Hiking with pride

Dynamic Variation:

“I believe in the outdoors as an arena for flirting”, says Dag Terje Solvang, secretary-general of The Norwegian Trekking Association (DNT). “I call it ‘sustainable’ to get to know someone you like in the mountains rather than in a bar, and hiking has proved a welcome replacement for the usual dating apps. You also have a greater chance of meeting someone when you share the same, healthy interest.”

Dynamic Variation:

Dag Terje Solvang.
Photo: Monica Langen

Dynamic Variation:

A couple hiking in the mountains.
Photo: Marius Dalseg Sætre / DNT

A group with rainbow beanies.
Photo: Marius Dalseg

A couple watching the sunset in the mountains.
Photo: Bård Basberg / Loen Skylift

DNT’s green Single beanie.
Photo: DNT

Mountain pride festivals

Not only can wearing the Pride beanie lead to new relationships. It is also a great accessory for the many Pride festivals and events offered at high altitudes, like the Vinje Pride that takes place in Jotunheimen every summer. “In Norway, we now have a pride festival in almost every little place, and that is absolutely fantastic”, Dag Terje says.

But wait – how sexy are they really, those sweaty mountain hikers?

“Perhaps the people you meet are a bit hot and sweaty, but at the same time, sports underwear reveals body shapes. It may help you focus. The many Norwegian Trekking Association cabins are probably the only places where nobody raises an eyebrow when you sit down for a communal dinner in your underwear”, Dag Terje laughs.

“In Norway, we often say that hiking in nature equals good health, and it’s also healthy to find someone to love.”

The gay couple Eystein Opdøl and Jan Håvard Knee are the hosts at Renndølsetra, Innerdalen.
Photo: Thomas Rasmus Skaug / Visitnorway.com

Dag Terje’s top 3 hiking tips

1. East of Stavanger

Hunnedalen – Tomannsbu – Støle – Kvitlen – Stavtjørn

“An unforgettable trip in the immediate area of where we have our own private cabin. Along the protected Bjerkreim watercourse, with untouched nature and historical monuments.”

2. South-west of Trondheim

Trollheimen

“Through Gjevilvassdalen, Innerdalen, Storlidalen, Jøldalen and Folldalen you walk through one beautiful postcard-perfect landscape after another. Considered by many hikers as some of Norway’s most beautiful valleys.”