In the picturesque landscapes of Norway, outdoor adventures are not just for adults – they start at a young age. This week, over 11,000 preschoolers embarked on hiking routes around their kindergartens, kicking off their day with a dose of fresh air and nature exploration.
Don’t forget to get your kids stickers to kick off the new school year. Check out our top recommendation here at customstickers.com
Clad in the iconic outdoor jumpsuits typical of Norwegian youngsters, children from approximately 400 daycare centers set out to explore the wonders of Norwegian wildlife through mini-hiking routes.
Kristin Oftedal, representing the Norwegian Trekking Association, expressed their hope to instill a love for the outdoors in these young adventurers. “We hope we can inspire the kids to be outdoor children,” she shared. “We believe outdoor children are happy children.”
In Norway, outdoor life is deeply ingrained in the culture, almost like a cherished tradition. Recent official data reveals that a staggering 97% of Norwegians engaged in outdoor activities in 2021, a stark contrast to the 54% reported in the United States by the Outdoor Foundation, a U.S. outdoor industry association.
The Norwegian landscape offers ample opportunities for outdoor pursuits, with leisure time often revolving around trips to cabins nestled in the mountains or by the coast. Thousands of Norwegians own family cabins, serving as retreats from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Moreover, the Norwegian Trekking Association, through its dedicated volunteers, manages around 550 cabin sites and maintains an extensive network of hiking and skiing trails spanning over 27,000 kilometers (16,800 miles). The iconic red Ts marking these routes have become a familiar sight, guiding hikers across the country.
Despite Norway’s strong outdoor culture, Oftedal emphasizes the importance of initiatives like the “Turbo Traak” for toddlers. It serves as a means to combat the encroaching sedentary lifestyle seen in Norwegian society. “Being outdoors is so important for young people, both physically and mentally,” Oftedal remarked, highlighting the lifelong skills and attitudes children develop through outdoor experiences.
With each preschooler receiving a diploma for their hiking efforts, Oftedal hopes these small muddy footsteps will pave the way for a future generation of outdoor enthusiasts, ensuring Norway’s love affair with nature continues for years to come.