Viking Magazine - January 2015 - 46

Q&A
Explore the Outdoors
Norway's largest outdoor life organization, the Norwegian
Trekking Association, helps visitors embrace Norway's natural
beauty and wildlife.
BY SARA SCHLUETER
An
organization
dedicated to
the enjoyment
of outdoor life in Norway,
the Norwegian Trekking
Association (DNT) promotes
" straightforward, active,
versatile and environmentally
friendly outdoor activities. "
The DNT operates cabins,
trails, tours and family-friendly
activities for visitors and
members of the organization.
Recently, the mountainous
areas have seen a surge of
tourists looking to explore a
different side of Norway. Viking
magazine spoke with Anne
Mari Aamelfot Hjelle, assistant
general secretary with the DNT,
to learn about the popular
ways to experience Norway's
outdoors.
Q Which programs does the
DNT offer?
A The DNT offers a lot
of guided tours, which is
one way to experience the
Norwegian outdoors. Overall,
this organization has marked
a lot of trails-about 22,000
km (13.7 miles) worth, and we
mark 7,000 km (4.4 miles) of
ski tracks. In addition, we have
more than 500 cabins all over
the country.
One of the popular programs
46 VIKING JANUARY 2015
is to hike from cabin to cabin in
Jotunheimen og Rondane either
alone or with a guided tour.
Hiking opportunities range from
short walks to longer multiday
treks. If hiking is not the
experience you are looking for,
the DNT offers kayaking trips.
Q What are the benefi ts of taking
a guided tour?
A Your hike will be very
secure, and you will get a lot of
information about the nature,
animals and history. The leaders
that guide the tours are trained
and qualifi ed for both summer
and winter tours.
Q Why has there been an increase
in visitors to the mountains
of Norway?
A For one, people want to
be healthy and active. People
who visit our cabins talk about
it with other people, so the
positive experiences have been
spread via word of mouth.
Q What makes Norway's
outdoors so special?
A Norway has wonderful
nature, lots of wilderness and
many cabins that are open for
everyone. Not many places in
Europe offer the kind of views
and majestic mountains and
fjords like Norway does.
sonsofnorway.com
Q How does the DNT help
promote tourism and sightseeing
in Norway?
A We help the tourist
companies keep visitors
informed about nature and all
the activities that are offered
in Norway. In addition, all of
our cabins and guided tours are
responsible to the environment.
The DNT believes that everyone
should have access to the
unlimited experiences in the
Norwegian outdoors.
Q How can someone take
advantage of the tours, cabins
or other programs offered by
the DNT?
A By becoming a member of
the DNT, visitors will enjoy
lower prices at cabins, mountain
hotels, guided tours and much
more. Visitors can view the
website (turistforeningen.no or
english.turistforeningen.no)
for booking instructions and
information.
Organization:
The Norwegian Trekking
Association (DNT)
Founded:
1868, with 233 members.
Today:
More than 257,000 members
and 57 local organizations
are a part of the
DNT, making it the largest
outdoor life organization
in Norway.
Website:
turistforeningen.no
PHOTO BY ØYVIND FJØRTOFT IVERSEN
http://www.turistforeningen.no http://www.turistforeningen.no http://english.turistforeningen.no http://www.sonsofnorway.com
Viking Magazine - January 2015

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