing mountain apparel. Bergans has a long heritage with backpacks and trekking clothing. Helly Hansen leans maritime but makes excellent waterproofs and mid-layers for wet coastal hikes. Devold and Janus specialize in merino wool base layers, which are worth every krone when the weather turns. You’ll also see Aclima, Kari Traa (especially for women’s base layers), Swix (originally ski-focused, with good technical layers), and Fjällräven from just across the border.
Flagship stores and brand outlets typically stock full size runs, seasonal colors, and staff who know the line inside out. If you’ve been eyeing a specific jacket or wool layer online, buying it here ensures the right cut and a warranty that’s easy to use while you’re in Norway.
Budget-Friendly and Outlet Options
Norway doesn’t do “cheap” in the way some visitors expect, but there are smart ways to save.
Stormberg is a Norwegian brand focused on value and family-friendly pricing, with solid rainwear and mid-layers. Their stores are common in shopping centers and good for quick, practical kit without premium markup.
Outlet villages like Norwegian Outlet (Vestby outside Oslo, and in other regions) often have past-season pieces from major outdoor brands at meaningful discounts. If your route passes an outlet, it can be worth a short detour to pick up a shell, fleece or hiking pants at a better price.
You’ll also see regular sales across chains during late January, mid-summer, and Black Week in November. Even outside those periods, keep an eye on clearance racks in XXL and Intersport for last season’s colors.
Second-Hand: Norway’s Best-Kept Gear Secret
Norwegians love good gear and we take care of it, which means the second-hand market is strong.
Finn.no is our national marketplace. If you have a Norwegian phone number and a bit of time, you can pick up quality boots, tents and packs at half price or less. Tise is a popular app for clothing, including technical layers.
For in-person browsing, check Fretex (Salvation Army) and UFF thrift stores in cities. Some locations curate an outdoor section with hiking pants, wool sweaters and shells. Condition varies, but you can score a bargain if you’re patient.
Renting Instead of Buying
If your trip is short or you don’t want to fly with a tent, renting is easy. The Norwegian Trekking Association DNT (Den Norske Turistforening) offers gear rentals in major cities, especially DNT Oslo og Omegn. You’ll find backpacks, sleeping bags, snowshoes, and sometimes kid carriers.
In gateway towns like Tromsø, Åndalsnes, Voss and Svolvær, local outfitters rent boots, poles, crampons, microspikes, rain gear and even full camping kits. If your itinerary includes glacier walks or via ferrata, local operators can supply specialized equipment as part of guided trips.
Residents and longer-stay visitors should also know about BUA, a nationwide network of gear libraries that lend outdoor equipment at low or no cost. Many BUA locations require a Norwegian ID and address, so they’re less practical for short-term tourists, but excellent if you’ll be here a while.
Buying Online While You’re in Norway
If you prefer to order online and pick up at your accommodation or a parcel point, Norwegian e-commerce for outdoor gear is well developed. Delivery is generally fast within the country, and pickup points are everywhere.
Look for large outdoor-focused online retailers with broad stock and frequent promotions. Tip: Choose “hent i butikk” (pick up in store) or “hentepunkt” (pickup point) if you’re moving around. Standard carriers like Posten and PostNord deliver to supermarkets and kiosks where you can collect using a code.
Sizing note: European cuts run slimmer than many American brands. If you’re between sizes, consider ordering two and returning the miss. Returns are straightforward within Norway, but do check the return window if you’re traveling.
What’s Worth Buying Locally vs Bringing From Home
If you already own decent hiking boots, a breathable rain shell and merino layers, bring them. Breaking in new boots on Norwegian rock and wet roots is not fun. On the other hand, buying rain protection here can be wise because Norwegian shells are designed for our climate and often come with robust hoods, good hem length, and reliable seams. Merino base layers from Devold, Aclima or Janus are also a good local buy; they’re warm, don’t hold odor and last for years.
Consumables like gas canisters, maps, insect repellent, sunscreen, and trail food are easy to sort out on arrival at sports stores or supermarkets.
Price and Quality Expectations
Norway leans premium. That said, entry-level lines from the big chains perform well for typical day hikes near Oslo, Bergen and Stavanger. Don’t skimp on waterproofing and don’t underestimate wind exposure above the treeline. A moderately priced shell that actually keeps you dry beats an ultra-light piece that wets out in coastal rain.
For boots, expect to pay more than you would at home for comparable brands. If you go premium, you’ll typically get excellent soles and materials suited to granite slabs and boggy sections. Try on late in the day when your feet are slightly swollen, and walk the in-store ramp if they have one. If a salesperson suggests heat molding insoles or adjusting lacing for the downhills, say yes. It’s standard practice here and can save your toenails on steeper trails.
Seasonal Timing and Sales
If you’re planning a shopping day around your trip:
- Spring (April–May): New-season shells, hiking pants and boots land. Good selection, few discounts.
- Summer (June–August): Peak hiking season, steady stock, occasional mid-season promos.
- Autumn (September–October): Shoulder-season deals, especially on summer colors.
- Late January: One of the best sale windows for winter and all-season layers.
- Black Week (late November): Wide promotions across chains and online.
If you spot a jacket you love early in the season, don’t bank on your size lasting until the discounts hit.
Tax-Free Shopping for Tourists
Non-residents leaving Norway can usually claim a VAT refund on eligible purchases from participating stores. Ask for Tax Free at the register; you’ll get a form to stamp at the airport or ferry terminal before departure. Rules and minimum amounts apply, and you must show the goods unused if asked, so keep items packaged until you’ve cleared the counter. The refund doesn’t erase Norway’s price premium, but it softens the blow on bigger buys like shells and boots.
Store Hours and Practicalities
Norway has strict Sunday trading rules, so most large stores are closed on Sundays. Tourist-heavy areas sometimes have exceptions, and small convenience shops may be open, but don’t count on buying boots on a Sunday. Weekdays usually run into early evening, and Saturdays close earlier. If you’re on a tight schedule, shop on Friday or Saturday morning and plan boot fitting with time to spare.
For trail specifics, many stores sell local hiking maps and can point you to the right trailheads, public transport links and hut availability. Staff typically speak excellent English and won’t oversell you; if the forecast is rough, they’ll tell you straight and suggest safer alternatives.
Quick City-by-City Starting Points
- Oslo: Big-chain coverage is excellent, plus multiple specialists and brand flagships. Easy to compare prices and try on gear.
- Bergen: Strong selection with rain-focused apparel for coastal weather; knowledgeable staff used to tourists heading for Vidden or Trolltunga.
- Stavanger: Good for Kjerag and Preikestolen trips; look for sturdy boots and reliable rain shells.
- Tromsø: Outfitters with Arctic know-how and robust rental options, including microspikes and warm layers even in shoulder seasons.
- Trondheim and Bodø: Solid chain coverage and regional specialists; ask about local trail conditions, which change quickly with weather.
Choosing where to buy in Norway comes down to your plans and timeline. If you want fast and easy, hit a big chain. If you want dialed-in performance, seek a specialist. And if you’re gear-curious or on a budget, give second-hand and rental a real look. Norway rewards good layers and dry feet, and the stores here are set up to help you get both.