Outdoor life (friluftsliv) in Norway is based on trail management, traditional knowledge, and thousands of years of interaction between humans and nature. DNT works to preserve this cultural heritage.
At DNT, we are committed to safeguarding both the natural and cultural foundations of modern outdoor life. We have a responsibility to manage the Norwegian hiking tradition, which includes knowledge about simple outdoor living as well as safe and responsible travel in nature. At the same time, we manage our historical and physical heritage: cabins, trails, stone cairns, bridges, and the entire physical infrastructure of outdoor life. Our member associations maintain trails in landscapes shaped by human activity over thousands of years, and we believe that making hikers aware of these human traces enriches their outdoor experience.
Our goal is to manage DNT’s tangible and intangible heritage so that history, cultural monuments, and outdoor traditions are preserved.
What we do:
Raise awareness among members, volunteers, and staff about tangible and intangible cultural values through course templates, guides, and handbooks.
Highlight ancient travel routes through the "Historical Hiking Routes" project, in cooperation with the Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren).
Map out the cultural heritage value of DNT cabins.
Share knowledge about cultural monuments and environments on UT.no.
Participate in various research projects related to cultural heritage.
Cooperate with various organizations within the cultural heritage sector.
Organize webinars, gatherings, and lectures to build knowledge across our local associations.
Historical Hiking Routes
Almost everywhere you look, there are traces of the people who walked and used the land before us. Historical Hiking Routes is a collaboration between DNT and the Directorate for Cultural Heritage (Riksantikvaren), aimed at making old travel routes better known and more frequently used. These selected routes combine outdoor experiences with unique cultural heritage.
When the Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT) was founded in 1868, the goal was to encourage more people to experience Norwegian nature. Since then, DNT has been a strong advocate for simple outdoor life, working to help as many people as possible use nature while taking good care of it. Over more than 150 years, DNT has grown from an organization for a small elite into a widespread public movement.
Did you know that DNT offers accommodation and meals in heritage-listed buildings across the country? These include everything from lighthouses to large, protected mountain lodges, simple cabins, and old mountain farms. We manage these heritage sites with respect and care. You can find out which protected cabins you can stay at on UT.no.
