Clean trails: volunteer hikes with litter clean-up

Norway is famous for its beautiful, pristine nature, and we want to keep it that way. But we need your help to make it happen. Volunteer clean-up hikes are a great way to combine your love of the outdoors with a really worthwhile cause. Hey, why not join DNT and its partners, Hold Norge Rent and Plast i havet, and help make our national parks even more beautiful?

Why join volunteer trips in Norway's national parks?

We would love you to join us for a clean-up hike! It's a great way to see some of the most beautiful corners of nature and you can also make a personal contribution to their preservation. We would love you to come along and meet people who share your passion for the outdoors. You will also have the chance to spend some extra time in DNT huts and leave a visible mark in the form of clean trails.

Which organisations carry out regular litter clean-up campaigns in Norway?

We're so excited to tell you that our campaigns are organised by Den Norske Turistforening (DNT) in collaboration with the wonderful environmental organisations Hold Norge Rent and Plast i havet. They regularly organise volunteer trips to various national parks, where participants collect and dispose of rubbish.

How can I find out the schedule and join volunteer clean-up trips?

You'll always find the latest and most up-to-date schedule of volunteer events on the websites of DNT (dnt.no), Hold Norge Rent (holdnorgerent.no) and Plast i havet (plastihavet.no). Please register in advance to receive details about the route, meeting point and conditions of participation.

What benefits are available to participants in volunteer activities?

We really appreciate all the hard work you put in during our clean-up activities, and we want to say a big thank you to each and every one of you. To show how grateful we are, we would like to offer you a discount or free overnight stay in one of our DNT huts, a free meal, and a special thank you from us. These benefits make participation even more enjoyable and rewarding.

What animals are most commonly encountered on volunteer action routes?

You might be lucky enough to spot some of our other furry and feathered friends, like deer, moose, and various birds, including eagles and golden eagles. It's really important to keep your distance and stay calm so as not to disturb the wildlife, especially when you're out and about volunteering.

How should I equip myself for cleaning up litter on the routes?

Don't forget to bring a comfy, roomy backpack, thick gloves, rubbish bags (the organisers usually provide these), as well as cosy shoes and clothes that will keep you warm and snug. It's also a good idea to have antiseptic and a small first aid kit with you.

What Allemannsretten rules are important to follow when cleaning up litter?

We know how much you love to explore and enjoy nature, so Allemannsretten is the perfect way to move freely and collect litter along the routes. But, we all know it's important to follow the rules, right? So, please don't damage any of the plants, and avoid lighting fires outside of the designated areas. And, if you do come across any litter, please take it with you or leave it in one of the bins.

What assistance do Hold Norge Rent and Plast i havet provide to participants?

These organisations are so kind, they provide participants with everything they need (gloves, bags, tools), they make sure everything runs smoothly, and they even arrange transport and disposal of the collected rubbish. They also hold information briefings on how to reduce pollution in the future, so we can all do our bit to look after our planet.

Volunteer clean-up trips are a great way to make your outdoor adventures really count and feel meaningful. Hey, why not join DNT and its environmental partners? We'd love your help to keep Norway's nature clean and beautiful.

Have you already had the chance to join one of our clean-up trips? We'd absolutely love to hear your thoughts, see your photos and find out your top tips – please share them in the comments! We would be delighted to share the most inspiring stories and photos from our catalogue to motivate other travellers to join this important initiative!