A through-hike of the Appalachian Trail. Riding the Great Divide. Among the ranks of these epic treks is Norge På Langs, or “Norway lengthwise.”
What began as a national scouting relay in 1951 turned into a solo tour in 1966 for Bjørn Amsrud, the first person to attempt Norge på langs (abbreviated to NPL) alone. Amsrud hadn’t wanted to make a big deal out of it—in case things didn’t pan out—so he referred to it as “a slightly longer hike than usual.” By land, the distance is 2500-3000 km (1550-1860 miles), depending on how you go, with a vertical gain of 75,000 meters or 246,000 feet.
NPL has become a bucket list item for endurance hikers, bikers, rowers, paddlers, skiers and at least one rollerblader. The only requirements are two points: Nordkapp (the North Cape) at the top of Norway, and Lindesnes Lighthouse on the southern coast. The route in between is determined by the travelers- some head southward, while others choose a northbound path.
Prior to the 2000s, fewer than 100 people had attempted the feat. Thanks to word of mouth and the internet, the challenge has attracted more interest from people wanting to test their mettle, and not just Norwegians. Athletes in top shape will crush NPL in under 70 days, but the majority take five to six months to finish.
Some find it more practical to cross the border into Finland or Sweden for parts of the journey. Others aim to navigate 100% within Norway. Many travel self-supported, lugging their own tent, mess kit, and all their own supplies. Others ship foodstuffs and restock at drop points along their route. Most adventurers do it all in one go, but some do it in segments with time off in between. Folks have brought their dogs, or their kids along. The youngest participant was only 10 years old, with the oldest being 70. A few people set their sights on a FKT (fastest known time) using a support vehicle and crew to carry their food, gear and sleeping quarters.
A few trekkers have aimed to bring awareness to a cause, with the top fundraisers earning US$50,000 (nKr. 478.000) for charity. One couple, Liv Karin Lund Thomassen and Øyvind Thomassen paddled the length of Norway for their honeymoon!
18 books have been published about the experience. Norwegian adventurer and tv host Lars Monsen embarked on Norge på langs in 1989, following it up with a book by the same name. The challenge took him and Trond Strømdahl a full year, testing their friendship and personal strength to the utmost degree.
At norgepaalangs.info you will find a list of top finishers sorted by season, method of travel, age and other details. You can also view a photo gallery.
In 2021, after a series of family tragedies, Simen Holvik started running to maintain his mental health. He decided to attempt the world record of Norge på langs (NPL). He managed to cut the previous summer record (42 days, foot travel with support car) by 16 days, running the distance in just 25 days and 15 hours, an average of 100 km (62 miles)–the equivalent of over two marathons—per day.
In 2016, 83 year-old Bjørn Amsrud retraced his route northward from Lindesnes for the 50th anniversary of his original trek, this time with the aid of Hurtigruten, the coastal liner. Back at the top of the country, Amsrud told NRK that he had celebrated the same way he had in 1966: with fyrstekake and champagne.