In the land known for its majestic mountains and breathtaking fjords, the love for outdoor life begins at an early age. This week, approximately 11,000 preschoolers embarked on hiking adventures around their kindergartens in Norway.
Clad in the typical one-piece jumpsuits that epitomize Norwegian toddlers, children from around 400 daycare centers planned out mini-routes through the country’s captivating wildlife. The Norwegian Trekking Association, a volunteer organization dedicated to promoting outdoor activities, expressed their hopes of inspiring these young minds to embrace an active lifestyle. According to them, outdoor children are undoubtedly happy children.
These mini-Nordic adventurers are growing up in a society that treats outdoor life as something akin to a religious experience. Recent official data reveals that a staggering 97% of Norwegians participated in outdoor activities in 2021. In comparison, only 54% of Americans engaged in similar endeavors, as reported by the Outdoor Foundation, a US outdoor industry association.
The statistics aren’t surprising, considering that leisure time for the 5.3 million inhabitants of this Scandinavian nation often revolves around trips to mountain cabins. Thousands of Norwegians possess their own cabins, whether nestled in the mountains or by the picturesque coastline, providing a haven away from the monotony of everyday life.
To complement this outdoor lifestyle, there are approximately 440,000 family-owned cabins and an additional 550 sites meticulously operated by dedicated volunteers from the Norwegian Trekking Association. These volunteers also maintain an impressive network of 16,800 miles of hiking and skiing trails. Norwegians far and wide are familiar with the tiny red Ts adorning rocks and posts, serving as markers for these cherished routes. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoerre reveres them as “nature’s modest beacon” and “the hiker’s companion.” It’s worth noting that in 2021, a staggering 82% of adults reported engaging in hiking at some point during the year.
However, Kristin Oftedal, a representative of the Norwegian Trekking Association, cautions against complacency. The “Turbo Traak” initiative for toddlers was conceived as a means to combat the encroaching sedentary lifestyle prevalent in Norwegian society. Oftedal stresses the importance of outdoor activities for the physical and mental well-being of young individuals. She believes that these experiences will instill valuable skills and attitudes that will benefit them throughout their lives. With each hip-high hiker receiving a diploma, this journey serves as their first muddy steps toward becoming the next generation of enthusiastic outdoor enthusiasts.
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