Year of Outdoor Recreation
On behalf of the Ministry of Climate and Environment, The Norwegian Association for Outdoor Organisations (AOO) is responsible for organising this year's programme. AOO is an umbrella organisation comprising 19 Norwegian voluntary organisations, representing over 5,000 local associations with more than 950,000 members. Together with local outdoor councils and authorities, they work to promote outdoor activities across the country. This project aims to highlight and support local activities while creating lasting experiences of outdoor life. Children, young people, and other target groups will be introduced to nature experiences and learn essential skills for safe outdoor activities.
This year's programme began with "Campfires Across Norway" on 18 January, where participants gather around campfires across the country to connect with fellow nature enthusiasts. The first week of September is "Outdoors Week," featuring nationwide celebrations and activities. Themes for the week include "A Night in Nature," "Outdoors Day," "Mushroom Day," "Outdoor Food from Around the World Day," and "Hiking with Purpose," which combines hiking and picking up litter. "Hiking with Purpose" is also part of the Coastal Cleanup Week.
On 10 October, “Norway Hiking Together” marks World Mental Health Day, highlighting the positive effects of outdoor activities on mental and physical health. This year’s programme will conclude on 5 December with "Volunteering Day," which celebrates and recognises the role of volunteers in outdoor life.
Last summer, Posten and AOO organised a photo competition to select designs for four new stamps. Nearly 3,000 unique photos were submitted via Facebook and Instagram, and the jury chose four stunning images. The winners were Eirin Strømme Vik from Tustna, Camilla Wangen from Skreia, Aina Brusveen from Lillehammer, and Yasemin Ferah from Oslo, each showing different nature experiences from across Norway.
