In Norway, you can borrow sports and outdoor equipment for free through BUA and other equipment centers. Skis, ice skates, sleds, tents and rain gear are available in over 200 municipalities. You usually borrow for one week at a time, and do not need to own expensive winter equipment for your children to participate.
What is BUA, and who runs it?
BUA (equipment loan for children and young people) is Norway's largest network of equipment centers. Here, children, young people and families can borrow sports and leisure equipment for free. The goal is simple: everyone should be able to participate in activities, regardless of what the family can afford.
As of 2025, there are around 270 loan centers in over 200 municipalities, and together they lend out more than 770,000 items per year. Many centers are run by the municipality, a volunteer organization or a volunteer center. They receive funding from the government through Bufdir (Norwegian Directorate for Children, Youth and Family) and the grant scheme «Grant for inclusion of children and young people.» The scheme targets children and young people up to 24 years of age and is designed to reduce financial barriers to participating in leisure activities. One requirement is that the equipment is lent «for free or at a very low cost.» That is why it usually costs nothing to borrow.
Where can I borrow equipment for free?
You can find the nearest equipment center on the map at bua.no. Type in your location and you will see which centers are nearby and what equipment they have available. Not all places are called BUA, but many municipalities have an equipment center with a different name. If you are unsure, ask at the library, at the volunteer center or on the municipality's website.
Some centers are self-service with lockers you open yourself, while others have staff who can help you. At staffed centers, the staff can advise on sizes and use. It is a good idea to check opening hours before you go, especially during peak season right before the winter school holidays.
How borrowing works
Borrowing is free, and you usually borrow for one week at a time. Here's how you do it:
- Register a profile in the BUA app with Vipps, or go directly to a staffed center.
- The person borrowing must be over 18 years old and have a Norwegian address and phone number. Children and young people under 18 can borrow as co-borrowers with an adult.
- Choose the equipment, take it home and use it for one week. At many centers you can reserve in advance in the app, so it is ready when you arrive.
- Return it clean and in good condition by the agreed time, so others can borrow after you.
The equipment is free, but you are responsible for returning it in good condition. Some centers may charge a small fee if you live in a different municipality than where the center is located. If a small accident happens during normal use, it is usually not a problem – but let them know when you return it.
What can you borrow – equipment for each season
The selection varies from place to place, but most centers have equipment for the whole year. Common things you can borrow:
- Winter: downhill skis, cross-country skis, poles, ski boots, ice skates, sleds, sledges, snowboards and snow tubes.
- Summer: tents, sleeping bags, hiking backpacks, fishing equipment, paddleboards, kayaks, life jackets and bicycles.
- Year-round: rain gear, rain suits, winter boots, backpacks and other hiking equipment.
| Season | Typical equipment to borrow |
|---|---|
| Winter | Skis, poles, ice skates, sleds, sledges |
| Spring and autumn | Rain gear, rain suits, hiking backpacks, bicycles |
| Summer | Tents, sleeping bags, life jackets, fishing equipment |
Popular winter equipment such as skis and ice skates can be in high demand during school holidays, so arrive early. This way your children can try cross-country skiing, ice skating or camping without you having to buy everything first. If you want to enroll your child in a regular activity afterwards, you can read the guide about how to enroll your child in sports in Norway.
How do I dress my children for Norwegian weather?
In Norway, daycare is outside in almost all types of weather. A well-known saying goes: «There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.» The key is to dress your child in layers – this is called layering or the three-layer principle.
- Innermost, against the skin: wool or merino wool keeps heat in and moves sweat away from the body. If wool itches, cotton or bamboo can be innermost, with wool as the second layer.
- Middle layer: wool or fleece for insulation. Use several thin layers rather than one thick layer – this makes it easy to add or remove layers when your child gets warm or cold.
- Outermost: a windproof and waterproof suit, or jacket and pants, that keeps out rain and snow.
- Do not forget: a hat, gloves and good boots. A lot of heat escapes from the head, so a hat is important even when it is not that cold.
Wet and cold weather is new for many families. Read more about your first winter in Norway and about outdoor life and hiking culture to feel confident outdoors all year.
From barrier to participation
Expensive winter and outdoor equipment is a real barrier for many new families in Norway. Skis, ice skates and ski clothing for several children can cost thousands of kroner. Free borrowing through BUA removes this barrier, so children can participate in sledding, ice skating and skiing trips together with their classmates. If you want to save more on your family budget, we also have a guide on food budget and saving on food.
Outdoor life and volunteer work are a big part of Norwegian society, and participating is a great way to meet neighbors and get to know your local community. At SamfunnPrep we write simple guides that help you navigate everyday life in Norway – from borrowing equipment to rights and responsibilities. If you want to understand more about the society you are part of, you can explore the topics around the civic knowledge test on SamfunnPrep. SamfunnPrep is free to try.
