Outward Bound Norway - between wilderness, silence and pride

Outward Bound was one of the most unforgettable and challenging experiences I’ve ever had.
The journey to Norway was long, but also exciting – we were all curious to find out what the next few days would bring. Each group was dropped off at a different point in the Rondane National Park. We hiked around 13 kilometres each day – that may not sound like much, but with a heavy backpack, no phone, no proper toilets and unpredictable weather, it was still exhausting.
Despite all the highs and lows, we had fun. On the first day, I was chosen along with a boy from our group to lead for the day. We had to find the right path for the whole group using a map. It was stressful, especially when others started complaining that they were cold or tired. It was raining and many of our things got wet – even some of the tents. But we did our best to stay calm and focused.

On the second day, the sun came out, the sky was clear, and everyone's mood improved instantly. We hiked about the same distance as the day before, but it felt much easier. From that day on, the weather was mostly warm and sunny, and we got used to our daily routine – getting up, taking down the tents, cooking on a small camping stove, hiking for hours and taking breaks in between.
On the fourth day, new food supplies were brought to us for the rest of the week. It was great to get fresh provisions, but our rucksacks became much heavier again.
On the fifth day, we climbed a mountain. It wasn’t a gentle walk with a nice view at the end – it was steep, full of loose stones, and at times even a bit dangerous, as someone could have slipped or a rock could have fallen. We watched every step carefully and helped each other along. At the top, we enjoyed our lunch with an incredible view. On the way back down, we were tired but also proud of ourselves.

On the seventh day, we had our solo. Each person was sent to a spot far away from the others to spend time alone in nature – without distractions, without conversation, just yourself. What at first sounded boring turned out to be one of the best parts of our journey.
We had time to reflect, write letters to our future selves, draw, sleep or simply listen. The teachers came by every few hours to check on us. It was a different kind of challenge – not physical, but mental – and I learned a lot about being still and comfortable in my own company.
When the solo was over, we reunited with our group and shared our experiences. It was fascinating to hear how different everyone had experienced the same thing.
That same day, we passed by a lake. The water was freezing cold, but a few of the boys and girls jumped in anyway. It was one of those moments where you just let go, laugh and live in the moment – no matter how cold it was.

On the eighth day, we reached the final campsite. Some people went for another swim in the nearby river, while others simply lay in the grass to rest, knowing the final hike awaited us the next day.
On the ninth and last day of Outward Bound, we woke up full of energy and motivation. We knew it was the last big stretch, and somehow that made everything feel easier. While we walked, we sang songs, cracked jokes and helped each other through the tough bits.
When we finally reached the base camp, we saw that some of the other groups were already there or just behind us. It felt amazing to see everyone again, to hug, swap stories and share snacks. There was pride in the air – we had all achieved something truly difficult. Even though we had been in different groups, we were all part of the same shared experience.

The journey back was quiet. Some people fell asleep straight away, others chatted softly with their friends. When we arrived back in Salem, we reflected on the week, shared even more stories and had the rest of the day to ourselves.

Outward Bound is much more than just a hike in Norway – it’s about coping with discomfort, working with people who are different from you, taking responsibility, trusting others and discovering what you’re truly capable of.
There were moments when I was tired, annoyed or even scared – but there were also moments when I laughed so hard my stomach hurt, when I saw views that looked like something from a postcard, and when I felt prouder of myself than ever before.

Everyone in our group had their own struggles and highlights, but we got through it together – and I’ll never forget that.
I think a journey like Outward Bound shows you a new side of yourself – and of your friends too. Without phones or the internet, you talk more, help more, and notice your surroundings in a whole new way.

I’ll always remember that mountain, the freezing cold lake, the peaceful solo, and the feeling of knowing – during that final hike back to base camp – that we had achieved something real.
Something tough. Something special.

Outward Bound wasn’t just hiking in Norway – it was a step towards growing up, learning, and being part of something bigger than just yourself.